Grant has been practicing law in Saskatoon since 1979 – his preferred area of practice is Civil Litigation. Grant has appeared in all court levels in Saskatchewan, the Alberta Court of Appeal, the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, the Federal Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has also appeared before numerous municipal, provincial and federal boards and commissions. He has been selected by his peers to be included in Best Lawyers in Canada® from 2016 to present.

Grant and his wife Marsha have three children, along with six grandchildren.

Areas of Practice

• Civil Litigation
• Bankruptcy and Insolvency
• Professional Liability
• Class Actions
• Employment Law

Education and Experience

2004 – Appointed Queen’s Counsel, Saskatchewan
1979 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
1978 -1979 – Articled with Dokken & Company Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
1978 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
1975 – Corpus Christi College – Oxford, England
1975 – Bachelor of Arts – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Sessional Lecturer in Trial Advocacy, University of Saskatchewan, College of Law
• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Saskatoon Bar Association
• Former Member, Meewasin Valley Appeal Board
• Former President, Congregation Agudas Israel,
• Past President, Saskatoon Rotary Club,
• Past President, B’nai Brith Lodge #739
• Past Vice-President, B’nai Brith Canada
• Past Director, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan

Dennis is a partner with Scharfstein LLP. He was born and raised in Saskatoon and has practised law since 1992. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan before embarking on his legal studies.

Dennis practices in the areas of Family Law and Administrative Law (Professional Discipline). He is a former Agent for the Federal Department of Justice engaged to assist with court appointed counsel matters. He has appeared successfully in the Provincial Court for Saskatchewan, the Court of King’s Bench, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, and the Federal Court of Canada.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Administrative Law – Professional Discipline
• Former Agent for Department of Justice (Canada)

Education and Experience

2017 – Appointed Queen’s Counsel, Saskatchewan
1992 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
1991 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
1988 – Bachelor of Commerce – University of Saskatchewan
1984 – Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Saskatoon Bar Association
• Past Presenter, Saskatchewan Legal Education Society Inc.
• Saskatchewan Touch Football Enthusiast

Brent has practised law in Saskatoon since 1990 and is a partner with Scharfstein LLP. Brent is recognized as a leading practitioner in family law in Saskatchewan by LEXPERT®. He has been selected by his peers to be included in Best Lawyers in Canada®. In 2015, Brent was selected by Best Lawyers in Canada® as Lawyer of the Year in family law for Saskatoon.

Brent has been very involved in the legal community, which has included being Past Director of the Collaborative Lawyers of Saskatchewan Inc., Past Vice-Chair and Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Family Law Section (North), and Past Bar Course lecturer. Brent has taught specific topics in the area of family law at the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan as a substitute lecturer.

Brent has written extensively in the area of family law and has been a presenter, panelist, and facilitator at many family law conferences organized by the Law Society of Saskatchewan, the Canadian Bar Association, the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association, and the Public legal Education Association.

Brent is married to Sheila and has four children.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law

Education and Experience

2014 – Appointed Queen’s Counsel, Saskatchewan
1990 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
1989 – Bachelor of Laws – University of Saskatchewan
1986 – Bachelor of Arts – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Current Chair if Sask. Legal Aid Appeals Committee
• Member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member of the Canadian Bar Association
• Member of the Saskatoon Bar Association
• Past Vice-Chair of the Canadian Bar Association, Family Law Saskatchewan, North Section
• Past Chair, Canadian Bar Association, Family Law, Saskatchewan, North Section
• Past Lecturer Family Law Section, Saskatchewan Bar Admission Course
• Past Lecturer, Family Law, Public Legal Education Association
• Past Director of the Collaborative Lawyers of Saskatchewan Inc.
• Past Director of Nutana Curling Club

Papers

• Bankruptcy and Family Law – Family Law North Presentation
• Determination of Income for Self-Employed Persons – Saskatchewan Legal Education Society Family Law Conference
• Enforcement of Access – Saskatchewan Legal Education Society Seminar
• Child Support and Multiple Parents – Canadian Bar Association Mid-Winter Meeting
• Tax Credits/Benefits and Child Support – Presentation – Family Law North and Saskatchewan Legal Education Society Seminar
• Child and Spousal Support – Saskatchewan Bar Course material
• Negotiating, Advising and Drafting Considerations – Separation Agreements
• Spousal Support Guidelines – Law Society and STLA Conferences
• Stock Options – Family Law North Presentation
• Division of Family Home – Canadian Bar Notes

Tammi is a partner with Scharfstein LLP. After being called to the Bar in 1997, Tammi practised law in Estevan and then in Saskatoon.

Tammi has appeared before all levels of Court in Saskatchewan, including Provincial Court for Saskatchewan, the Court of King’s Bench, and the Court of Appeal. She has been selected by her peers to be included in Best Lawyers in Canada® from 2017 to present. Tammi’s preferred area of practice is family law.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Real Estate
• Wills

Education and Experience

1997 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
1996 – Bachelor of Laws – University of Saskatchewan
1996 – Bachelor of Arts – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Lawyer, Checklist Revision for the Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Former Chair of CBA Family Law North Saskatchewan
• Former Vice-Chair of CBA Family Law North Saskatchewan
• Committee Member, National CBA, National Family Law Newsletter, Family Property Group, Access to Justice Group
• Guest Lecturer, Trial Advocacy at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Law
• CPLED Facilitator in Family Law, Wills and Estates, Client Management
• Women’s Leadership Conference Presenter
• Presenter for presentations to lawyers in the area of family law.
• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Saskatoon Bar Association
• Former Law Society and Canadian Bar Association Representative to the Saskatchewan Legal Education Society Inc. Board of Directors
• Former Secretary of CBA Women’s Forum
• Former Board Member, Saskatoon Community Service Village
• Former Co-Chair, Saskatoon Sexual Assault Centre
• Sessional Lecturer in Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, 2006
• Agent, Department of Justice Prosecutions (Canada), 1996-1997

Lily brings over 20 years of business law expertise and experience to Scharfstein LLP. She represents both large and small businesses in business acquisitions and divestitures, corporate reorganization, financing transactions, business advising and succession planning.

Lily works with clients to provide individualized advice, recommendations and solutions for their estate planning and tax planning needs. Her practice includes working with financial and tax experts to ensure a client’s legal and financial interests are protected. Lily also represents clients in both residential and commercial real estate transactions.

Areas of Practice

• Corporate/Commercial Law
• Business Acquisitions and Divestitures
• Corporate Reorganization
• Commercial Financing and Residential Real Estate
• Land Development
• Estate Planning and Tax Planning

Education and Experience

2001 – Admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan
2000 – Bachelor of Laws – University of Saskatchewan
1997 – Bachelor of Arts – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association

Brendan attended the University of Saskatchewan and obtained a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biology in 1998. After graduating, Brendan joined the Canadian Armed Forces before making the decision to return to University to study law. Brendan attended the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan where he graduated with his Juris Doctor in 2005.

During and subsequent to law school, Brendan served as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces Naval Reserve at HMCS Unicorn in Saskatoon. Brendan was also formerly a part time Legal Officer with the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Canadian Armed Forces. Brendan joined Scharfstein LLP as an associate in 2007 after articling and practicing in Prince Albert and became a partner in 2013.

Outside of the office, Brendan enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two sons.

Areas of Practice

• Corporate/Commercial Law
• Real Estate (Residential and Commercial)
• Financing
• Wills, Estates and Trusts
• Corporate Governance

Education and Experience

2006 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
2005 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
1998 – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biology – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Saskatoon Bar Association
• Coach, Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association
• Former Coach, Baseball Saskatoon

Anna is a partner at Scharfstein LLP. Her practice areas include Family Law and Civil Litigation.

Anna has extensive litigation experience, particularly in Chambers advocacy. Her family law practice includes divorce, child and spousal support, division of property, parenting, and adoptions. She also has experience with the Hague Convention (Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction), declarations of paternity and amendments to birth certificates, as well as interspousal agreements, including Pre-Nuptial Agreements, Cohabitation Agreements and Separation Agreements.

In addition, Anna is a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. Since 2021, she has taught Family Law at the College of Law. Prior to that, Anna coached the University of Saskatchewan’s team for the Laskin Moot for six years.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Civil Litigation

Education and Experience

2009 – Bachelor of Laws (with Distinction) – University of Saskatchewan
2006 – Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language – University of Saskatchewan
2005 – Bachelor of Arts Honours (with High Honours) – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Saskatoon Bar Association
• Former Board Member, Prairie Harm Reduction
• Sessional Lecturer, University of Saskatchewan, College of Law

Samuel is a partner with Scharfstein LLP. He maintains a general practice with focus on Civil Litigation. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 2004. He later attended the University of Waterloo, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics with a specialization in finance in 2011. He then returned to the University of Saskatchewan where he received his Juris Doctor in 2014. Samuel articled with Scharfstein LLP and joined as an associate in 2015.

Areas of Practice

• Administrative
• Bankruptcy and Insolvency
• Civil Litigation
• Professional Discipline
• Employment Law

Education and Experience

2015 – Admitted to the Bar
2014-2015 – Articled with Scharfstein LLP
2014 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
2011 – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – University of Waterloo
2004 – Bachelor of Science – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• CBA Saskatchewan Civil Litigation North Section Chair, 2016 to 2020
• Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association District Governor, 2020 to Present

Leslie has practised law in Saskatoon since 1984 and is an associate with Scharfstein LLP. She was born and raised in Saskatoon. She has a general practice with an emphasis on all areas of Family Law.

She has appeared successfully before all levels of Court in Saskatchewan, including Provincial Court, Court of King’s Bench and the Court of Appeal. She has also been involved in responding to an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. She has acted both for the Minister of Social Services and individual parties regarding child protection matters. She has been involved in settling disputes regarding Indian Residential Schools, through litigation and the dispute resolution processes.

Leslie has lectured at many Public Legal Education presentations regarding divorce, custody, access, child support, wills and estates. She has lectured at the Saskatoon Business College and has guest lectured the Business Law portion of an Agricultural Economics class. She has served on the Board of Directors of non-profit corporations in Saskatchewan.

Leslie lives in Saskatoon with her husband Barry.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Real Estate
• Civil Litigation
• Wills and Estates
• Aboriginal Law
• Personal Injury

Education and Experience

1984 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
1983 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Saskatoon Bar Association
• Executive Member, Canadian Bar Association Family Law North Section
• Guest Lecturer in Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, 2006

Valerie brings over 30 years of experience in family law and civil litigation to the firm. She has successfully appeared before all levels of court in Saskatchewan.

Valerie has training in alternative dispute resolution methods.

Valerie has authored chapters in publications dealing with division of family property and is a presenter at numerous conferences organized by the Canadian Bar Association and the Public Legal Education Association. She has also been a guest lecturer at the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Real Estate
• Wills and Estates

Education and Experience

2016 – Appointed Queen’s Counsel, Saskatchewan
1988 – Admitted to Saskatchewan Bar
1987 – Bachelor of Laws – University of Saskatchewan
1981 – Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member of the Canadian Bar Association
• Member of the Saskatoon Bar Association
• Member of the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Past Communications’ Chair, Canadian Bar Association, SK Branch
• Past Editor Bar Notes, Canadian Bar Association, Saskatchewan Branch
• Past Board Member Royal University Hospital Foundation

Mike joined our team as an associate lawyer in 2020, having practiced previously at another Saskatoon law firm. Mike practices primarily in the areas of litigation, wills and estates and real estate, with a focus on general civil litigation, commercial disputes, and construction litigation. Mike also provides advice to clients on estates and estate planning, as well as residential real estate matters.

Mike is also actively involved in the Saskatoon Jewish community and the greater Saskatoon community, having volunteered in many different capacities throughout his life.

Areas of Practice

• Real Estate
• Wills and Estates
• Civil Litigation

Education and Experience

2012 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
2011 – Juris Doctor (with Distinction) – University of Saskatchewan
2010 – Bachelor of Commerce (with Distinction) – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Vice President and Secretary, Board of Trustees, Congregation Agudas Israel
• Recipient, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan), for contributions in the law

Jane Basinski is an associate with Scharfstein LLP and has been practicing law in Saskatchewan since 2013. Before being called to the bar after completing her Juris Doctor at the University of Saskatchewan, Jane earned a Master’s degree in Biology and PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and taught sciences at the college level in the United States. Jane brings the same commitment to thorough research and attention to detail to her legal career.

While at law school Jane served as a research and teaching assistant and volunteered with CLASSIC (Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City), before going on to article at CLASSIC and practice for seven years with Legal Aid Saskatchewan.

Jane has broad experience in family law, family services and criminal files and all aspects of case and trial management and litigation at the Provincial Court, Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench and the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal levels. Jane’s preferred practice areas are family law and criminal law.

Jane has been involved in several volunteer organizations since moving to Saskatoon in 2001, including the Gown-to-Gown Gala and the Terry Fox Run. She’s also a dedicated runner and plays City League soccer.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Child and Family Services
• Criminal Law

Education and Experience

2014 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
2013 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
1997 – PhD – Queen’s University
1993 – Master of Science – Queen’s University
1990 – Bachelor of Science – Queen’s University

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan

Ben was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, having grown up on a mixed grain and poultry farm north of Canora. In 2010, he received his Bachelor’s Degree with Double Honours in Political Studies in History at the University of Saskatchewan. He was employed with both the University of Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan prior to attending the U of S again at the College of Law.

After graduating law school in 2014, Ben articled with a firm in Melfort, Saskatchewan, gaining valuable experience regarding legal issues involving agricultural business. Ben further worked for a firm exclusively involved in family law in Saskatoon for five years prior to joining Scharfstein LLP in October of 2022.

Ben has a broad practice in family law, with a focus on assisting parties dealing with separation and divorce involving agricultural property. He also engages in the practice of child and family services law, having represented a variety of clients, including child protection agencies, parents, extended family members and foster parents. He has appeared before all levels of Courts in Saskatchewan, including drafting material for the Supreme Court of Canada.

Outside of the office, you will find Ben trying to improve his golf game, assisting his brother with the family farm, listening to his eclectic record collection, and travelling with his wife to a variety of places across Canada as well as internationally.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Civil Litigation
• Wills and Estates
• Real Estate

Education and Experience

2015 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
2014 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
2010 – Bachelor of Arts (Double Honours) – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Volunteer, Pro-Bono Law Saskatchewan Legal Clinic
• Former Director, North East Unit Canadian Cancer Society
• Former Member, Melfort and District Kinsmen Club

In 2017, after completing her Juris Doctor, Bonnie joined Scharfstein LLP as an articling student and was hired as an associate in 2018. Since joining Scharfstein LLP, Bonnie has been involved in all practice areas and has appeared successfully in Saskatchewan Provincial Court, Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench and Saskatchewan Court of Appeal.

Bonnie is currently focusing her practice in corporate/commercial law and works extensively with individuals and businesses to:

1. Set up legal entities for their business, including corporations, partnerships or limited partnerships.

2. Purchase a business.

3. Reorganize their business.

4. Develop contracts and agreements to protect their business and improve efficiency.

5. Assist with financing transactions.

6. Draft shareholder agreements.

In addition to her corporate/commercial practice, Bonnie also works extensively with clients in both residential and commercial real estate, including land development projects and easements.

Areas of Practice

• Corporate/Commercial Law
• Residential and Commercial Real Estate
• Civil Litigation
• Wills and Estates
• Employment Law

Education and Experience

2018 – Admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan
2017 – Juris Doctor (with Distinction) – University of Saskatchewan
2010 – Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Board Member, Inclusion Saskatchewan
• Board Member, SaskAbilities
• Chair, Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers North

Courtney was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She attended the University of Saskatchewan where she received her Bachelor of Commerce (Management) from the Edwards School of Business in 2013 and her Juris Doctor at the College of Law in 2017. During law school, Courtney was very involved in the community. She volunteered with CLASSIC (Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City), Pro Bono Students Canada, Child Find Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon Dog Rescue.

Courtney continues to serve her community and acts as President for Saskatoon Dog Rescue and recently joined the Royal University Hospital Foundation’s Royal Ball Committee. She is also a supervising lawyer with Pro Bono Students Canada and oversees student research.

Courtney is involved in all practice areas.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Residential Real Estate
• Civil Litigation
• Adult Guardianship
• Wills and Estates
• Employment Law

Education and Experience

2018 – Admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan
2017 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
2013 – Bachelor of Commerce (Major in Management) – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• President, Saskatoon Dog Rescue
• Royal Ball Committee Member, Royal University Hospital Foundation
• Supervising Lawyer, Pro Bono Students Canada

Lauren maintains a general practice with a special focus on Corporate law, Wills Trusts and Estate planning, and Estate Administration.

Lauren received her Juris Doctor with Great Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan in 2017 where she was awarded the Law Society of Saskatchewan Bronze Medal for finishing third overall in her graduating class. Following graduation, she completed her articles with the Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan in Regina.

Lauren is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and sits on the Board of Directors for the Concentus Citizenship Education Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mandate is to advance education focused on responsible citizenship in an intentional manner.

Areas of Practice

• Corporate
• Contracts
• Wills and Estate Planning
• Trusts
• Estate Administration
• Appellant Advocacy
• Real Estate
• Agricultural and Business Law

Education and Experience

2018 – Admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan
2017 – Juris Doctor (with Great Distinction) – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Past Chair, Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers North
• Advisory Committee, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
• Board of Directors, Concentus Citizenship Education Foundation
• Sessional Lecturer, University of Saskatchewan, College of Law

Daniel joined our team as an Associate in 2023. He was born and raised in Saskatoon and attended the University of Saskatchewan where he received his undergraduate degree in Business Economics, and a minor in Computer Sciences. He then returned to the University of Saskatchewan to obtain his Juris Doctor in 2018 and was called to the Bar in 2019.

Daniel maintains a general practice, with a focus on Civil Litigation and Condominium Law. Daniel has been on the Board of the North Saskatchewan Canadian Condominium Institute since 2021, and a member of the North Saskatchewan Canadian Condominium Institute, Education Committee since 2021 as well. Daniel is also active in the wider community, volunteering in many different capacities.

Areas of Practice

• Corporate
• Civil Litigation
• Criminal Law
• Real Estate
• Wills and Estate

Education and Experiesnce

2019 – Admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan
2018 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
2014 – Bachelor of Arts – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Saskatoon Bar Association
• Board Member and Education Committee Member, North Saskatchewan Canadian Condominium Institute

Christine joined our team as an associate lawyer in 2021 after completing her articles. Christine maintains a general practice with an interest in civil litigation, family law, wills and estates, and employment law.

After completing her undergraduate degree in biology, Christine received her Juris Doctor with Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan in 2019.

During law school, Christine served as Vice President of Academics for the Law Students’ Association, co-managing editor of the Caveat Lector, and producer of the charity event, Legal Follies. Christine also volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada on the Consent Project and completed the intensive clinical program at CLASSIC (Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City).

Christine currently serves as an editor and writer for the CBA Saskatchewan periodical, BarNotes.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Civil Litigation
• Wills & Estates
• Employment Law

Education and Experience

2020 – Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar
2019 – Juris Doctor (with Distinction), University of Saskatchewan
2016 – Bachelor of Science (high honours), University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Editor, BarNotes Magazine
• Member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Member of the Saskatoon Bar Association

James joined our firm as an associate lawyer after spending two years practicing law in Melville, Saskatchewan, though he has always considered Saskatoon his home.

James earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the Edwards School of Business before attending the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan and adding a Juris Doctor to his wall. While in school James completed a semester of practical study at CLASSIC (Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City), a law clinic offering legal services to low-income individuals in Saskatoon. James maintains a general practice in all areas of law with a focus on family law.

Outside of the office you can find James jogging, playing squash, or enjoying an ice cream by the river. James is a long-time member of the Saskatoon Summer Players having performed and volunteered with them for nearly 10 years. He has also performed with the Saskatoon-based organizations Cornerstone Theatre and Music for the Gut.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Civil Litigation
• Residential Real Estate
• Adult Guardianship
• Wills and Estates

Education and Experience

2020 – Admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan
2017 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan
2014 – Bachelor of Commerce (with Great Distinction) – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Saskatoon Summer Players

Valerie was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She attended the University of Saskatchewan for her post-secondary education. Valerie completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in studio art in 2017 with high honours. Her areas of specialty were printmaking, collage, and photography. After this, Valerie completed her Juris Doctor in 2020 with distinction. Valerie was admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan in 2021.

Valerie joined our team as an associate lawyer in 2021. She is involved in all practice areas.

Areas of Practice

• Civil Litigation
• Wills & Estates
• Residential Real Estate

Education and Experience

2021 – Admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan
2020 – Juris Doctor with Distinction – University of Saskatchewan
2017 – Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) with High Honours – University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Saskatoon Bar Association

Sam joined Scharfstein LLP as an articling student after receiving his Juris Doctor from the University of Saskatchewan in 2023.

During law school, Sam dedicated his time to Pro Bono work by volunteering with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) for three years, and he also participated in the legal community clinic program at CLASSIC Law providing legal assistance to Saskatoon’s communities.

Prior to studying law, Sam was a lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan at the Department of Linguistics. He also obtained a research and teaching fellowship at the Department of English. During his academic life, Sam presented in different scholarly conferences and published academic papers and thesis. Sam has won numerous awards and scholarships for his academic and research performances.

Sam has an outgoing and welcoming personality and would like to help clients and learn from his principals. Sam speaks Farsi and English and is able to provide legal services in both languages for his clients. He also provides legal translations from Farsi to English for clients’ documents.

Education and Experience

2023 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan

2020 – Master of Arts in English – University of Saskatchewan

2018 – Master of Arts in Teaching English – University of Saskatchewan

2019 to 2021 – Lecturer – Department of Linguistics –  University of Saskatchewan

2018 to 2019 – Teaching Fellowship – Department of English –  University of Saskatchewan

Professional and Community Involvement

• Student at Law Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Student Member, Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association
• Student Member, Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers
• Saskatoon Open Door Society

Awards

• Cody E.J. Woitas Memorial Award in Law
• The Bard Berg & Brian Rolfes 2SLGBTQ+ Rights scholarship in law
• The Gerda R Bloemraad Award in Immigration Law
• MLT Aikins LLP Scholarship in Law
• Department of Linguistics Research Excellence Award
• Department of Anthropology Research Excellence Award

Jessica joined Scharfstein LLP as an articling student after receiving her Juris Doctor from the University of Saskatchewan in 2023.

Prior to studying law, Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 2019 from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. She graduated from St. FX University with Distinction and on the Dean’s List.  Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys being outdoors and travelling with friends and family.

Education and Experience

2023 – Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan

2019 – Bachelor of Arts with Distinction – St. Francis Xavier University

Professional and Community Involvement

• Student at Law Member, Law Society of Saskatchewan