Guest Blogger, Cheryl D’Sa of Narwal Litigation LLP and Law Society of BC Bencher shares insights on what it is like to be a Bencher.

As a woman, I cannot tell you how many times I have had someone correct my tone or language – especially when it comes to emails. We all know the classic stereotype – women apologize more and we often qualify statements with “I think” and “I feel”. We use permissible words like “just”. Ever since my first day in law school, I feel as though I have been bombarded by countless seminars and articles that have all provided me with the same old advice:

I was recently told that the only person who can really push you to succeed is yourself. And while it’s not a groundbreaking revelation, hearing this turned on a light for me. I realized that if I want to succeed and thrive in my legal career, I’ll have to take matters into my own hands. Although I’m surrounded by a network of lawyers who will build me up, ultimately the success of my career depends on me, and especially on what I do early on in my career.

Now some of you are going to read my blog below and say – this is entirely inconsistent with your approach to counsel during your recent trial. I am going to tell you it is not. That particular circumstance was one where I carefully calculated the return for not just me but for my client. Despite the healthy debate around whether I was right or wrong, I stand by that decision. That does not; however, mean that this is generally the approach I take. What I have to say in the following few paragraphs is who I am and really who I continue to strive to become. I hope you enjoy the read and will find your voice too.

Check out our top 5 blog posts from January – April including insights from Jennifer Woznesensky, Roshni Veerapen, Erin Hatch, Una Radoja and Kim Jakeman, QC.