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The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Saskatchewan Branch is pleased to announce Judge Patrick Reis as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the wider community.
Established in 1988, the Distinguished Service Award honours members who have demonstrated outstanding service to law, jurisprudence, or significant legal achievements benefiting Saskatchewan residents.
A Legacy of Service and Excellence
Judge Reis' career began at the University of Regina (Campion College) from 1975 to 1979, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, and then graduated from the University of Saskatchewan College of Law in 1982. He articled and practiced general law at Sonnenschein Law Office in Saskatoon from 1983 to 1985. He later worked as a staff lawyer with the Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission, practicing criminal and family law at the La Ronge and Regina Rural offices, and criminal law at the Regina City office. Over 29 years in criminal defense, mainly with Legal Aid, he served thousands of disadvantaged individuals, including many Indigenous clients. He was instrumental in exonerating wrongfully accused individuals through diligent advocacy in a high-profile murder case.
In 2012, Judge Reis was elected as a Bencher with the Law Society of Saskatchewan. He was appointed as a judge of the Provincial Court in Yorkton in 2013 and transferred to Regina in 2017, where he presided over the Drug Treatment and Mental Health Courts. He also served as the Provincial Court’s representative to the Canadian Bar Association, sat on the Court’s Indigenous Committee, and was the Court’s representative on the Indigenous Justice Committee of the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges, focusing on reconciliation efforts.
Throughout his career, Judge Reis has been a steadfast mentor to law students and young lawyers, championing professional development, access to justice, and legal education. He contributed to the Access to Legal Services (Access to Justice) and Admissions and Education Committees as a Bencher. As a judge, he served on Regina’s Drug Treatment and Mental Health Courts, guiding at-risk youth and engaging with students through programs such as “Lunch with a Judge.” His passion for sharing knowledge extended to frequent presentations at CBA and other legal events, as well as contributions to CBA Saskatchewan’s publication, Bar Notes.
Judge Reis retired on January 31, 2024, but continued to serve the province as a temporary or relief judge after retirement.
Judge Reis will be honoured at the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon, held during the CBA Saskatchewan’s 2026 Mid-Winter Conference, on January 29th at Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina. The legal community extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Judge Reis for his enduring commitment to justice, mentorship, and service to the people of Saskatchewan. His exemplary career stands as an inspiration to all who strive to make a meaningful difference in the profession and the broader community.
