The information provided on this blog is to, the best of our knowledge, accurate and up-to-date as of the date of posting. However, please be aware that information can change rapidly and without notice. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented after the posting date. It is advised that readers exercise due diligence and independently verify the accuracy of information they find on this blog news feed. Here are links to the most current information available in relation to our Membership, Saskatchewan Case Law, and Saskatchewan Legislation.
Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan 2024 Volunteer Awards
February 12, 2025Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan (PBLS) recently presented its 2024 Volunteer Awards at the fifth annual bonspiel fundraiser on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Dedicated Firm Award – Feist Flanagan Law
This award acknowledges a law firm in Saskatchewan that has displayed an exemplary dedication to the provision of pro bono services through PBLS.
This small yet mighty firm annually shows its dedication to increasing access to the justice system for low-income people. The firm is made up of two lawyers, both of whom volunteer in PBLS’s North Battleford Free Legal Clinic providing free legal advice to low-income people. Robert Feist has done so for almost 10 years and Rebeka Flanagan has volunteered since shortly after being called to the Bar in 2021. They promote a culture of pro bono, encouraging their articling student Eden Friesen to participate in PBLS’s current articling student volunteer opportunity for 2024/2025. A special mention to Richard Gibbons (past volunteer, retired) and Ben Feist (current volunteer who is currently not at the firm).
Nominees for the award also included Gerrand Rath Johnson LLP and the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
Victor P. Dietz K.C. Pro Bono Service Award – Kyla Eiffert, Kondratoff Persick LLP
This award is jointly presented by the Law Society of Saskatchewan and PBLS. It recognizes someone who engages in delivering, establishing, coordinating, and/or advocating, for pro bono legal services in Saskatchewan. The award is named after Mr. Dietz, K.C. who was a founding Director and first President of PBLS.
Ms. Eiffert has volunteered with PBLS for over 10 years beginning in 2013. She volunteers in the Yorkton Free Legal Clinic providing free legal advice to low-income people. She also volunteers in the PBLS Panel Program whereby she provided full representation to a client on a pro bono basis in 2024. Kyla fosters a culture of pro bono by actively encouraging and mentoring junior lawyers in the Yorkton area to volunteer with PBLS. PBLS has 10 active volunteers in Yorkton, representing approximately 28% of the Yorkton Bar.
Nominees for the award also included Gillian Gough and David Flett.
Volunteer of the Year Award – Rhiannon Montgomery, Kondratoff Persick LLP
This award acknowledges a PBLS volunteer lawyer who displays an exemplary dedication to the provision of pro bono services in their capacity as a PBLS volunteer.
Ms. Montgomery has volunteered with PBLS for almost 10 years, beginning shortly after she was called to the Bar in 2015. She provides free legal advice to low-income people in the Yorkton Free Legal Clinic. Clients indicate that Ms. Montgomery is down-to-earth, easy to talk to, and informative concerning their legal matters. She volunteers to provide free legal advice in high-demand areas including criminal, family and wills and estates.
Nominees for the award also included Habibat Kasim, Logan Salm, Sonne Udemgba, and Shane Wagner.
More information about pro bono legal services is available on the Law Society’s website. This includes a list of approved pro bono organizations that provide services for the public and volunteer opportunities for legal professionals.