Elke Churchman, BA, LLB
Barrister and Solicitor
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.
Contact Elke directly at e.churchman@elkechurchman.ca
Barrister and Solicitor
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.
Contact Elke directly at e.churchman@elkechurchman.ca
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.
Contact Laura directly at l.churchman@elkechurchman.ca
Bonita Friesen, BA, JD
Barrister and Solicitor
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.
Contact Bonita directly at b.friesen@elkechurchman.ca
Barrister and Solicitor
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.
Contact Bonita directly at b.friesen@elkechurchman.ca
Emily Harbottle, BA
Paralegal
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.
Contact Emily directly at emily@elkechurchman.ca
Natasha Kooy, BA
Legal Assistant
Natasha is our newest staff member. She started working with us in the fall of 2022. This is her first time working in a law office and she's been enjoying
learning all about the practice of law.
In 2020 Natasha received her Bachelor of Arts, as well as a Certificate in Global Studies, from the University of Saskatchewan. She is a Board Member and volunteer at Girls Rock Camp Saskatoon, a local non-profit organization that works with youth.
Natasha enjoys walking the Meewasin trails with her small dog, Freddie, and exploring creative passions like painting and photography.
Contact Natasha directly at info@elkechurchman.ca
Legal Assistant
Natasha is our newest staff member. She started working with us in the fall of 2022. This is her first time working in a law office and she's been enjoying
learning all about the practice of law.
In 2020 Natasha received her Bachelor of Arts, as well as a Certificate in Global Studies, from the University of Saskatchewan. She is a Board Member and volunteer at Girls Rock Camp Saskatoon, a local non-profit organization that works with youth.
Natasha enjoys walking the Meewasin trails with her small dog, Freddie, and exploring creative passions like painting and photography.
Contact Natasha directly at info@elkechurchman.ca
