Summary of Meetings: Women Lawyers Forum
Number of Meetings Held: 10
October 18, 2022
Registration Count: 65
Format: In-Person
Guest Speakers: The Honourable Justice Jasmin Ahmad, Supreme Court of BC
Denise Nawata, Partner, Farris
Lindsey Taylor, Senior Director, Associate General Counsel, lululemon
Meeting Title/Topic: WLF Fall Launch feat. Hot Tips from Top Mentors
Synopsis: Members were inspired by a panel of outstanding speakers, who spoke to their own experiences in their career. Members in attendance were among the first to hear about WLF events for the year!
October 27, 2022
Registration Count: 50
Format: In-Person
Meeting Title/Topic: Monte Carlo Night 2022
Synopsis: CFA Society Vancouver in partnership with the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC and the CBABC were excited to offer members of the Women Lawyers Forum, along with the Business Law & Young Lawyers – Lower Mainland Sections, to network with peers and new contacts. Great food, great prizes, and great opportunities to foster connections between chartered accountants, business valuators, and lawyers in BC.
November 15, 2022
Registration Count: 36 in-person, 31 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: The Honourable Jane Dardi
Honourable Sandra K. Ballance
Moderators: Paula Price, lawyer coach, and Abby Pang, family lawyer
Meeting Title/Topic: Rejecting The Myth Of Superwoman, Embracing Ourselves and The Sisterhood In Law
Synopsis: A presentation and Q&A session exploring the importance of friendship and allyship within the legal profession, embracing imperfection, and defeating the Imposter Complex.
January 31, 2023
Registration Count: 47
Format: In-Person
Guest Speakers: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Junior Women Lawyers Networking Event
Synopsis: Members connected over canapes and refreshments with other women lawyers at this annual networking event. This event was for those looking to make new connections, build a referral network and enjoy a fun evening.
February 22, 2023
Registration Count: 29
Format: In-Person
Guest Speakers: The Honourable Nancy Morrison
Meeting Title/Topic: Senior Women Lawyers Dinner
Synopsis: The annual WLF Senior Women Lawyers Dinner featuring the Honourable Nancy Morrison, a former Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and former Judge at the Provincial Court.
March 28, 2023
Registration Count: 14 in-person, 18 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: Nicole Byres, KC, Lawyer, Southern Butler Price LLP
Cheryl D’Sa, Managing Partner, Narwal Litigation LLP
Moderators: Rose Keith, KC, Partner, Harper Grey LLP
Emma Abdjalieva, Lawyer, Dives, Harper, Stanger & Mizrahi LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: The Path to Pay Equity in the Legal Profession: Where Are We Now?
Synopsis: At this event, speakers shared personal accounts from and explored the four, main factors identified in the report as leading to pay inequity, some of the wins and improvements seen more recently, as well as explore solutions.
April 13, 2023
Registration Count: 264
Format: In-Person
Guest Speakers: The Honourable Niki Sharma, K.C., Attorney General of British Columbia
Meeting Title/Topic: Women Lawyers Forum Awards Gala 2023
Synopsis: This year, we celebrated the recipients of BC WLF Award of Excellence, the Debra Van Ginkel, QC Mentoring Award, and the newest recognition, WLF Rising Star Award. The Honourable Niki Sharma, K.C., Attorney General of British Columbia was our Keynote Speaker for the evening, speaking to her experience as the first South Asian Canadian woman to serve in the cabinet post.
April 19, 2023
Registration Count: 5 in-person, 39 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: Jo-Anne Stark, B.Comm., JD, CLC, Lawyer & Legal Coach, Stark Legal Solutions
Kim Acedo, Health & Self-Care Coach
Meeting Title/Topic: Personal & Professional Self-care: Practical Solutions for Senior Women Lawyers
Synopsis: Health & Self-Care Coach for women in midlife and beyond, Kim Acedo, and lawyer Jo-Anne Stark walked members through an informative and practical discussion to consider the possibilities of developing a plan that fits you.
May 18, 2023
Registration Count: 14 in-person, 25 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: Joyce Johner, General Counsel and Deputy Registrar at the BC College of Oral Health Professionals
Sonali Sharma, of Athena Law
Erica Toews, of Erica Toews Legal Research
Moderator: Laesha Smith, Partner at Poulus Ensom Smith LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: Careers in the Legal Profession: Which Path is Right for You?
Synopsis: Personal accounts from our speakers as they discussed why they chose their current and unique paths as well as the twists and turns of the journey along the way. Speakers also shared tips for determining and carving your own path in law based on varied experiences.
June 7, 2023
Registration Count: 31 in-person, 20 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: Jennifer Glougie, Chair of the BC Labour Relations Board
Erin Frew, Chair of the Property Assessment Appeal Board
Simmi Sandhu, Chair of the Civil Resolution Tribunal
Meeting Title/Topic: Annual General Meeting
Synopsis: Members celebrated the achievements of women in the profession with WLF with distinguished guests Jennifer Glougie, Chair of the BC Labour Relations Board, Erin Frew, Chair of the Property Assessment Appeal Board, and Simmi Sandhu, Chair of the Civil Resolution Tribunal. Our guests participated in a panel discussion on successes, highlights, and experiences throughout their careers, and the Executive roster of the 2023-2024 term was announced to members.
Comments and Observations of the Chair
Submitted by Manager, Sections: Sianne Petrisor