ESTEVAN — A long-time Estevan lawyer has been recognized for his 34 years of work.
Robert Grismrud, who has been practicing as a lawyer since 1991, was among the lawyers from across the province to receive a King’s Counsel designation, the Government of Saskatchewan announced Dec. 18. He is currently the vice-president of legal services and general counsel with Legal Aid Saskatchewan.
In an interview with SaskToday, Grimsrud said he graduated from Torquay School and his post-secondary studies were at the University of Saskatchewan, first at the College of Commerce and then at the College of Law.
After articling at the NSWB in Weyburn, Grimsrud became a lawyer in 1991. Then he worked for a short time in Regina in 1991 and 1992, and his practice in Estevan started in 1993 when he joined Guy Chicoine and John Billesberger, first as an associate and then as a partner.
“That was a general practice, and during that time, for a period of time, I also worked as an agent for the federal Crown,” said Grimsrud.
He remained at the firm until 2000, when he made the move to Legal Aid with the Estevan office. He worked in a criminal and family law practice, first as a staff lawyer and then as legal director for the southeast office. He remained in that position until December 2021, when he was appointed to his current role with Legal Aid Saskatchewan.
“I work with head office, although working remotely from Estevan, so I continue to be a member of the Estevan and southeast bar.”
Earlier this year, he was named the vice-president of legal services and general counsel, so he deals with a number of matters involving Legal Aid.
Legal Aid has become a home for Grimsrud, who believes it has been a good fit and he appreciates the opportunity with the organization.
“It can be a challenge, there’s no doubt about it, and I think the opportunities that came up along the way probably helped me to stay with it for as long as I have, so I’ve just had the opportunity to look at it from different perspectives, as a staff lawyer, as a legal director as a general counsel, and now in the VP role. It was a great opportunity and experience for me.”
He wasn’t given a reason for the KC appointment, but he’s appreciative and honoured to have been selected. It also causes him to reflect on his career and how far he has come.
“It’s been a long career. Being admitted to the bar in ‘91 means it’s been 34 years as a member of the Saskatchewan bar. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had, and I’m very happy I could have my career at home in Estevan and area, where I’m from and where my family is rooted, with my sons and their families and their grandkids,” said Grimsrud.
Twelve lawyers from across the province were selected for King’s Counsel appointments this year. King's Counsel appointments are based on recommendations from a selection committee. Individuals must live in Saskatchewan and must have been entitled to practice law for at least 10 years in the superior courts of any province or territory of Canada, or the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
