Three prominent BC female lawyers were on campus Monday afternoon speaking to a group of thirty law students. The second annual career panel event was hosted by the student-run TRU Women & Law Club to celebrate International Women’s Day.
“We bring them in to discuss the achievements of women in the legal profession. We select a panel that represents different career paths and in general a broad cross-section of experiences,” said Emily Raven, a 2L from White Rock, BC, and President of the TRU Women & Law Club.
The panel included Alex Janse, Kamloops Crown Counsel specializing in criminal law and animal rights cases; Ayla Salyn, a senior associate at Fulton and Company LLP in Kamloops, specializing in aboriginal law and banking and commercial litigation and Carol Hickman, QC, of Quay Law Centre in Vancouver, specializing family law and mediation.
The informal event allowed the panel—moderated by a student—to candidly share advice, wisdom and colorful stories on a range of topics including leadership, mentorship, realistic expectations, work/life balance, overcoming adversity, emotional burnout and experiences of sexism in the workplace.
Stephanie Leong, a 3L from Prince George, described the forum as a great place to be able to ask questions in a relaxed setting, and was pleased the panel openly chatted about family planning and balancing that with a competitive profession where a grueling work load is often the norm.
“It’s nice to know you can still be true to your personality. You can be outspoken and be maternal at the same time,” said Leong, reflecting on how the panel’s comments impacted her perceptions of being a mother and being a lawyer.
Despite the fact that the event was advertised as inclusive, one lone male was in attendance. David Horvath, a 2L from Vancouver says hearing the female perspective was very informative.
“The biggest thing for me was hearing about the pregnancy and maternity issues, and hearing how, in their experience, others seemed to become over sensitive during that time–what one panel member described as a type of reverse discrimination,” Horvath stated.
Raven and the rest of the TRU Women & Law Club executive are pleased with the turnout and the discussion.
As for the panel, Carol Hickman says she feels grateful she can offer her experience coming from rural Saskatchewan to a legal career where she is now an employer in private practice.
“It’s an opportunity to give back and pass the torch to the next generation of women lawyers. Women are the majority in law school, but a minority in law practice. Why is that? If sharing my wisdom can help young women see what their possibilities are, I’m happy to do that,” said Hickman.
