Exceptional Women of the Bench and Bar

  • September 15, 2021
  • Christine Vanderschoot, principal, Vanderschoot Family Law

While COVID-19 has been a scourge on our society, and continues to impact us personally and professionally, the OBA has continued to provide meaningful programs that help us keep in touch during this difficult time. This was true for the recent and timely event held on September 9, 2021, where a panel of senior counsel and Judges discussed their various routes to success, sharing tips and strategies with the attendees. This event was Co-Chaired by Megan Keenberg of Van Kralingen & Keenberg LLP and Rachel Migicovsky of Clyde & Co. LLP.  

Participants were treated to an hour and a half of interesting panel discussion and a more intimate networking event at the end where, in break-out rooms, smaller groups could gather and make real and lasting professional connections. The time flew by; personally, I think another hour or so would have been fun, but all good things must come to an end I suppose!

The speakers included the Honourable Jessica Kimmel, the Honourable Sandra Y. Nishikawa, Kimberly Alexander of KBA Partners LLP, Sumeet Dhanju-Dhillon of Torkin Manes LLP, Janice Payne from Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP, Linda Rothstein of Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP, Andrea Sanche of Ricketts Harris LLP, Tanya Walker of Walker Law PC, and Leena Yousefi of YLAW Group.

The discussion commenced with Megan asking for the panellists’ comment on whether where a young lawyer starts her career dictates where her career will go? Some excellent advice ensued: senior counsel responded that different pathways were always open, including young lawyers being encouraged to develop their own style instead of emulating older lawyers’ behaviours. As younger counsel learn from mentors and sponsorship arrangements and gain experience, they should allow their own professional style to develop; this will aid that young lawyer in building her confidence and making her more persuasive.