Articles 2020

Career transitions can be difficult (let’s be honest, more like downright terrifying). I knew a career shift was on the horizon when I returned from my second maternity leave to my job as a senior litigation associate at a large law firm. Something was “off”. I wasn’t sure if this was because of my time at home, the expectations of the job, the files, the clients, the firm, or a bit or all of the above. I just knew something had to change.

On September 21, 2015, in a sold-out auditorium at the University of Toronto’s Isabel Bader Theatre, Canadians witnessed the closest thing they will see to a women’s issues debate this election. Up for Debate 2015 was a screening of a compilation of recorded video interview clips with leaders from four of five major political parties, including the Liberals, the New Democratic Party, the Bloc Quebecois, and the Green Party.

A compilation of links to articles, podcasts, and videos that may be of interest to members of the OBA Women Lawyers Forum. Have suggested content for this feature? Email the link to Justine Johnston at jvjohnston@stikeman.com.

Each month we will introduce a different member(s) of the Women Lawyers Forum Executive. Learn a little bit about us, why we joined the executive and what we love about being a lawyer.

After graduating law school in the spring, most graduates have begun their articling term. While articling is an exciting time, it can also be stressful. Articling students are often asked to take on a range of assignments in areas of law they do not have experience in. With this in mind, here are five tips to help you make the most of your articles. These tips are also useful for new calls just beginning their careers or striking out on their own.

A compilation of links to articles, podcasts, and videos that may be of interest to members of the OBA Women Lawyers Forum. Have suggested content for this feature? Email the link to Justine Johnston at jvjohnston@stikeman.com.

On March 5, 2015, the OBA Women Lawyer’s Forum joined forces with the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, the Women’s Law Association of Ontario and the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) to help to co-ordinate the Law Society of Upper Canada’s International Women’s Day event. The panel discussion was entitled “Sexual violence against women: the more things change, the more they stay the same?”

A question that plagues many young lawyers trying to navigate their way in a stressful and cutthroat profession is how to go about finding a mentor and developing that mentor/mentee relationship. Your first few years as a lawyer are arguably the most challenging, and it is the period during which lawyers need the most guidance and support.