A Greenspond native who was the first woman to be called to the Bar in Newfoundland has been recognized under the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program.

Louise Maud Saunders started working as a legal secretary in the law firm of Squires and Winters in 1916.

Sir Richard Squires, one of the firm’s partners, went on to become Prime Minister of Newfoundland. Under his guidance, Saunders began articling as a student and five years later in 1933, she became the first woman to be called to the Degree of Barrister of Law.

She continued practicing law her entire life and when she died in 1969 she was one of the oldest practicing lawyers in the province.

Saunders was officially recognized as a person of historic significance in a ceremony at the Rooms over the weekend.