Admittedly, I am not Taylor Swift’s biggest fan, nor am I an NFL die-hard. But, like many of you, I tuned into the Super Bowl back in February – eagerly watching her reactions from the VIP suite. And I couldn’t help but ask myself, why? Regardless of my own personal feelings about Taylor Swift, there is no argument that she seems to have the whole world in the palm of her hand. In the landscape of contemporary pop culture, few figures have wielded as much influence over the discourse of female empowerment as Taylor Swift. Through her music and actions, she has catalyzed what many have come to call “The Taylor Swift Effect” – a phenomenon that inspires women to assert their voices, pursue their dreams, and challenge societal norms. This got me thinking – how can we apply “The…

In the legal profession, where gender disparities persist, mentorship and peer support emerge as indispensable tools for empowering women and fostering their career growth. These programs not only provide guidance and support but also facilitate access to opportunities and advocate for women’s advancement in a traditionally male-dominated field. In this post I aim to explore the significance of mentorship and peer support specifically within the context of women in law and offer guidance for both mentors and mentees. Additionally, I wish to highlight the impactful Women’s Lawyer Forum Mentorship Program by the Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia (CBABC WLF), which has been fostering relationships among women lawyers in BC for years.   The Importance of Mentorship and Peer Support in Law 1. Navigating a Complex Landscape: Women in law often face unique challenges, including gender bias, unequal opportunities for…

Having good mentorship can make a world of a difference to a professional’s career trajectory. I have experienced this personally and have no doubt that without the men and women who have taken an interest in my career development, I would not be as successful as I am today. Indeed, mentors help mentees navigate their challenging careers and, in turn, stick with them. Mentors, also, often turn into sponsors, who advocate for their mentees to achieve career milestones. They ensure their mentees are given career opportunities and they defend them at the leadership table. While there have been a few male professionals who have invaluably contributed to my development as a lawyer, I often felt my male colleagues’ discomfort with mentoring me. While these male colleagues might take my male peers out for golf or a beer, I sensed a…

We’ve all heard the ubiquitous advice to ‘just be yourself’ thrown around like confetti at a parade – a remedy for navigating difficulties or achieving success in the workplace (and beyond). Well, if I had a dime for every time someone dropped that gem, I’d be ballin’ like a rapper at a club – making it rain dimes so hard, they’d nickname me ‘Drizzle McMoneybags’! But let’s face it – in the nuanced reality of professional settings, authenticity isn’t always the winning formula – particularly if you suck…or if you belong to a minority group. Since I’m fabulous and don’t suck, it’s safe to assume that I belong to a minority group.   Covering Strategies Despite the increasing discourse on inclusion in legal practice, minority lawyers still feel pressure to conform to prevailing norms and expectations. Consequently, they often employ…

Not coming from wealth can have an impact on the building of business, the sense of belonging etc., which is compounded by also identifying as female. In the professional world, the journey for those who do not hail from affluent backgrounds can be an uphill battle. For women in particular, the intersection of socioeconomic challenges and gender bias creates a unique set of obstacles that demand resilience and determination. In this post, I discuss how the absence of financial privilege can impact various aspects of one’s life, from education to career advancement.   The Costs of Formal Education Formal education is the basis of our legal careers. Those who lack the means often face hurdles accessing quality schools and education. In addition, they may lack the time and resources necessary for extracurricular activities, internships, networking events, professional development workshops, tutoring,…