Sarah Abbott (she/her) is a full-time practicing lawyer, originally from England, now residing in the East Kootenays. She gained her initial law degree from the University of London (LLB), before undergoing Canadian conversion exams (the NCAs) and completing her professional training (‘articles’) at the Everyone Legal Clinic, a part of the wider access-to-justice organization, Access Pro Bono.

During her training period, Sarah gained experience in a broad range of areas including tenancy, employment, family and contract law. She assisted many clients who found themselves falling into the affordability gap between legal aid and conventional legal services and, along with countless other forward-thinking lawyers and organizations, has committed herself to being a small part of the change in increasing access to justice for all.

Sarah takes a holistic approach to the practice of law, noting that each individual with a legal problem may also have mental, emotional, familial or other challenges in their lives. Sarah ensures not to ignore these factors, but to use them to learn about each individual client’s needs so to best serve them as a whole. Sarah intends to make working with a lawyer the least intimidating or stressful it can be, by answering questions and explaining legal issues in plain language, and using non-adversarial practices where possible.

Sarah is a member of the Law Society of BC and the Kootenay Bar Association. She has completed the Trauma-Informed Practice Course through the Canadian Police Knowledge Network, and volunteers with the Lawyer’s Assistance Program of BC, offering mental health support to all members of the legal profession and their families.

Outside of law, Sarah enjoys the many outdoor activities the Kootenays has to offer (skiing, climbing, biking, and paddleboarding to name a few!), reading non-fiction, advocating about mental health issues, and spending time with her family, including their adventure dog, Wren!