We are pleased to announce that Darlene Scott, Q.C., partner in Dentons' Edmonton office, is this year’s winner of the Women in Law Leadership (WILL) Stronger Together Award for Alberta. This award is presented to women lawyers in each province and territory “in recognition of their outstanding dedication, creativity, initiative, achievement, and contribution to their community.”
Darlene is a strong contributor to our community, both professionally and personally. Chair of Dentons’ Edmonton Banking and Finance group for over a decade, Darlene has led on financing and secured transactions for more than 35 years. During her time leading the group, Darlene was responsible for piloting a number of alternative work arrangements for women practitioners at a time when few firms were offering this.
“Rooted in her unwavering belief that inclusion and diversity makes us stronger, Darlene has taken on numerous female mentees within Dentons, and has helped them develop their legal skills, client base and advancement to partnership. Through her commitment to the community, profession and the legal practice, Darlene is an exceptional role model for not only female lawyers, but all members of the legal profession,” said Fausto Franceschi, managing partner of Dentons' Edmonton office.
Recently named President Elect of the Law Society of Alberta (LSA), Darlene has served as a Bencher of the LSA since 2014, and served on its Executive Committee since 2015. She has also chaired many significant Law Society committees, including Audit and Finance, Policy, Credentials and Education, and Conduct. Darlene is very proud of the fact that equity, diversity and inclusion issues now form part of the strategic plan adopted by the LSA.
Darlene’s commitment to pro bono initiatives and supporting access to legal representation for the wider community is also well known. She has provided pro bono legal services to organizations such as WIN House (supporting women and children who flee domestic abuse), and has served as a director of Little Warriors, a non-profit organization dedicated to the treatment and prevention of child sexual abuse. Darlene also volunteers with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre.
Moreover, Darlene was the first Chair of the Southeast Community Health Council, and acted as Director and Secretary for the Suzuki Charter School Society, a music-based charter school. She served as President of her local residential community league focused on maintaining and improving the neighbourhood. She was also a member of, and chaired, various parent councils. In addition, she served on the local organizing committee responsible for hosting the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Half Marathon Championship in Edmonton in 2005.
Most recently, Darlene has taken on a board position as Director of the Heart and Stroke Foundation (Alberta). She is proud to be on the leadership team of this organization that has been dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for over 60 years. Darlene received her Queen’s Counsel designation in 2016. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of KV Mortgage Fund Inc.
On behalf of Dentons, congratulations Darlene for an exemplary career and this impressive recognition!
About Dentons
Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com