History of DMQ
Drawing on years of activist, international human rights law and movement law experience, Montréal-based criminal lawyer Barbara Bedont founded DMQ in 2024, the first movement law clinic of its kind in Québec and one of the few movement law clinics in Canada. Barbara was joined by a group of women activists who have known each other for several years, and together they have been building DMQ from the ground up. Working together on this project was a natural and organic result of their relationships as well as their common commitment to activism and progressive social transformation.
Within one year of its founding, DMQ supervised four McGill and UQAM law students, represented 40+ movement law cases, moved to a bigger office due to operational expansion, hired a part-time administrator, and benefitted from the invaluable support of several volunteers. DMQ members have also given several presentations to the public on movement law, are building relationships with local indigenous and trans movement communities, and accepted three McGill law students for its fall 2025 legal clinic.
Staff
I am a criminal lawyer, navigating between the activist community and the legal profession for over thirty years.
MA, PhD I am an educator and activist, cultural anthropologist by training, parent of a human child and two dog children, and a member of a small land collective in Shawinigan.
I am a criminal defence attorney called to the bar in 2026, the same year I joined DMQ. I am passionate about social justice, empowering communities in navigating the legal system and fighting alongside folks striving to see their rights recognized.
Advisory board
Ed's work is aimed at reimagining civil society in the Global South by looking beyond grant revenue for NGOs, exploring new organizational forms and alternative resource models.
I am an organizer and volunteer in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal. With extensive experience in bookkeeping and administration, I have offered my skills to many local organizations, with focuses on mutual aid, housing rights, and climate justice. I am passionate about ensuring civil liberties and democratic rights for all, particularly with my children and their generation in mind.
I am an organizer involved in movements for human rights, Indigenous rights, workers' rights, anti-war, and climate justice.
Volunteers and Student Interns
I am pursuing my MA in Philosophy and I aspire to enter law school in 2027. I am currently involved in migrant justice, Indigenous solidarity, and human rights-related work.
I am a student at the Barreau du Québec and candidate for the profession. I have worked in community organizing for seven years, focusing on Indigenous rights, Palestinian rights, climate justice, and divestment.
I am second year law student at McGill. I'm passionate about language, culture, and politics.
Student Alumnae
Alina Bootwala is a third-year BCL/JD candidate at the McGill University Faculty of Law. She grew up between Canada, India, and France. Prior to starting law school, she completed her Bachelor of Arts at McGill in Honours International Development Studies with a minor in World of Cinema.
Ki'ra Jo-Ellen Prentice (she/fae) is a Queer-polyamorous-transfemme-anarchist living in Tiohtià:ke. Fae were born in Ottawa, studied Biology and Drama at Queen's University, then Law and Psychology at McGill University. When not Defending the Movement, Ki'ra likes to play RPG games, see theatre, and get lost in the woods. She is a proud fiduciary to two feline familiars, Octopuss & Katlyn.
Valeria is a BCL/JD candidate, currently in her last semester at McGill University’s Faculty of Law. She is passionate about challenging state abuses and defending the rights of vulnerable and over-criminalized communities. After concluding her studies, she intends to practice as a criminal defence lawyer in the province of Quebec.
Tuviere is a 3rd year BCL/JD candidate at McGill University Faculty of Law. An advocate for diversity and social justice, Tuviere leads initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive legal community, including spearheading a project to introduce a Black application stream at McGill Law.
Pursuing a JD/BCL at McGill University, located on the unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation in Tiohtiá:ke (Montreal). Originally from K'jipuktuk (Halifax).
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