SUMMARY OF MEETINGS: WOMEN LAWYERS FORUM
Number of Meetings Held: 6
September 19, 2023
Registration Count: 39 in person, 6 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: The Hon. Justice Baljinder K. Girn, Supreme Court of British Columbia, Cheryl D'Sa, Narwal Litigation LLP, Sandeep Mann, Fraser Health Authority
Meeting Title/Topic: 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!
November 20, 2023
Registration Count: 19 in-person, 18 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: Dr. Caitlin Dunne, MD, FRCSC, Infertility and Egg Freezing Specialist, PCRM Vancouver Fertility Clinic, Paula Price, Professional Certified Coach, Uplevel Lawyer Coaching, Leena Yousefi, Lawyer, Mediator and CEO, YLaw
Moderator: Rachel Schechter, Lawyer, Fasken
Meeting Title/Topic: Planning for the Future: Family Planning within the Legal Profession
Synopsis: Members joined us for a candid conversation featuring the personal accounts from our speakers and explored each phase of the general framework of family planning.
January 30, 2024
Registration Count: 51
Format: In-Person
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 29, 2024
Registration Count: 25
Format: In-Person
Guest Speakers: Dr. Martha C. Piper, OC, OBC, former President and Vice Chancellor of The University of British Columbia
Meeting Title/Topic: Senior Women Lawyers Dinner
Synopsis: An evening of inspiration and camaraderie. This exclusive event is dedicated to honoring the achievements, wisdom, and empowerment of women who have paved the way for others.
April 2, 2024
Registration Count: 20 in-person, 45 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: The Hon. Justice Jennifer Whately, Supreme Court of British Columbia, The Hon. Justice Anita Chan, Supreme Court of British Columbia, The Hon. Justice Jacqueline Hughes, Supreme Court of British Columbia
Moderator: Eileen Patel, Patel Advocacy
Meeting Title/Topic: From Advocate to Adjuticator: Paths to the Bench
Synopsis: At this event, delve into the personal journeys of our esteemed panelists, exploring how they gained the confidence to embrace a judicial role and transition from lawyers to judges. Focusing on their experiences, insights and pivotal moments, our panelists discuss what led them to take that significant next step in their careers.
June 12, 2024
Registration Count: 26 in-person, 4 online
Format: Hybrid
Guest Speakers: Jenny Francis, Managing Partner, Fasken (Vancouver & Surrey Offices, Lindsie Thomson, Managing Partner, Harris & Company
Moderator: Rose Keith, KC, Partner, Harper Grey LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: Annual General Meeting
Synopsis: The BC Women Lawyers Forum invited members to attend an end-of-year celebration and Annual General Meeting at the Fairmont Waterfront. Over appies, the Past Chair of WLF led a conversation with two women lawyers who are “leading the charge” in more ways than one as managing partners at prominent BC firms.
COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE CHAIR