On April 4, the OBA Women Lawyers Forum held a speed-mentoring event together with the South Asian Bar Association, the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, and the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers.
The event was hosted and sponsored by Bennett Jones LLP at its Toronto office. It began with opening remarks by Justice Sandra Nishikawa, who was recently appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Justice Nishikawa spoke to the attendees about her career journey and how mentorship played a role, and about being authentic to oneself.
The attendees then broke out into the speed-mentoring portion of the event, which involved four twelve-minute sessions with a mentor in various practice areas. Conversations varied from discussing how to open your own firm to career transitions. The speed-dating format provided mentees with an opportunity to have a casual conversation with experienced practitioners and ask for advice on issues that were important to them.
At the end of the evening, attendees joined together once again for a wine reception. As one of the organizers, I have to say it was a great pleasure to help put this event together. We hope to do it again next year. Thank you to the mentees and mentors who attended and made this a great event.
Bianca Thomas is a WLF Member-at-Large