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CCCA_V7No1_Profiles-FIN_CCCA 2/12/13 4:31 PM Page 21 Standing on Profile guard for the rule of law For the senior legal officer of the Canadian Armed Forces, service to his country is Job 1 were beginning to thrive again. hasn’t regretted it for a minute. superintendent of military justice in the In that sense, negotiating compensation Cathcart, who turns 52 this year, has as Canadian Forces. On top of that, he has for a goat didn’t strike Cathcart as the much salt as pepper in his short hair. He command and administrative oversight of waste of a good law degree:it was an indi- speaks easily — “I am a lawyer” — but also an organization that includes some 300 cation that he was fulfilling his purpose, carefully. He wants to ensure that his mes- lawyers, as well as military and support working for the re-establishment of the sage comes across clearly, and also that it is staff stationed in Canada and abroad, and rule of law, a topic dear to his heart. understood that he doesn’t now and hasn’t those deployed to places like Afghanistan in the past taken any part of his job — even and Libya. The right fit negotiating the price of a goat — lightly. Appointed to a four-year term on April Cathcart was born in Exeter, Ont., a The most important lesson he drew 13, 2010, Cathcart has tried during his proud “army brat.” He says his father from members of the Halifax Bar was that tenure to raise the profile of the Judge didn’t push him to go in to the forces “in order to be the best lawyer you can Advocate General’s office with the public. — in fact, the paternal advice was to be, your practice must combine values While the office celebrated its 100th not join the infantry. that are important to you. For me this anniversary last year, many people, if But after earning his law degree at was and remains service to my country,” they’ve heard of the JAG at all, know it Dalhousie University in Halifax, and arti- says Cathcart. “Being an officer in the through the U.S. television program by cling at a Dartmouth firm, Cathcart knew Canadian Armed Forces and the Office of that name. “Yes, that’s my life,” Cathcart he wouldn’t be happy with a career on the JAG is a great privilege that comes smiles.“I’ve got my F-14 fighter jet parked civvy street. with significant duties and responsibilities. outside to go pick up witnesses.” “I realized private practice was a busi- In essence, we do everything we can to Like U.S. judge advocates general, but ness that was not the right fit for me,” says help the Canadian Armed Forces achieve unlike those in the U.K. and other coun- Cathcart, relaxed and personable on a the objectives set out by the Government tries, Cathcart is neither judge nor advo- sunny afternoon in his corner office at of Canada, recognizing that adherence to cate — though he was given the rank of NDHQ in downtown Ottawa. He was the rule of law is a no-fail part of any mis- Brigadier-General when he was appoint- “deeply impressed with the skills, dedica- sion or activity.” ed to the position by the Governor in tion and professionalism of the lawyers” at Cathcart’s remit is three-fold. As senior Council. In October of 2012 the position the firm where he articled — but he legal officer in the Canadian Forces, the was upgraded to the rank of Major- wanted to concern himself more with the JAG, much like in-house counsel, acts as General and he was subsequently promot- law than with racking up billable hours. an adviser on all matters of law relating to ed to that rank to better reflect the roles He joined the JAG’s office in 1990 and operations at home and abroad. He is also and responsibilities of the JAG. PRINTEMPS 2013 CCCA Canadian Corporate Counsel Association 21