WHAT WAS YOUR PATH INTO LAW AND ONTO THE BENCH?

My story is by no means unique and will likely resonate with many first-generation immigrant families. I have said in the past that I have had an improbable journey to the bench. As I look back on my childhood and my adolescence, I cannot help but take stock, marvel anew, and acknowledge that without the encouragement and support of countless individuals, I would not be here today. It is an acknowledgement of the importance of family, mentorship, and sponsorship.

As a child, I came from a developing country, had linguistic challenges, was misdiagnosed as having a learning disability, and lived on social assistance in subsidized housing with five younger siblings and a single mother. I was the eldest, with all that it entailed.  My grandmother, an orphan herself, and my mother both placed a high value nonetheless on two things: helping others and education.  Girded with these precepts, despite many challenges, I was always clear eyed about the importance of obtaining an education, no matter what challenges I faced at any given time. 

Being the first in my family to go to University, I had no role model to look to, but this lack was not a hinderance because at each level, there was always someone waiting in the wings to encourage me to move forward. I initially thought I would pursue politics, and after doing some research and discovering that many politicians had a law degree, I thought this was the route to take. I ended up completing a double Honours degree in Political Science and French at the same time. I was fortunate to receive a spot for the coveted internship program for the former, which gave me the opportunity to work in Ottawa for two summers at two different government departments, and, as luck would have it, also won a competition through the Faculty of French in my fourth year, which gave me the chance to teach English at a collège in France for a year. With some trepidation, I delayed going to law school for a year to recalibrate because I had decided that a career in politics was not in the cards.  On the other hand, my internship work in Ottawa had allowed me to work bilingually and had also afforded me the opportunity to do some interesting research projects, analyze information, and write reports, tasks which, surprisingly, I enjoyed doing. In retrospect, it was a natural and seamless transition for me to decide to become a practicing lawyer. 

Prior to my appointment, girded with the principles instilled in me by my grandmother, mother, and later a beloved aunt, I engaged in many volunteer activities starting in high school. My volunteer activities always included some aspect of teaching or mentoring, so it was a natural progression for me to become an instructor for the Bar Admission/Skills and Professional Responsibility Licensing Program. In the early days, I was an instructor for the Research, Civil Litigation and Professional Responsibility courses, areas which naturally aligned with my private practice.   I volunteered for a number of professional bar associations over the years (gradually taking on leadership roles in some), and continued, in some measure, to do some volunteer work in the community. By far, where I received the most assistance on this journey is from the people whom I met along the way during my volunteer activities, including judges, who encouraged me to apply to the bench.  

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR COUNSEL WHO APPEAR BEFORE YOU?

Everything that I may say on this topic can be distilled into one word: “Reputation”. Lawyers ought to consider how their words and conduct may impact their reputation.  This starts well before counsel appears in the courtroom as their very words, deeds or conduct, whether oral or memorialized in writing, may be placed on full display for all to see—including their clients—, during a hearing. It goes without saying that lawyers can be fierce advocates while maintaining civility; they can take tough stances while knowing when to make concessions (if to do so would not prejudice their client); and they should never at any time mislead the court. It may be far more valuable for counsel to earn the trust and respect of the bench, their colleagues, and their adversaries than to have a pyrrhic victory.