Established by the Law Society in December 2020, the Early Career Achievement Award recognizes lawyers who, at an early stage in their careers, demonstrate excellence in their practice, dedication to the profession, and a commitment to professional and ethical standards.

This year, we are honored to present the Early Career Achievement Award to Gregory James French. Since his call to the bar in 2012, Greg has practiced with Mills, Pittman, Twyne in Clarenville, where he has become a respected member of the legal profession and an important part of his community. He maintains a broad practice, but is especially recognized as a leader in land law, real estate, and estate matters, with a depth of knowledge that his colleagues often describe as encyclopedic.

Before joining his firm, Greg served as articling clerk to the Chief Justice of New Brunswick. Since then, he has appeared at all levels of court in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the Court of Appeal, as well as before the Federal Court of Canada and numerous tribunals. He is a skilled litigator, particularly in complex land disputes involving prescriptive easements, adverse possession, and Crown land issues, where his work has helped clarify difficult areas of law.

Greg has also played a significant role in legal education and reform. He has served as a course instructor for the Law Society’s Bar Admission Course, contributed as an editor to a property law textbook, and presented extensively to professional groups across the province. He has also been active in the Canadian Bar Association, serving in leadership roles, including as President from 2020 to 2021, during which time he contributed to advocacy on land law and legislative reform.

In addition, Greg is a widely respected legal author. His publications on adverse possession, prescriptive easements, resettlement, and related land law issues are frequently cited by practitioners and reflect both technical expertise and a strong understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador’s legal history.

Colleagues know Greg as a highly capable advocate who is consistently collegial, generous with his knowledge, and committed to professional standards. His contributions to the profession since 2012 are already substantial and continue to grow in impact.

Congratulations to Greg on this well-deserved recognition.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all the candidates for their dedication to the legal profession. Your contributions are deeply appreciated.

Posted: 5 June 2026