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ROBERT (BOB) PHILP

BOARD MEMBER

ROBERT (BOB) PHILP

BOARD MEMBER

Robert A, Philp, Q.C., has taken on many roles throughout his career- lawyer, Justice of the Peace, Provincial Court Judge, and most recently, Chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Bob Philp received both his B.A. and his LL.B. from the University of Alberta, and was called to the bar in 1976. He has spent his entire career in Edmonton, practicing labour, criminal, and administrative law in private practice, as well as with the Alberta Labour Relations Board and Human Rights Commission until his elevation to Judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta in 2005. In 2014, he left the bench and took on the role of Chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

While his professional experience is vast, it is his community involvement that sets Bob apart. He has been a long-serving director with the Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society, a board member for the Boyle Street Community Services, President of the Jellinek Society-Recovery House, and board member for the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, to name a few. In reviewing Bob’s community involvement, a common thread becomes apparent- his desire to assist those who suffer from addictions, mental illness, homelessness, and other conditions that cause them to be marginalized by society.

Bob’s professional life has blended with his community involvement in ways that enrich the lives of the disadvantaged citizens whom he volunteers his time to help. He is a strong proponent of restorative justice. He was a recipient of the Eagle Award from the Native Counselling Services of Alberta for his support and mentorship. While still with the Provincial Court of Alberta, Bob helped pilot a warrant mitigation initiative with Boyle Street Community Services, which enable Boyle Street clients to work with the Crown Prosecutors to manage less serious warrants in such a way that resulted in fewer clients being incarcerated or suffer community consequences such as the denial of housing.

In their nomination of Bob for the Distinguished Service Award, nominators Bob Aloneissi, Q.C., and Adam Garrett say, “It speaks volumes for the character of Bob when individuals from both sides of the bar, the Crown and the Defence, can wholeheartedly support his Distinguished Service nomination.” His dedication to truly helping those that he has come across in his career exemplifies the best qualities of members of the legal profession. In addition to his community volunteer activities Bob has been a long time Law Society volunteer serving on the Practice Review Committee, the Conduct Committee, the Education Committee, the Professional Responsibility Committee and representing members in conduct proceedings. Bob continues to assist with the Law Society Mentorship Program.

Bob has been an adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta. He continues to mentor many young lawyers and law students.