This month’s Spotlight shines on Michelle Casavant, KC of Casavant Law.
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
I became a board member of CLEBC in 2018. During my time on the board, I served on several committees and had opportunities to contribute to education initiatives alongside both board members and staff. CLEBC has always played an important role in supporting excellence in legal education, and I have valued the chance to contribute to that work.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
I’m currently faculty on two upcoming CLEBC programs: Human Rights Law Conference and Resolving Workplace Conflict. I’ll be sharing how my current practice—as a lawyer, investigator, mediator, and circle facilitator—and how my lived experience of institutional discrimination have shaped my approach and use of UNDRIP in my practice: to support clients in the development of decolonized processes, and to provide support and safer spaces that are often not available to many Indigenous complainants.
What inspired you to become a lawyer?
When I moved to BC from rural Saskatchewan after high school, I had no idea what would unfold for me. I grew up in a blue-collar home, no one in my extended family had ever gone to university. I navigated the world of college and university with the support of Indigenous advisors at the institutions; the Indigenous student communities are the reason I made it through.
While completing my BA and BEd at UBC, Creator introduced a wonderful mentor in my life. She became a lifelong friend. She encouraged me to consider law school and helped me see possibilities that I had never imagined. While teaching English in South Korea after my BEd, I wrote the LSAT in Seoul and was accepted to UVic Faculty of Law.
It’s been a wild and amazing journey ever since. I have had the distinct privilege of working in Aboriginal law for most of my career. I love new challenges and opportunities are endless when you are open to them. Law has given me so many incredible opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful change in numerous areas.
You have recently changed the focus of your work. Can you tell us more about that?
Over the past several years, my practice has evolved from primarily advisory legal work toward conflict resolution, professional regulation, workplace investigations, mediation, circle facilitation, and organizational assessments. I became increasingly interested in helping people address the human dimensions of conflict. Much of my work now focuses on creating safe spaces for difficult conversations, supporting organizations through complex challenges, and helping people move from conflict toward understanding, accountability, repair, and growth.
Tell us about the best part of your work now.
The best part of my work is creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue. Whether I am facilitating a mediation, conducting an investigation, or supporting organizational change, I have the privilege of hearing people’s stories and helping them navigate difficult situations. It is deeply rewarding to see individuals and organizations move toward greater understanding and healthier relationships.
If you could change one thing in the legal community/profession, what would it be, and why?
I would like to see greater emphasis on relational skills alongside legal expertise. Lawyers are often called upon to help people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives and careers. Technical legal knowledge is essential, but skills such as listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and cultural humility are equally important. If we develop these skills, we develop capacity to lead better outcomes for clients and healthier professional relationships.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
I’m living my best life driving my overly active pre-teens to the hockey rink and dance studio. I’m also passionate about learning, teaching, and creating spaces where people can connect in meaningful ways. I host beading circles and Indigenous author book clubs.