Robert Grimsrud Appointed King’s Counsel

Robert Grimsrud is Legal Aid Saskatchewan’s VP, Legal Services and General Counsel. As a 25-year employee of LAS, Robert has served in many capacities, including Legal Director and Staff Lawyer. On December 18, 2025, Robert was recognized for his contributions to the legal profession and public service with the King's Counsel (K.C.) designation.

Legal Aid Saskatchewan (LAS): What was your initial reaction upon hearing the news of your King’s Counsel designation?

Robert Grimsrud (RG): My initial reaction was one of surprise. Of course, at the same time, I also felt honoured and humbled to have received the appointment.  

LAS: As a well-accomplished legal professional and organizational leader, what does this recognition mean to you?

RG: I value the recognition and see it as a very meaningful milestone in a long career. It is also validating anytime LAS, or any of its people, are recognized in the legal community or otherwise.  

LAS: You have been a member of the LAS team for many years. What drew you to the organization to begin with? What keeps you motivated?

RG: After having been in private practice for almost 10 years, I was considering a change. I was living in Estevan, and intended to continue to live there, so options in the legal field were limited. I was specifically drawn to Legal Aid as I learned more about its work through conversations with Legal Aid lawyers I had developed relationships with. I applied for a job when the staff lawyer position came open in my hometown. I continue to be motivated to work for LAS as I maintain a belief that I might be able to make a difference.        

LAS: Who inspires you to do the work that you do?

RG: It’s the people close to me, both my family at home and those I work with here. My colleagues at work are very supportive and I believe we share the same motivations for doing what we do, which is inspiring to me.

LAS: Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for some of the junior lawyers beginning their careers?

RG: I don’t know how much wisdom I can instill, but if I had one bit of advice, it would be to look for support, legal or otherwise, when needed, especially when facing a real work challenge. This can be a very challenging career, and there is a lot of experience and knowledge in our own organization to draw from that can help one get through a tough situation.   

LAS: What are some other career highlights you are most proud of?

RG: As a staff lawyer and Legal Director, I experienced many different outcomes for clients, from winning cases to losing cases, to working hard to resolve a case to the benefit of the client. Often the highlights I recall and am proud of centre around the clients and their continued trust in my advice, even when hard choices had to be made. In my current role as Vice President of Legal Services and General Counsel, I am proud to be part of a team that has started to move the organization in the direction needed for the future. Of course, I am still looking for more career highlights!   

LAS: What was the best piece of advice given to you, and why does it resonate?

RG: Be prepared for the ebbs and flows that go along with this career and the very challenging work we do here. There will be highs along with the lows, which at times can feel insurmountable. It’s important to remember they likely aren’t. This advice has resonated with me throughout my whole career, as challenging and difficult days still do occur.      

LAS: What do you enjoy outside of work?

RG: Grandkids! I do have other interests, primarily Co-op and farm-related, but short answer, grandkids!