Law Society of Saskatchewan Announcement Celebrating Pro Bono Contributions During National Volunteer Week
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Celebrating Pro Bono Contributions During National Volunteer Week
April 15, 2024National Volunteer Week from April 14-20, 2024 is a time to celebrate and thank volunteers across Canada. This includes the volunteer contributions lawyers make by providing pro bono legal services.
2023 Victor P. Dietz K.C. Pro Bono Service Award – Mark Galambos, Lakefield LLP
The award was established by the Law Society of Saskatchewan and Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan to recognize someone who delivers, establishes, coordinates, or advocates for pro bono legal services in the province. The award is presented by CLASSIC Law and Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan in alternating years. The award recipient is selected from nominees by a committee.
Mark is a Partner at Lakefield LLP, having been called to the Bar in 2009. He is active in his community of Saskatoon, both in legal and non-legal volunteerism. Most notably, he has volunteered at CLASSIC Law’s Legal Advice Clinic for over ten years, helping self-represented and unrepresented individuals in the area of family law. Mark joined the CLASSIC Law Board of Directors in 2023. CLASSIC Law staff indicate that Mark is a joy to work with. He is prompt and respectful in his assistance to CLASSIC law staff, students, and clients.
Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan also provides additional recognition for pro bono service:
2023 Volunteer of the Year Award – Anthony Thera, McKercher LLP
This award acknowledges a Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan volunteer lawyer who displays an exemplary dedication to providing pro bono services.
Anthony has been a volunteer with Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan since 2019, when he was called to the Bar and joined McKercher LLP as an associate. Anthony currently volunteers at the Regina Free Legal Clinic and has previously volunteered at the Small Claims Free Legal Clinic. Clients indicate that Anthony is kind, knowledgeable, and helpful in providing legal advice. Anthony has excellent communication skills and always ensures that Service Agreements (with his detailed legal advice) are provided promptly for use by clients.
Nominees for the award were Kelsey Barnes, Rani Grewall, Jared McRorie and Talon Regent.
2023 Dedicated Firm Award – Lakefield LLP
This award acknowledges a law firm in Saskatchewan that has displayed an exemplary dedication to providing pro bono services through Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan.
Lakefield LLP has demonstrated dedication to increasing the accessibility of the legal system by supporting the work of partners and associates who volunteer with Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan. Lawyers from Lakefield LLP provide legal expertise at the Rural and Northern Free Legal Clinic, which is a vital service for areas of Saskatchewan that need easy access to many services. A specific thanks to Madison Christensen, Denim Martyn, Michelle MacDonald and Neil McPhee.
Nominees for the award were Benesh Bitz & Company, Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan, Tomi Law and Veeman Law.
More information about pro bono legal services is available on the Law Society’s website. This includes a list of approved pro bono organizations which provide volunteer opportunities for lawyers.