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.
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