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Pro Bono Stories – Part 5
October 29, 2021Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan (PBLS) is celebrating Access to Justice Week by sharing stories from our volunteers. PBLS volunteers directly support low-income people in Saskatchewan who would otherwise not be able to access a lawyer.
Neil McPhee, Lakefield LLP
My panel client is a young woman from a traditional background, whose relationship with a charming, international student led her into motherhood, and ultimately, into marriage. After following her husband back to his home country, she and the child eventually returned to Canada. Once back home, she attempted to secure child support and divorce all on her own. Thwarted by red-tape and paperwork, she reached out to Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan for help.
My client does not have a strong support network. Her own family is critical of the efforts she’s taking, seeing these efforts as attempts to undermine the sanctity of her wedding vows. PBLS, and the many lawyers that have helped her along the way before her panel referral, has provided her with not just legal advice, but also with much needed emotional reassurance. We continue working together in developing a go-forward plan, and do so at a pace that she feels comfortable with. The financial support that donors provide PBLS is not only helping her navigate the legal system, but is also helping this young, single mother rediscover lost feelings of autonomy, dignity, and confidence.
Neil McPhee volunteers with the Northern Rural Clinic as well as on Criminal Appeals Panel and General Panel.
Interested in volunteering or learning more? For PBLS, please visit pblsask.ca or email [email protected].