She was a partner at Patersons LLP in Brandon
Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced the appointment of Kelli L. Potter as a judge of His Majesty’s Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba (Family Division) in Winnipeg.
Justice Potter grew up on a family farm in Dauphin, Manitoba, where she was the fourth generation to live and work. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution Studies at the University of Winnipeg before pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Manitoba. She was called to the Manitoba bar in 2005.
Potter began her legal career in Winnipeg before moving to Southwest Manitoba, where she joined Patersons LLP in Brandon. She became a partner at the firm in 2019. Throughout her legal career, she specialized primarily in family law, representing clients at all levels of court in Manitoba.
Potter has actively contributed to continuing legal education in Manitoba, frequently presenting on family law topics for the Manitoba Bar Association and the Law Society of Manitoba. She has also lectured at the University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba Faculty of Law, and Assiniboine Community College on various legal topics, including access to justice, alternative dispute resolution, and legal ethics.
In addition to her legal practice, Potter has held several leadership positions within the legal community. She was a life council member of the Manitoba Bar Association, served as a bencher for the Law Society of Manitoba, and was president of the Western Manitoba Bar Association. She has also been an active volunteer with several sports and arts organizations, demonstrating her commitment to both her profession and her community.
Justice Potter replaces Justice MA Thomson, who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective September 2.
Minister Virani expressed confidence in Potter’s ability to fulfil her new role. “I wish Justice Potter every success as she takes on her new role. I am confident she will serve Manitobans well as a member of His Majesty’s Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba,” said Virani in a statement.
