Get to Know Your Exec: Hyunju (Crystal) Park

1. When did you first get involved with the OBA?

I first got involved with the OBA when I was a law student at the University of Toronto. I started as a Student Member-at-Large for various sections including the OBA Business Law, OBA Civil Litigation, and the OBA Construction Law sections. It was an excellent way to get exposure to different practice areas and to learn from leading lawyers in each of those respective areas.

2. What is your role on the OBA Business Law Section?

My incumbent role is CPD Liaison. I have also held other roles within the section including Newsletter Editor and Secretary.

3. What is/are your specific area(s) of practice?

My practice encompasses assisting businesses in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, corporate finance and general corporate and commercial matters.

4. How long have you been practicing?

I was called to the Ontario bar in June 2023.

5. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is that you constantly feel the discomfort of growth. But this is also what drives me to be intentional about continuous learning and staying curious.

6. What is the most interesting or fulfilling aspect of your job?

It is interesting that my job is dynamic, and you learn something new from every M&A or corporate financing deal or transaction that you are a part of.

I find it fulfilling to be able to assist clients navigate the complexities of structuring and negotiating deals, and work as part of a team with very competent, intelligent and supportive lawyers.

7. If you were not practicing in your current area of law, what other area(s) of law could you see yourself in and why?

If I was not practicing as a corporate/M&A lawyer, I would be a corporate/commercial litigator. Mooting was one of my most memorable experiences as a law student and I also spent significant time as a summer and articling student training in litigation. I really enjoy reading and analyzing case law, both oral and written advocacy and working as part of a team on litigation strategy. I think advocacy is a form of art and am very inspired when watching litigators who are persuasive and effective when conducting examinations or in the courtroom.

8. What are you excited for as an executive member of the OBA Business Law Section?

We have planned many CPDs on various aspects of “business law” for 2026. As CPD Liaison, I am excited to continue to support the section executives in ensuring that we are offering high quality content to our members.

9. What is the one thing you would like to see the OBA Business Law Section do this year?

See my response to #8.

10. Can you mention one exciting thing you have worked on recently?

This season, in order to battle the winter blues, I have focused on improving my skiing. I have committed to getting on the piste twice a week and have improved significantly.

11. Where did you go to law school?

I hold a GPLLM from the University of Toronto, an LL.M in International Business Law from the University of Macau and an LL.B from Yonsei University (South Korea).

12. What was the most helpful thing you learned in law school?

I learned how to conduct in-depth research on legal arguments, draft persuasive factums, and practice oral advocacy. Most importantly, I developed a strong love for the law.

13. What is the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were still a student?

Get to know your peers, volunteer for causes that are important to you, attend networking events and take on leadership positions. Make the most out of your law school experience.

14. What is your go-to mental health wellness activity?

I try to get outside and stay close to nature – I run, ski during the winter, and golf during the summer.

15. What is your go-to coffee order?

Oat milk, flat white. No sugar.

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