First and foremost in the law

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Lawyer Hugh Braker has become the first First Nations lawyer appointed to the Queen's Counsel in British Columbia.

Called to the bar in 1984, Braker has served on many committees of the Law Society, and is currently a member of the Credentials Committee. He has also sat on the Provincial Council of the B.C. Branch of the Canadian Barristers Association, and chaired the Native Law subsection.

In addition, he has volunteered extensively within the Aboriginal community, including as president of the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of B.C. for more than 10 years.

His frequent national and international presentations have resulted in more than 30 papers.

He has also worked as the director of self-government with the Assembly of First Nations, and staff lawyer for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.

A member of the Tseshaht First Nation, Braker is the principal of Braker and Company in Port Alberni.

Thirty lawyers were appointed recently to the Queen's Counsel by a panel of their peers, out of more than 75 nominations. Being appointed to the Queen's Counsel allows those appointed to have priority in court bookings, and allows them to wear specially appointed legal robes.