Elke (pronounced Elkie) graduated from the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan in 1975. For a number of years prior to opening her own practice Elke practiced at Miller Thompson and McDougall Gauley. She served as the Chairperson of the Board of Referees of the Employment Insurance Commission (the Appeal Board) from 1998-2004. Elke also worked for the provincial government as legal counsel for Occupational Health and Safety from 2004-2011 giving her experience in both public practice and administrative law. She started her own practice in 2011 which has a large family law and litigation focus. Over time this practice has become the Churchman & Co. Law Office that exists today. She has appeared successfully in the Court of King's Bench and the Court of Appeal throughout her career.
Elke served on the board of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers for 17 years. She has also served on the board of Legal Profession Assistance Conference for 12 years. Elke volunteers her time with Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City Inc. where she provides summary legal advice to clients in the areas of family and civil law and with Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan Saskatoon Northern Initiative. This is a program which offers free legal advice via internet to remote communities.
Elke has raised three daughters, and has eight grandchildren who she loves to spoil and build lego with. She is an avid nerd who loves ComicCon, Dr. Who, and Game of Thrones.
Laura Churchman, BSc, JD Barrister and Solicitor
Laura received a Bachelor of Science with High Honours in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Saskatchewan in 2014. Laura attended law school in BC at the University of Victoria. During her legal studies, she maintained focuses in environmental, family, and criminal law. Following law school, she completed her articles with the BC Prosecution Service for the Ministry of Attorney General in New Westminster, BC where she gained proficiency in various aspects of criminal law.
Laura joined our firm as an associate in November of 2020. She practices primarily in real estate, estate planning, estate administration, and family law.
Bonita is new to the practice of law. She believes that justice should not only be for the rich and powerful. She graduated from law school at the University of Saskatchewan in 2019, and is so grateful for the opportunity learn and embark on a new career. Her main focus is on family law, civil litigation, and wills and estates.
Bonita has four amazing grown-up kids. Before law school, she and her family lived in Africa for almost ten years. A big part of her heart remains there.
In her spare time, Bonita loves to read, travel, cook African food, and sew with beautiful, colorful African kitenge fabrics. She also volunteers as a Victim Services Support Worker, and is active in her faith community.
Anitha received her primary and secondary education from South Africa and later moved to India where she completed her Masters in English literature as well as a Bachelors in Education. She received her Bachelor of Law from Symbiosis University in India and was called to the Bar at the High Court of Kerala in 1998. After a few years of practice, she took a sabbatical to devote time to raise her young daughters.
Prior to moving to Canada, Anitha has taught at a high school in Kochi, India and has also devoted time to working with children seeking to improve their practical and working knowledge of English. She has also worked at Human Rights Law Network’s Kochi Chapter, in India, an organization working with abused women and children.
Anitha moved to Canada in 2016, and began working with Leland Kimpinski LLP in 2019, where she has gained wide knowledge and experience in corporate law, while she cleared the National Committee of Accreditation exams to become a lawyer in Canada.
She completed her articling with Leland Kimpinski LLP and began working with Churchman & Co Law Office in January, 2024.
A doting mom, Anitha loves to spend time with her girls. She is an avid reader, a movie and music buff, and loves travelling.
Emily grew up in Scotland and moved to Saskatchewan in April of 2021. Shortly after in July, Emily joined our firm as a Legal Assistant. Emily studied at Robert Gordons University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree in Law and Management. During her time studying Emily volunteered at Citizens Advice Bureau, a Scottish charity, where she provided advice to the public and assisted in ongoing employment matters. Here, Emily found her passion for assisting and helping others and meeting new people.
Originally from Ituna, SK, Jane graduated from Robertson Secretarial School in Saskatoon. Jane moved to Watrous in 1971 where she and her husband of 56 years raised a son and daughter. A granddaughter and grandson have since been added to the family.
Jane started at Ken Gordon Law Office in Watrous in 1974, which has transitioned over the years to Brian Lannan Law, Ben Mah Law, and most recently Churchman & Co. Law Office during Jane’s employment.
Jane is the founding President of Watrous Co-operative Nursery School and served on Watrous Gymnastics board, and the curling club board. She has also helped with Watrous Brownies and the Watrous School Band fundraiser. Jane has also been a member of the Catholic Women’s League for 40+ years, holding various positions, including 19 years as President.
Jane’s favourite activities are dancing, curling, travelling, and gardening.
Jane runs our Watrous office. She can be contacted directly during our hours of operation at (306) 946-3512.