You know that feeling when you stumble into exactly where you're meant to be? That's what happened to me twenty or so years ago when I joined the Ontario Bar Association's Public Sector Lawyers Section. I had no idea then that clicking "submit" on that membership form would lead to some of the most rewarding relationships of my legal career.
I cut my teeth in private practice, mainly dealing with government departments and agencies. Sure, the work was intellectually stimulating – diving into regulatory frameworks and policy implications kept my mind sharp. But something was missing. I'd spend my days preparing documents for government legal teams without knowing the people on the other side of those emails and phone calls. Who were these lawyers who chose the path of public service? What drove them? What challenges did they face?
These questions kept nagging until I finally decided to find out for myself. Joining the Public Sector Lawyers Section turned out to be one of those rare decisions that reshape your entire professional trajectory. And boy, am I glad I made it.
Let me paint you a picture of what makes this group so special.
Imagine walking into a room where you don't have to explain yourself or justify your career choices. No one's counting billable hours or sizing up their competition. Instead, you're surrounded by accomplished legal minds who've chosen to dedicate their careers to serving the public good. These aren't just government lawyers – though we have plenty of those – but also dedicated advocates from agencies and commissions across Ontario who share a common purpose.
The diversity of experience in our group is staggering. We've got lawyers working on everything from environmental protection to human rights, healthcare policy, and municipal law. Each brings their unique perspective, creating this incredible tapestry of public sector legal expertise. What binds us together isn't just our professional focus – it's our shared commitment to something bigger than ourselves.
My journey from regular member to serving on the executive team taught me more than I could have imagined. The continuing education events we organize aren't your typical dry, lecture-style presentations where everyone's counting the minutes until they can leave. Instead, they're more like lively discussions among friends who happen to be experts in their fields. We've tackled everything from the complexities of public procurement and public-private partnerships to the ever-evolving landscape of privacy law, and each session feels like a masterclass taught by people who've been in the trenches.
There's something magical about our in-person gatherings that even the best virtual platform can't replicate. Those spontaneous conversations over coffee, where someone casually mentions a solution to a problem you've been grappling with for weeks. The shared laughter during break times, when we swap stories about our most memorable cases or administrative mishaps. The collective lightbulb moments during presentations, when you can practically see the wheels turning in everyone's minds as we process new insights together.
Our speakers aren't just theoretical experts – they're practitioners who understand the unique challenges of public sector law. They know what it's like to balance public interest with practical constraints, to navigate political sensitivities while upholding legal principles. During Q&A sessions, the real magic happens. Members freely share their experiences and insights, creating this incredible knowledge exchange that benefits everyone in the room.
Informal mentoring in our group is highly valuable. Experienced members share their wisdom with newer lawyers during lunch breaks or after sessions. These connections have helped many careers, including mine. Some of my closest professional relationships began with a question during a coffee break.
What makes me proudest about our group is how we've maintained our sense of community even as the legal profession has evolved. While much of our interaction has shifted online recently, we've worked hard to preserve the personal connections that make our group special.
For those considering joining – whether you're already in public service or a private practitioner working with government clients – I want you to know that this isn't just another professional association to add to your resume. This is a community where you'll find people who understand your unique challenges and celebrate your successes. It's a place where you can be honest about the complexities of public sector work without fear of judgment.
The growth I've experienced through this group extends far beyond legal knowledge. While I have endeavoured to keep up to date with changes in administrative law and policy trends throughout the years, more importantly, I've learned the immeasurable value of belonging to a community of like-minded professionals who support each other's growth and success.
Reflecting on the past twenty years, I am reminded of how this "professional membership" has become integral to my identity as a lawyer. It has demonstrated that, although the legal profession can often seem isolating, it need not be so. Through collective strength, we learn from one another's experiences and provide mutual support while navigating the distinctive challenges of public sector legal work.
Isn't this precisely what we all look for in our professional lives? A place where we can learn continuously, contribute meaningfully, and feel part of something larger than ourselves? For me, the OBA's Public Sector Lawyers Section has been all this and more. It's been my professional home, learning ground, and community of trusted colleagues who've also become my friends.