Yukon family lawyer shortage leaves most litigants on their own

The Yukon's few family lawyers are swamped, leaving about 70 per cent of family law litigants to represent themselves, compared with 58 per cent nationally. The Law Society of Yukon lists only 12 family lawyers, and half live outside the territory. Retired chief justice Ron Veale said people facing separation, divorce or custody disputes need help quickly but are often left carrying the burden alone. Caroline Grady of Yukon University said lawyers from outside cost more and lack local expertise. The university plans to launch its first law cohort next September with the University of Calgary, possibly enrolling 25 students.