Personal Background
I am the daughter of a Jamaican mother and father who immigrated to Canada in the late 1960s. I grew up in East York, specifically, Greektown, aka The Danforth. I was fortunate to have been raised with multicultural neighbours, friends and family who sparked an interest in me for diverse languages and cultures.
Educational Background
I went to primary school at Crescent Town Public School, followed by Junior High at D.A. Morrison. My high school was East York Collegiate Institute. My undergraduate studies were at Glendon College, York University and I graduated from Queen's University Faculty of Law.
What I Love About My Field
I love corporate law because it contributes to tangible results with respect to wealth. Immigration law is a high calling as it touches upon human rights and individual freedoms. Advocacy is intellectually stimulating and gives one the opportunity to sharpen their communication and persuasive skills.
Career Progression
After my first semester at Law School, I worked at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for one year in the role of Assistant to the Master of the Rules of Civil Procedure & Registrar. My first job upon graduation was at a boutique firm where I practiced litigation. Thereafter, I opened my own office. My caseload included contract work for a major financial institution. Canada’s most prominent law firms are repeat clients of mine. Moreover, I am an entrepreneur (BossKit.co) and Lawyer-In-Residence with University of Toronto Entrepreneurship.
Keeping It Real
As a female lawyer of colour, coming from a working class background, I faced some obstacles from the outside and from within. There was racism, undermining, and even sexual harassment. There have been a few prominent exposes in Canadian media about the proclivity of the aforementioned pitfalls within the Canadian legal profession. However, the exercise of grit, integrity, a growth mindset and the practice of relentless skills development triumphs over everything else.
Advice I Wish I Received
Get a joint JD in US and Canadian law. Pursue cross-border work.
Advice I'd Like to Give
Do not let others intimidate you or steal your confidence. If they can, they will. However, never fall into the cowardice of arrogance either.
Inspiring Quote
“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore, before you decide to be happy.” --- Nightbirde