Robert Dewar (Photo supplied by Department of Justice Canada)

Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson appointed two Winnipeg lawyers to sit as judges on Manitoba's Court of Queen's Bench.

Robert Dewar, a partner of Winnipeg law firm Hill Dewar Vincent, and William Burnett, a partner with Winnipeg firm Thompson Dorfman Sweatman, were appointed to the bench on Wednesday.

Dewar, a University of Manitoba graduate who was called to the bar in 1974, will replace Justice Holly Beard, who is moving to a seat on Manitoba's Court of Appeal.

In his career, Dewar has argued before the Court of Queen's Bench, the Federal Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada, Nicholson said in a statement.

William Burnett (Photo supplied by Department of Justice Canada)

Burnett replaces Justice Glenn Joyal, who was appointed the associate chief justice of the court earlier this year.

Burnett is also a University of Manitoba graduate who was called to the bar in 1978.

His main areas of practice are civil law with an emphasis on commercial disputes, construction law, inquests and other areas.

The appointments are effective immediately, Nicholson said.