New justice added to the Alberta Court of Justice will increase court capacity and help keep communities safe.

Alberta's government continues to deliver on its commitment to build a strong, responsive and well-supported justice system. To increase court capacity, Thomas J. O'Leary will be appointed to the Edmonton Criminal Division of the Alberta Court of Justice effective Dec. 1, 2025.

Mr. O'Leary has significant criminal justice experience, having worked as a Crown prosecutor with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service in Edmonton since 2016. He later moved to the Specialized Prosecutions Branch, prosecuting primarily in the areas of economic and firearms crime.

"Ensuring timely and effective access to justice in Alberta remains a top priority for our government. Thomas J. O'Leary brings a wealth of experience to his new role as a justice for the Alberta Court of Justice in Edmonton. I am pleased to welcome him to this important position." Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

"The Alberta Court of Justice is pleased to welcome and congratulate Mr. O'Leary on his appointment. His experience and dedication to public service will support our commitment to a justice system that is fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of all Albertans. We look forward to the contributions he will make in ensuring timely and meaningful access to justice across the province." James Hunter, Chief Justice, Alberta Court of Justice

Since June 2023, the Alberta government has made 35 judicial appointments to improve Albertans' access to court. This latest appointment brings that total to 36 appointments in less than two and a half years.

Thomas J. O'Leary received his Juris Doctor from Dalhousie University in 2011. He began his career in 2012, as an articling student with the Department of Justice (Canada) in Toronto, where he continued to work as Crown counsel. In 2013, he joined the law firm MacPherson, Leslie & Tyerman LLP as an Associate. He became a Crown prosecutor with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service in Edmonton in 2016 and later joined the Specialized Prosecutions Branch. From 2018 to 2025, he served on the board of directors of the Crime Stoppers Association of Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Quick facts

* Lawyers with at least 10 years at the bar can apply to become a justice of the Alberta Court of Justice.

* Applications are reviewed by the Alberta Judicial Council and Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee, then recommended to the minister of justice and cabinet for appointment.

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Ensuring access to justice for Albertans (May 7, 2025)

Judicial appointments increase Albertans' access to justice (April 9, 2025)