Careers for the Public Benefit

The University of Saskatchewan's College of Law and the Indigenous Law Centre recently hosted a panel discussion called Careers for the Public Benefit: Public Service and Advocacy Roles, inviting Legal Aid Saskatchewan to participate. Joanne Khan, Practice Management Counsel, joined a diverse panel of lawyers working in public interest roles, while Articling Student Amy Bjarnason attended to answer questions from students about LAS’s articling program.

Panelists were asked, “Why did you decide to become a lawyer?” As one of nearly 50 students in attendance, Amy found the discussion both insightful and engaging. “No speaker has a linear or traditional journey to where they are today, with many working in different environments in the public and private sphere before ultimately ending up where they feel they are meant to be,” she says.

During the discussion, Joanne shared her career path with LAS, describing her work with criminal and family law clients as both challenging and rewarding. In addition to highlighting the essential front-line services provided by LAS, Joanne emphasized several new and ongoing initiatives that are meaningful both to her professional work and to the organization’s mission. “We discussed the upcoming immigration and refugee legal services we will provide, as well as Legal Aid Saskatchewan’s commitment to reconciliation and the Calls to Action.”

Amy appreciated the candid reflections offered by the panelists. “There was helpful and enriching discussion about self-care in the public service, and how to manage the heaviness that our work often brings. Additionally, everyone spoke about the importance of leaning on your team, comradery and mentorship when navigating this work.”

Nearly one-third of the Law Society of Saskatchewan’s active membership are public interest lawyers.