For Women in Law By Women in Law

The format of our Blog is unique. It was created as a place to ask questions and to read real-life stories to learn and grow from. Our advisors have a wonderful mix of experience and are eager to share their insights on the issues women in the profession face and the topics many do not feel comfortable broaching. Step into our Blog and learn how to enhance your career and personal – and professional – lives.

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Empowering Women in Law: The Essential Role of Mentorship and Peer Support

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…

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Men, I Implore You, Please Mentor Women

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…

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On Being Oneself…Or Not…It’s Complicated!

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…

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Diversity of Socioeconomic Backgrounds

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,…

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Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Inspiring Stories of Women Leaders

This is the first of my series where I share success stories of women who have shattered glass ceilings in various industries. The purpose of this series is the highlight their journey, challenges they overcame, and impact they have had on paving the way for other women in the work place.  Justice Rosalie Abella Many Canadians outside of the legal industry may not know, but the former Canadian Supreme Court Justice Abella has led the way on many major decisions that impact our lives, especially those of us in marginalized communities. Justice Abella is a legal icon and equal rights champion. Here’s a little bit more about her story. Justice Abella was born in a displaced persons camp in 1946 following the Holocaust. She immigrated to Canada as a refugee just before she turned four. She attended the University of…

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