About – Law Foundation NL

About Law Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador

Supporting Legal Excellence Since 1980

Investing in Legal Education and Access

The Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is a not for profit organization established in 1980 under the Law Society Act. The Foundation receives interest from lawyers’ and paralegals’ mixed trust accounts and invests these funds to strengthen the province’s legal system. Through grants, scholarships, and contributions to the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission, the Foundation supports legal education, research, reform, legal aid, referral services, and law libraries across the province.

Funding Progress That Matters

Since 1982, we’ve proudly funded initiatives that make the legal system more accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

$ 10

million+

invested in legal education, access to justice, and law reform

100 +

funded

grants awarded to community organizations, universities, & legal clinics

250 +

student

scholarships and legal research awards funded

40 +

years

of supporting public legal education initiatives

Foundation History

The Foundation uses interest earned from lawyers’ and paralegals’ mixed trust accounts to fund initiatives that enhance legal education, research, reform, aid, referral services, and law libraries throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This support is provided through grants, scholarships, and contributions to the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission.

Mandate & Priorities

The Foundation allocates interest from lawyers’ and paralegals’ mixed trust accounts to support legal education, research, reform, aid, referral services, law libraries, and scholarships in Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding is provided through grants, scholarships, and contributions to the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission.

Board of Governors

The Law Foundation is overseen by a Board of Governors that governs the organization and makes all grant-related decisions. The Board consists of seven volunteer members appointed under the provisions of the Law Society Act, 1999.

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Regan O’Dea, K.C. chair

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Sheilagh Murphy, K.C board member

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Regan O’Dea, K.C. chair

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Sheilagh Murphy, K.C board member

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Regan O’Dea, K.C. chair

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Sheilagh Murphy, K.C board member

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Regan O’Dea, K.C. chair

Our Staff

Our dedicated staff bring expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing access to justice across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Regan O’Dea, K.C. chair

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Sheilagh Murphy, K.C board member

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Regan O’Dea, K.C. chair

Annual Reports

Our annual reports provide a yearly overview of the Foundation’s financial performance, governance structure, and key program highlights.

Please feel free to access and download the archive of The Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador annual reports.

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Latest News & Announcements

October 6, 2025

Supporting Legal Excellence Since 1980

Investing in Legal Education and Access

Funding Progress That Matters

Board of Governors

Our Staff

Annual Reports

Latest News & Announcements

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Scholarship Applications Now Open