Tell us a little bit about your journey and how Seligman Law was founded.
I graduated from law school in 1983 and was called to the bar in 1985. Between articling and the bar exams, I took a year off to travel through Southeast Asia alone, exploring countries like China, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. This journey fueled my passion for travel.
Upon returning, I wasn't entirely sure of my career path. However, my experience teaching English as a second language for citizenship classes and volunteering for members of parliament on immigration matters intrigued me. I began shaping my practice towards immigration law.
Initially, I worked for a small boutique firm handling various areas of law, including real estate, litigation, and family law. However, I expressed my interest in developing an immigration practice. With guidance from seasoned lawyers like Mendel Green and Barbara Jackman, who generously mentored me, I started receiving referrals for immigration cases.
I also handled Legal Aid refugee cases, which further shaped my practice. Eventually, I became a partner, and worked there for seven years. I decided to pursue a more specialized approach to accommodate my desire for flexibility as I started a family with my husband. It was then that I founded my firm, Seligman Law.
Do you think your gender impacted your professional opportunities or advancement?
No, I don’t think my gender impacted opportunities per se. Yes, going solo did allow for more flexibility but that was not the only reason to establish my own firm. In my younger years, I became a partner within a firm, specializing in my own area of expertise and bringing in my own clients. However, I soon realized that the environment wasn't conducive to my specialized focus. Pay equity wasn't guaranteed, and the lack of synergy with other areas of law made partnering with others less appealing. So, I made the decision to venture out on my own, establishing my own practice where I could fully reap the rewards of my efforts. It's about taking ownership of my success and forging my own path, even if it meant facing challenges and risks along the way.
How do you balance the demands of running a law firm or practicing as a sole practitioner with family responsibilities and other personal obligations, particularly considering the unique challenges women often encounter in this regard?
I started my own firm as a solo practitioner, so I had the flexibility I wanted. After that, my husband and I decided it was the right time to start a family.
Nonetheless, having flexibility didn't shield me from challenges. As a business owner, taking maternity leaves was not an option. I remember right after giving birth to my first son, my secretary visited me in the ICU to get some documents signed. It was understood that I had both professional and personal responsibilities which needed to be balanced. My sons are now 27 and 25 years old. The balance required now looks very different than it did when they were younger.
For instance, when my children were younger, I aimed to be home earlier so I could sometimes pick them up from school and I always attended parent teach interviews. I didn’t want to be the mom who was never at school. I also hired a full-time live-in nanny almost 28 years ago and she still lives with us today and is retired. This kind of bond extends to others in my life as well. For instance, Elaine, my first secretary, stayed with me for over 20 years until she decided to focus on her own family. My advice to younger generation would be that it's easy to misunderstand people when you don't truly know them. Taking the time to understand and accommodate others is essential. In this manner you can build genuine relationships and support systems around you which can help foster a positive work life balance.
Another invaluable support I had was my incredibly accommodating husband. Despite having his own business, he was always flexible and willing to pitch in. Whether it was driving the kids to school, soothing them to sleep when they were young, or picking them up from various activities, I could always rely on him.
Additionally, sharing responsibilities with your partner is crucial. Admittedly, I'm not the best cook, whereas my husband, being Italian, greatly loves and enjoys cooking. I vividly remember the first meal I made for him, nachos and salsa. It wasn't exactly a gourmet experience! His willingness to step up in the kitchen and become an excellent cook has been a game-changer. On the other hand, I find cleaning, and grocery shopping relaxing. So, we've adopted a divide-and-conquer approach, playing to our strengths to keep our household running smoothly. I guess you learn to navigate the challenges life presents as you go.
In your experience, are there any systemic challenges women continue to face in the legal profession?
There are unique challenges for women that men don't typically face, such as pregnancy and the uncertainty of potential health related issues. Once you start a family, maternity leave may be desired, but in self-employment, it can pose difficulties in managing client care. Despite these challenges, I view it as a natural part of being a woman. Whether one chooses to have children or not, it's a personal decision. Personally, I don't see it as unfair; rather, it's an honor to experience pregnancy and motherhood. We each have our roles, and I'm content with embracing mine as a woman. You need to carve out a path that works for you and do what you believe is right for yourself.
Can you share examples of successful outcomes or impactful cases where you've provided advocacy and support specifically tailored to the needs of female immigrants?
Over the years, I've encountered numerous cases of domestic abuse within marriages, both in Canada and overseas. Many women endure intolerable situations, often unsure of whether to speak out. In my work handling humanitarian applications, I've witnessed the resilience of these women, assisting them in breaking free from harmful relationships and navigating the immigration process. Documenting their experiences is crucial, and immigration authorities have generally been receptive to these cases.
In addition to advocating for abused spouses, I've dedicated significant effort to promoting family reunification. Before the “In-Canada Spousal Class”, there was no process to sponsor a spouse inside Canada. Most spouses had to leave Canada to be sponsored and in land spouses were processed on humanitarian grounds only and it was very difficult to get approved. Families faced frequent separation, often with husbands being deported while the women remained in Canada with their children. This left them in precarious situations, having to shoulder full responsibility for their families and often needing to work to make ends meet. Through persistent lobbying efforts in collaboration with the CBA, we successfully influenced policy changes to create the In Canada Spousal Class that has allowed thousands of spouses to remain in Canada, notwithstanding their status to be processed inside Canada rather than having to leave Canada. This advocacy stemmed from seeing the hardship caused to many families and a belief that no family should endure unnecessary separation due to immigration policies.
What advice would you give to young women entering the legal profession who may face similar challenges that you have encountered?
Participating in professional organizations like CBA and OBA is essential. Seek mentorship opportunities and actively engage with committees and networks. Stay updated on legal developments and prioritize physical exercise. Personally, I ensure to disconnect from work on weekends, focusing on activities I enjoy such as tidying up or engaging in hobbies like working out, walking, tennis, and spending time with family and friends. Maintaining relationships, both personal and professional, is easier with technology like Zoom, especially post-COVID. Consistent sleep patterns are crucial for mental and physical well-being, regardless of age. Traveling, even short trips, provides rejuvenation. I advise my son, who recently became a corporate lawyer, to prioritize breaks and activities for mental and physical strength. Incorporating weights into workouts is beneficial for overall strength and fitness, and for me, I believe in moderation and enjoyment over competition or pushing limits. Ultimately, it's about staying strong and balanced, both physically and mentally.
I would also advise young lawyers to prioritize fostering relationships, as this has greatly benefited me over the years. Many colleagues who I have met through organizations like the CBA or OBA have become close friends. I rely on them when I have questions or want to discuss ideas, whether it's about practice management or personal matters. I want to give a special shoutout to Gabriela Ramo, Chantal Desloges, Barbara Jackman, Wennie Lee, Janet Bomza, Catherine Sas, Betsy Kane, Stephen Green, BJ Caruso, and Elizabeth Long for their invaluable support.
How do you foster a supportive and inclusive environment for women in your workplace, and what initiatives do you believe are essential for promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the legal field?
First and foremost, I would like to share that my firm comprises entirely of women. Currently, three of our team are on maternity leave. We understand and encourage inclusion, which creates a familial atmosphere, and we affectionately refer to ourselves as a 'work family.' I prioritize open communication and flexibility, especially evident during the challenges posed by COVID-19. Some team members prefer a hybrid work model, while others thrive in a fully remote setup, and some enjoy being in the office. Recognizing each individual's strengths and passions is paramount to me. If someone isn't suited for a particular role or task or prefer certain types of files, I work with them to find a better fit that aligns with their skills and interests. Whether it's economic immigration cases or humanitarian work, I try to tailor assignments to match each team member's preferences and abilities. Building this understanding not only enhances productivity but also fosters a supportive environment. We prioritize well-being, even incorporating short exercise breaks or celebrating life events like birthdays, pregnancies with small showers and cherished memories. In essence, we operate more as a family than merely colleagues.
What advice do you have for female lawyer who may experience imposter syndrome?
Well, I think knowledge is power. Engaging with organizations like the CBA and OBA provides valuable networking opportunities and insight into important issues. Also, volunteering is very important, giving back is really important me. Personally, I'm drawn to the political side, such as lobbying, and enjoy meeting diverse individuals to learn from their perspectives. It's crucial to educate oneself thoroughly, especially when advocating on complex issues like immigration. Confidence in one's understanding of the law lends credibility to advocacy efforts.
I, myself have volunteered with various organizations and groups, including the CBA, OBA, and UJA. This has enriched my experience and broadened my network. Despite the shift to virtual meetings, professional organizations offer invaluable connections and opportunities across different sectors and specialties within the legal profession. Though membership fees may be daunting, I firmly believe the investment is worthwhile for the benefits it brings.
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