Morinville lawyer Jesse Inkpen signs documents for Judge Vaughn Myers, papers that admit her to the Law Society of Alberta. Inkpen was called to the Bar at the Morinville Court House Friday afternoon, the first time a lawyer has done so in the community’s history. – Stephen Dafoe Photo
By Stephen Dafoe
Morinville – A small ceremony at the Morinville Court House Friday afternoon marked the start of a career for a local lawyer, but the gathering also marked an historical first in the community. Jessy Inkpen, who has spent the past year articling with Putnam and Lawson, was the first lawyer to be called to the Bar in Morinville. Judge Vaughn Myers conducted the ceremony.
Inkpen took her oath, signed the necessary papers and received her robe in the courtroom after Myers accepted the application to the Alberta Law Society submitted by Morinville lawyer Gord Putnam on Inkpen’s behalf.
Putnam spoke highly of his applicant and said he was privileged and honoured to put Inkpen forth for consideration. “This is Jessy’s hometown, which makes it even more special for her. It is where she grew up and went to school,” Putnam said, adding Inkpen worked with his firm as a summer student between her second and third year of law school and subsequently did her articling with the firm over the past year. “She’s got a lot of character and she’s prepared to persevere in the face of adversity. As we know, it is not how we act when everything is going our way; it’s what we do when things aren’t that really shows our true character. Jessy is all about that.”
The lawyer went on to say there are many special days in a lawyer’s life, one of those being the day they are admitted to the Bar. “Today represents the culmination of many years of hard work for Jessy,” Putnam said. “We’re very proud of her.”
After being admitted to the Bar Inkpen expressed her appreciation and said the outpouring of support she has received from her community, her family and her coworkers has been amazing and overwhelming. She also expressed her gratitude for being able to complete her journey Morinville.
“This is incredibly special. I didn’t realize that I would be making history today. That’s really another level for me,” Inkpen said. “Being able to do this in Morinville, the place I call home, the place that cultivated me into becoming the person I am today – it is truly the cherry on top of this amazing journey. It has just made my dream that much better.”
Inkpen will continue with Putnam and Lawson specializing in a variety of general law matters.
Gord Putnam sits with Jessy Inkpen before the new lawyer was called to the Bar Friday afternoon. – Stephen Dafoe Photo
Many sincere congratulations, Jesse.
This is a wonderful story, particularly concerning your ties to this municipality and I’m sure that everyone wishes nothing but the best for you in your future endeavors.
In the words of some immortal bard: “You Go Girl!”
Congratulations, Jessy! Morinville is exceptionally lucky to have such an intelligent, skilled and personable lawyer for citizens to consult. Putnam & Lawson is an outstanding firm and you definitely have a bright and unlimited future before you. All the best and many years of happiness and success to you!