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Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan 2025 Volunteer Awards
January 20, 2026From Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan
Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan (PBLS) presented its 2025 Volunteer Awards at the sixth annual bonspiel fundraiser on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Volunteer of the Year Award – Sean Watson, Willows LLP
This award acknowledges a PBLS volunteer lawyer who displays exemplary dedication to the provision of pro bono services in their capacity as a PBLS volunteer.
Mr. Watson is the recipient of this award due to his long-term contributions to PBLS. He has volunteered in the PBLS Small Claims Clinic since 2017. He is flexible and willing to meet with clients in various areas of law, including Saskatchewan Government Insurance matters, an area with fewer volunteer lawyers. Mr. Watson has a pro bono spirit, frequently attending PBLS events and encouraging junior lawyers to volunteer. He leads by example and has made a positive impact on the lives of many clients.
Nominees for the award were Jola Fagbemi, Ben Feist, Allison Graham, and Olesya Radionova.
Dedicated Firm Award – Retired Lawyers
This award recognises a law firm in Saskatchewan that has demonstrated an exemplary dedication to providing pro bono services through PBLS.
PBLS elected to recognize all the retired lawyers volunteering with PBLS as the recipients of this award. The dedicated retired lawyer volunteers in 2025 were Norman Bercovich K.C., Ron Cherkewich, Gene Josephson, Ronald Kruzeniski K.C., Betty Ann Pottruff K.C., George Thurlow K.C., and Greg Willner. These seven volunteers collectively provided 149 free legal advice appointments in 2025. They bring a wealth of knowledge to PBLS clients and set an example of volunteerism for junior lawyers.
Volunteering by retired lawyers is made possible by the Law Society of Saskatchewan’s Active Pro Bono Member status, which facilitates free membership for retired or inactive legal professionals for the provision of pro bono legal services through an approved pro bono organization.
Nominees for the award were McKercher LLP (Regina) and Parchomchuk Sherdahl Hunter.
Victor P. Dietz K.C. Pro Bono Service Award – Tomi Olutunfese, Tomi Law Office
This award is jointly presented by the Law Society of Saskatchewan and PBLS. It recognizes someone who delivers, establishes, coordinates, and/or advocates for pro bono legal services in Saskatchewan. The award is named after Mr. Dietz K.C., who was a founding Director and the first President of PBLS.
Ms. Olutunfese was selected as the award recipient by the selection committee after being nominated by her peers. Ms. Olutunfese lives and works in Nipawin and has been a dedicated volunteer with PBLS since 2016. Ms. Olutunfese was vital to the establishment of the PBLS Northeast Free Legal Clinic, which offers in-person appointments in Nipawin and serves the Nipawin, Melfort, and Tisdale areas. The selection committee noted that Ms. Olutunfese meets all four pillars of this award: engaging in delivery, establishing, coordinating, and advocating for pro bono services.
Nominees for this award were Paul Kangles, Melissa Nicolls, Denim Martyn, Neil McPhee, and Talon Regent.
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