Left to right; Brandon Moore, Tara Hetherington, Wyatt Bernier and Rajat Vohra. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW)

By Nigel Maxwell

Legal profession

‘Today is truly a milestone’: Prince Albert’s newest lawyers introduced

Jan 10, 2026 | 2:00 PM

One of Prince Albert’s oldest and most respected traditions continued Friday afternoon at Court of King’s Bench.

Four names were added to the Prince Albert bar association: Wyatt Bernier, Tara Hetherington, Brandon Moore and Rajat Vohra. Upon signing the official roll and taking the oath, they have all officially earned the right to appear before all the judges of all the courts in Saskatchewan. Over two dozen family members, peers and legal professionals watched on from the gallery.

Bernier was introduced by Fran Atkinson, who is in her own right one of the province’s most distinguished lawyers but also happens to be Bernier’s mother-in-law and supervised him when he articled in Meadow Lake.

“That’s beyond the call of duty to secure an articling job,” Atkinson joked.

Wyatt Bernier takes the oath. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

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Born and raised in Prince Albert, Bernier is also well known for his skills with the fiddle. In addition to winning a junior star award at the Search for the Stars event, he’s also competed at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship.

While noting Bernier’s quote demeanor, Atkinson said Bernier has become an integral part of the Crown’s office and has earned a reputation for sound ethical decisions.

“Coming from Prince Albert, the goal has always been to become a lawyer and to come back here and to work in Prince Albert,” he told paNOW.

When asked what he enjoys most about being a lawyer, Bernier replied it’s the public service, the problem solving, and the overall feeling of doing fulfilling work.

Tara Hetherington graduated law school from the Universtiy off Western Ontario in 2023, and completed het articling in London, Ontario. She’s currently working for legal aid and has been assigned to penitentiary court, youth court and Sandy Bay circuit point..

Hetherington was introduced by Estelle Hjertaas who commented on Hetherington’s willingness to talk to everyone in the gallery, and her follows up with all her clients

“Tara really goes the extra mile,” she said.

Tara Hetherington. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW)

After the ceremony, Hetherington was asked what the day meant for her.

“Today was especially important because I came to Prince Albert without family, without friends, and I’ve now met many wonderful people and I’m excited to see what the future holds.” 


Hetherington also acknowledged becoming a lawyer has been a dream since she was young.

“I like helping people. I like when I can get a fair sentence for someone, and I get to tell their story and what they’ve been through, and it’s really rewarding to give someone a bit of help when they most need it.”

The judges and lawyers pose for a group picture. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW)

Brandon Moore grew up in Rosetown and joined legal aid in 2024. Known for talented cartoonist and for a great sense of humor, Moore works for Legal Aid and has been assigned to the Pelican Narrows circuit point.

Rajat Vohra also works for legal aid graduated from the University of Delhi In 2007. He moved to Canada in 2023 and was called to the bar in Nova Scotia.

With a desire to practice Criminal Defense, he was advised to work in Western Canada and last July, moved to Prince Albert. Hjertaas stated Vohra has a great ability to always remain calm and polite, even when dealing with the toughest of client meetings.

“I have yet to see him ruffled by anything,” she said.

There’s currently over 2,000 active members of the Law Society of Saskatchewan, and more get called to the bar every year.

Provincial court Judge T. Healey was among the dignitaries who addressed the four lawyers.

‘Today is truly a milestone,” he said, acknowledging their many years of hard work..

Healey proceed to offer the lawyer some advice: always be on time and do your best. Healey also commented the law is always changing, so as lawyers they need to stay current. He also reminded them their succes so far has been in part due do the support they have received from family and spouses.

“I would encourage you to thank those people,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell