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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See Something, Say Something, Do Something

Dear LiL: As a male lawyer, how can I be an ally for my female colleagues and be part of the solution instead of part of the problem when it comes to gender-based discrimination in the legal profession?   We all need allies. For far too long, women’s issues were just those – issues that belonged to and could therefore only be solved by women. While much of the work in this area has been done by women’s organizations, together with some female advocates who have been trailblazers in our profession, the fact is that a collective effort is required to reduce and, ultimately eradicate gender-based discrimination. Unfortunately, there is no one magic solution. It has been a problem of long-standing duration for a reason, including that its origins are in our broader culture. Stereotypes about men and women begin…

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Dear LiL: Junior Lawyer here – how do I determine which area of law I am interested in. I didn’t love where I articled, but I have no idea how to determine my next steps in terms of what practice area to go into (since the study of law in law school is so different from the actual practice of law).

Navigating Your Legal Career: Finding Your Passion in Law   Dear Junior Lawyer, The legal profession offers a vast array of specialties, and finding a practice area you are passionate about can be an exciting—and overwhelming—task. Everyone’s journey will be different, but thinking critically about what you are interested in, gaining diverse hands-on experience, and leveraging the support and experience of your friends and colleagues can help you find your path forward.   1. Define Your Interests Identifying your genuine interests will provide a solid foundation for exploring specific legal areas. Take a moment to reflect on the aspects of law that genuinely interest you. Consider the courses you enjoyed in law school, the type of cases that intrigued you, and the legal issues that sparked your curiosity. What specific subjects or legal challenges that truly captivated you during your…

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Dear LiL: What advice do you have for an internationally trained lawyer intending to transition from a foreign jurisdiction to practising in Canada?

It is an amazing opportunity to practice law in Canada. It may seem like a daunting and long process to transfer your license to Canada, but internationally trained lawyers (ITLs) bring unique experiences and perspectives to the practice of law. I speak from experience – I have personally lived and implemented every piece of advice in this article. It enabled me to meet amazing mentors and Canadian lawyers who recognized my abilities and who were willing to take a chance on me. It will take hard work and a little bit of luck, but it’s well worth the journey. Here are a few practical starting points:   1. Confirm your pathway There are two main pathways for ITLs to transition and become fully licensed Canadian lawyers. You will either sit the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams or study a…

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Shifting Paradigms: Unveiling Gender Equality’s Unfinished Dealings

Recently – we’re talking within the last month, and I have been stewing about it ever since – I played poker with my husband and four of his male friends. I have been playing with this group of men for years – 20 or so and most of this group have been playing together since they were in their teens and they are all in their mid-60s now. There was, however, one significant difference on this Saturday night. A new player was introduced to our familiar table who didn’t know anything about me. A few rounds in the others were goading me into a bet and I took the bait. A six dollar bet on a couple of Aces. As this was happening, this new player turned to my husband and said “thank God you make money so that she…

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2022 National Wellness Study – Part VII: Navigating the Legal Landscape – Challenges and Solutions for Women in Canadian Law

Introduction Welcome to the seventh post in our series on “The National Study on the Psychological Health Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada” (the “Study”). This groundbreaking study, published by the Université de Sherbrooke, the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, and the Canadian Bar Association in December 2022, delves into the intricacies of the legal profession in Canada and the factors that impact the psychological well-being of legal professionals. In this post, we will focus on the experiences of women in the legal field, shedding light on the unique challenges they face, and exploring potential solutions.   Changing Tides: Women in the Legal Profession Over the last three decades, the legal profession in Canada has seen a significant influx of women, reshaping a landscape that was once predominantly male. However, while progress has been made, the legal profession remains…

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