New award honours life and work of former UCalgary Law instructor

A new award for UCalgary Law students has been created to honour the life and legacy of Markham Silver, QC, and his lifelong commitment to providing people in need with access to justice.

The award will support graduating students who intend to pursue a career in the area of criminal justice within a small firm, not for profit, legal clinic or as a solo practitioner.  

In addition to practicing law, Markham was a long-time instructor in the Faculty of Law and won the inaugural teaching award for sessional instructors in 2021, as well as the 2019 W.K. Moore Award for outstanding contribution to the law school community. 

Markham’s passion for the law was rooted in his sensitivity and understanding of people; his commitment to justice; and deep fascination with the nuances of legal argument. His impact on the community was deeply meaningful and personal. He was a mentor and advisor to everyone. His passion for life was infectious and brought joy to those around him.

Markham will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him, but his legacy of mentoring, volunteerism, and lawyering excellence will live on in every case he did, every person he helped, and every student he taught.

In Markham’s memory, please consider making a contribution to the H. Markham Silver, Q.C. Criminal Justice Fund.

Memorial event June 2

A memorial event is taking place on Thursday, June 2 at 5 p.m. at the Calgary Petroleum Club. If you are not a member of the CBA, and you would like to register, please email sections@cba-alberta.org.

Memorial Lecture in Criminal Justice

Markham's family has also established a new lecture series - The H. Markham Silver, Q.C. Memorial Lecture in Criminal Justice - a yearly event where the designated speaker will present a lecture on criminal justice. The speaker will also conduct an informal seminar with students involved in criminal justice either through student legal aid or the criminal justice seminar. This will ensure that the mentoring of students, which Markham was dedicated to, will continue. The first lecturer will be Markham’s articling principal, mentor, and friend, John Rosen. 

Save the date for Thursday, October 13 from noon to 2 p.m. for the inaugural lecture. More information and registration details will follow soon.