Saskatoon-based lawyer recognized for commitment to representing
children and youth
TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2011 /CNW/ - Miller Thomson lawyer Charmaine Panko
was presented with a Zenith Award last night, in the category of Pro
Bono of the Year by an Individual Lawyer. The Zenith Awards recognize Canadian law firms, in-house departments and
law students who have committed their time, skills and mentorship to
corporate and law firm social responsibility.
Charmaine Panko is an Associate in the Saskatoon office of Miller
Thomson, where she specializes in conflict resolution as a
collaborative lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and trainer. She was chosen
for the award for her work with the Child and Youth Representation
Roster in Saskatchewan, where she has helped lend a voice to children
and youth involved in child welfare proceedings since 2008.
"During her career, Charmaine has been dedicated to providing pro bono
services to protect the rights of children and youth," said Rick Van
Beselaere, Managing Partner of Miller Thomson's offices in Regina and
Saskatoon. "She applies that same sense of dedication and commitment to
her clients and to serving as a mentor to lawyers throughout
Saskatchewan, particularly in areas of dispute resolution and
negotiation."
Panko volunteers with Pro Bono Students Canada and as a mentor with the
CBA student mentoring program. She is a lawyer on the Children's
Advocate Office Child and Youth Representation Roster, where she
provides independent legal counsel to children in child protection
proceedings. She has also contributed to the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers
Association newsletter and CBA Bar Notes. Panko is also actively
involved in the community, and regularly volunteers as a board member
for non-profit organizations.
"Miller Thomson is committed to identifying opportunities where we can
assist members of our communities who are unable to obtain access to
justice or legal services," said Gerald Courage, Chair of Miller
Thomson. "The dedication of people like Charmaine fuels the success of
our Pro Bono program, helping to make a difference in communities
across Canada."
Panko was called to the Saskatchewan bar in 2007. She graduated from the
University of Saskatchewan College of Law with distinction, and is now
recognized in her specialty area of practice as a sessional lecturer to
upper year students, teaching Negotiation at the College of Law.
About Miller Thomson
Miller Thomson LLP is a national business law firm with more than 470
lawyers working from 11 offices across Canada. The firm offers a
complete range of business law, advocacy and personal legal services.
Miller Thomson works regularly with in-house legal departments and
external counsel world-wide to facilitate cross-border and
multinational transactions and business needs. Miller Thomson offices
are located in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon,
Edmonton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Markham and Montréal.
