Prince Albert Lawyer, Mary McAuley has been appointed as a provincial court judge for La Ronge, Saskatchewan. Mary McAuley grew up in Cumberland House and completed her grade 12 at LP Miller Comprehensive in Nipawin, SK.
“Judge McAuley is an exceptional appointment to the bench,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “She has made valuable contributions to the legal profession in the province for more than 10 years. Her diverse experience will certainly enhance the judicial system in our province.”
Judge McAuley was raised in Northern Saskatchewan and is one of the only fluent Cree speaking Métis female lawyers in the province. Her ability to use her first language of Cree and cultural understandings in working and communicating with Cree speaking citizens in the justice system will be an asset in helping them navigate the court process. As a Métis woman who grew up in Cumberland House and a lawyer whose clients are largely First Nation and Métis people, she has a unique awareness and understanding of their circumstances and needs.
According to her law firm biography, after completing her grade 12 at LP Miller, Mary went on to seek higher education in many areas, starting with her cosmetology diploma and moving on to earn Business Administration diploma at Saskatoon Business College. She continued her education, earning both Psychology and Law Degrees.
“As a secretary with 19 years of payroll, flight, and accounting experiences at numerous organizations as well as Cameco, she did this for quite a few years before returning to University to attend law school. She pursued her Psychology Degree as well, attending Blue Quill’s First Nations College. After attending the University of Alberta, she was accepted in the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a law degree in 2006.” – excerpt McAuley Law Firm website biography of Mary McAuley
Judge McAuley received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2006. She articled with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice, and practiced law in Prince Albert. She spent time as a Crown prosecutor, defence lawyer with legal aid and as a private lawyer. She has practiced with McAuley Law Firm since 2012, which she started on her own in Prince Albert.
Sources: Justice release – March 23, 2018, McAuley Law Firm
