What is the primary responsibility of your current role?
My primary responsibility of my current role is to provide support to our various practice groups and to assist or advise on other projects in which my department is involved. This includes being responsible for the lawyer planning and budgeting process, with respect to individuals, practice groups and industry or sector teams.
What do you love about your work?
I love that I am exposed to a variety of different challenges and people. Since I am not strictly dedicated to any one particular practice group or team, I get to learn about various sectors and industries, as well as learn to manage the diverse needs of each lawyer. I am afforded the opportunity to work both collaboratively and independently, which offers a nice change of pace and prevents monotony.
What is your biggest challenge at work?
My biggest challenge is learning to manage the needs and desires of a collective of individuals in conjunction with those of the firm, practice group , or even my department. No one wants to be wrong and everyone wants to be heard. Managing expectations (or exceeding them) and creating win-win situations can be quite challenging on a daily basis.
What advice would you offer others entering the field?
Have a voice. People understand that you won’t know everything right away, but take the initiative to learn. Ask questions, but do not just sit around and wait for answers to come. Be proactive and not reactive. Always double-check your spelling (if you think it doesn’t matter, then you’re in the wrong business). A lawyer is trained to disseminate detail, so thinking like one will help you respond in a manner that is understood more effectively (and hopefully favourably) by them. Do not take things personally. Be confident in your actions and careful with your words. Be humble – no matter how smart you think you are – you don’t know everything and your way isn’t the only way. There is always something new to be learned each day.
When did you join LMA and how has it helped your career?
I originally volunteered time to assist the Treasurer (who was my boss) during the inaugural year of the Toronto Chapter. I re-joined as a board member earlier this year. Meeting new people in the industry has allowed me to share and learn new insights that I wouldn’t be exposed to otherwise.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? What are you passionate about outside of your work?
I am passionate about snowboarding (I welcome the snow!), so much so that I am in the process of becoming a certified snowboarding instructor so I can teach with my ski and snowboard club. My other passion would be NFL football (go Patriots!) and competing in fantasy football leagues. When I’m fortunate enough to be in warmer waters, I enjoy attempting to surf.