Behind every program, every activity, and every action carried out at the YWCA of Montreal, there are dedicated volunteers who make a concrete difference in the lives of the women and families we support.
Within the Legal Information Clinic, volunteer lawyers put their expertise at the service of women. Through their listening skills and experience, these professionals help remove barriers to access to justice. This week, we highlight Natan Bidron, who places the human dimension at the heart of justice.
“Volunteering brings me back to what truly matters. It reminds me that behind every case, there is a person, a story, a reality that is often more complex than what the law alone can capture,” the lawyer shares.
Discover his profile.
Please introduce yourself in a few words:
I am a lawyer who places the human being at the heart of the law. My personal journey, shaped by immigration, taught me very early on what it means to navigate a system whose codes you have not yet mastered.
Originally from Belgium, I chose to settle in Quebec in 2021, where I had to adapt to a new legal environment, a new culture, and new reference points. This experience has profoundly shaped my practice: it taught me to listen differently, to make the law more accessible, and to understand issues beyond a strictly legal framework.
Today, I mainly practise in civil and commercial litigation, municipal law, and economic immigration. My academic background, completed at the University of Namur (bachelor’s degree) and the Catholic University of Louvain (master’s degree) in Belgium, followed by the University of Montreal where I completed my equivalency—combined with varied professional experiences ranging from corporate law and sports law to civil litigation and immigration law, has enabled me to develop an approach to law that is rigorous, strategic, and accessible.
What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Y des femmes?
What motivated me above all was a sense of responsibility. Being a lawyer is an immense privilege. We have access to a language, tools, and a system that can be intimidating, or even inaccessible, for many people.
I also grew up in a single-parent household, where my mother played a central role. This made me aware from an early age of the realities some women face, particularly when they must navigate complex situations on their own.
Getting involved with the Y des femmes is therefore a concrete way to give back, by putting my skills at the service of those who might otherwise not have access to the information or support they need. On my own scale, it is a way to help restore a certain balance.
What does your volunteer work bring to your professional and/or personal life?
Volunteering brings me back to the essentials. It reminds me that behind every case, there is a person, a story, a reality that is often more complex than what the law alone can capture.
On a personal level, it grounds me in a human reality that gives meaning to my practice.
On a professional level, it pushes me to remain accessible, to simplify, to adapt my language, and to never lose sight of the fact that the law must be understood in order to be truly useful.
What are the main barriers to women’s access to justice that you have observed?
The barriers are not only financial, even though they are very real. Access to justice is also hindered by the complexity of the system, a lack of information, and sometimes a form of intimidation when dealing with institutions.
Beyond that, there are deeper realities: economic dependence, isolation, and situations of violence or vulnerability. In such contexts, undertaking legal steps can feel overwhelming. This is precisely where organizations like the Y des femmes become essential.
What would you say to someone who is hesitant to volunteer their time at the Y?
I would tell them that the impact is far greater than one might imagine. It’s not about changing the world in a day, certainly not in 30 minutes,but sometimes simply about changing a trajectory.
Giving your time means offering access, listening, and understanding. And it also means receiving a great deal in return. You walk away with a different perspective, more human, more nuanced, and, I believe, more just.