She served as director of the Legal Division at the Government of Northwest Territories
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Arif Virani, announced the appointment of Karin L.E. Taylor as a judge of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife.
Justice Karin L.E. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg, obtained in 2002, and a law degree from the University of New Brunswick, completed in 2005. She was called to the bar in Nova Scotia in 2006. Her legal career began in the private sector, but her pursuit of opportunities in northern Canada led her to Justice Canada’s Northern Regional Office.
In her subsequent roles, Justice Taylor served as a family lawyer at the Northwest Territories Legal Aid Commission and as litigation counsel for the Government of Northwest Territories. In 2020, she was appointed director of the Legal Division for the Government of Northwest Territories, where she focused on civil litigation and public sector law. Her experience includes leading counsel roles in high-profile cases, such as during the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the COVID-19 response.
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Justice Taylor has been active in the Canadian Bar Association, having served on its National Board of Directors and as President of the Northwest Territories Branch. She also held a position on the executive of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories from 2018 to 2021 and was chair of the Territorial Access to Justice Committee. Her volunteer work includes roles with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) NWT and the Yellowknife Community Foundation. Recognized for her contributions to the community, she received the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Outside of her professional life, Justice Taylor enjoys time with her husband, Joel, and their children, often spending time at their cabin, engaging in community activities, and walking their dog. Her extensive legal background and commitment to justice are expected to be valuable assets to the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.
Justice Taylor steps into her new role following the elevation of Justice K. Shaner to the Court of Appeal of Alberta on June 20. Expressing confidence in Justice Taylor's capabilities, Minister Virani stated, “I wish Justice Taylor every success as she takes on her new role. I am confident she will serve the public well as a member of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.”
