Rachel Lewis

Rachel is an articling student at Demas Schaefer. For her, family law means addressing the heart of the matter and guiding families toward lasting solutions that support a fresh start.

Rachel grew up in Toronto, situated within the Naagan ge bezhig emkwaan, “Dish With One Spoon” Treaty area. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta, in the Faculty of Native Studies and Political Science, located in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton), Treaty 6 territory. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa’s English Common Law Section in 2025, on the traditional Algonquin Anishinàbe Aki.

During law school, Rachel was driven to pursue family law by actively seeking ways to help clients with compassion and clarity. Her experience includes pro bono work with a family lawyer in Ottawa, research on property law issues using archival records, and an internship with a judge, observing family conferences, motions, and parenting matters. She also supported children from infancy to 11 years old as an Early Childhood Assistant, promoting social studies and literacy. In the summer as a law student, Rachel drafted legal memorandums and examined novel issues such as exclusive possession for cohabitants and the epidemic of family violence in parts of North America. Rachel also gained policy experience as a legal intern in the Office of Senator Kim Pate.

Outside of the law, Rachel enjoys mentoring students, guest lecturing at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies, and writing for the Canadian Bar Association on supporting neurodivergent law students and lawyers. She also enjoys watching sports and historical documentaries, reading, and hiking.