Rural Externship Student Values Real-World Experience of Program

The Rural and Regional Legal Experiential Externship Program offered by the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law and in partnership with Public Prosecutions, the Ministry of Justice and Legal Aid Saskatchewan, is now in its second term. Two students have been placed with LAS to experience extensive criminal and family legal practice in rural locations.

Tim Barnes, who joined the Battlefords Area Office, was eager to get started. “Upon finding out I had been accepted into the program, there was a sense of relief that I was going to acquire tremendous real-world experience before I go off to article,” he says.

Jonathan Bodvarson, Legal Director for the Battlefords Area Office, says Barnes’ presence has been refreshing. “He came here with a strong academic approach. This revitalizes the office with fresh ideas and gets us back to founding principles. This will only help us represent clients as we can now present different and possible novel defenses.”

Barnes grew up in a small northern Ontario community and was attracted to the opportunity of working in a smaller centre. “A chance to advance my legal career while reliving some of those fond memories was an opportunity too good to pass up!” he says. “Add the opportunity to learn about legal practice outside of the classroom while still acquiring course credits and you have an irresistible proposal.”

During the students’ placement, they work closely with a principal/mentor and perform a variety of hands-on tasks. Barnes appreciates the ‘real world experience’ gained from this opportunity. “I came into the program with little experience in a law office. First and foremost was getting acquainted with office life and working with colleagues. Jonathan has been a tremendous mentor to learn from, but the entire staff here in Battleford has been welcoming as well.”

Barnes’ objective during his placement is to cultivate a good understanding of legal practice that will support his goal of becoming a criminal defense lawyer. “By the time the term is over, I aim to have the confidence to address the court, handle client files, conduct client interviews, and argue substantive law,” he says. “From day one, I was pulled into courtrooms and asked to look at files. By week two, I was submitting briefs on legal arguments and doing case law research on issues relevant to client files. My first trial was story worthy and likely will continue to be throughout my legal career. Witnessing successful advocacy for clients has been the highlight of the short time I already have here.”

Bodvarson aims to help Barnes build his legal toolbox. “I hope Tim learns the non-academic, like what questions not to ask, what is a reasonable sentence, how to get instructions from a client, what to do to get a case back on track when it goes sideways, and so on.”

The rural externship program started in September 2024 and has already proved advantageous for Legal Aid Saskatchewan. Joanne Khan, LAS Practice Management Counsel, explains, “The visibility that this program allows is beneficial for our recruitment. The first two externship students from the fall semester will continue to work with LAS. Amy Lalonde will be a summer student this year in our Prince Albert Area Office, and Taran Salh will article with the Moose Jaw Area Office.”

Bodvarson supports the rural externship program, noting, “It brings in fresh perspectives and can be of great help and use to the staff lawyers getting legal tasks done. It gives the student a real idea of what happens in Legal Aid and the good work that can be done.”