On November 1, 2018, the Public Sector Lawyers Section of the Ontario Bar Association hosted a welcome reception for articling students and Law Practice Program (LPP) candidates. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments while networking with students and lawyers from various public interest organizations before the honourable Sandra Nishikawa delivered this year’s keynote address. She reflected on her experience in the public service and the lessons she learned along the way.
When Justice Nishikawa entered the legal profession, she saw the law as an avenue through which to solve problems and cultivate positive change. She began her legal career as a summer student with the Department of Justice. She spent some time in private practice, where she continued to see public service as a force for good, devoting time to pro bono work by assisting asylum seekers, low-income housing tenants, and other underserved groups. After securing a role with the Federal Department of Justice by cold-calling lawyers, she went on to work with the Civil Remedies for Illicit Activities office in the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ontario Human Rights Commission before being appointed to the bench this past year.
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