Making an effective career transition between private practice, government or an in-house role requires careful planning and preparation in order to ensure that you are a strong candidate. Our speakers will be discussing their unique career transitions as mid and senior level lawyers and what prepared them for their new roles. We will be joined by three speakers:

Sarah Malik (Crown Counsel at Public Prosecution Service of Canada)
Fariya Walji (Incoming Senior Director, Law Practice Program (LPP), Toronto Metropolitan University - formerly Ryerson
University)
Emily Larose (Vice President Regulatory & General Counsel at Electrical Safety Authority).

This event is being offered as both an in-person event (very limited capacity and for members only) and as a virtual presentation.

Attendees will be given an opportunity to pose questions to our speakers.

Date: February 9, 2023
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm (5:30pm registration & networking; 6pm event content; 6:45pm Q& A for speakers;  7-7:30pm optional networking)
Location: Hybrid Event. Virtual. And for limited attending In-Person - Lerners Lawyers (225 King Street West, Suite 1500, Toronto, ON, M5V 3M2)

Virtual available for both Members and Non-members. Limited In-person availability. (In-person attendees will be offered light snacks and refreshments.)

Price: $30 for members, $40 for non-members.

Click here to register!

Join us on Thursday, December 8th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto for the WLAO Annual Holiday Dinner Party! Cocktails, dinner and the opportunity to share the holiday spirit - dressed up and in person!

This year we are delighted to have Treasurer Jacqueline Horvat and immediate Past Treasurer Teresa Donnelly as our guests of honour.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available if you would like to show your support of WLAO programs and events!

Bring a colleague, book a table for 8, or become a sponsor!

Registration is below and we welcome both members and non-members to join in the celebration! Members can bring along a guest at the member rate!

Thursday, December 8, 2022, at 5:30 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown
108 Chestnut Street
Toronto, ON

Learn More

A2J Week 2022: Women leaders in access to justice

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET

Register here

Panelists will discuss how they and their firms support access to justice.  They will also talk about their firm culture.

Speakers:

Treasurer Jacqueline Horvat is the Treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario. She was elected in 2022 during her third term as an elected bencher. Jacqueline represents clients in commercial and shareholder disputes. She is involved in collaborative projects with the University of Windsor, including the Reclaim Pro Bono Project, representing clients who have suffered online and technology facilitated violence. Jacqueline gives back to the profession by being a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs and mentoring new lawyers.

Michelle Haigh is a licensed paralegal and founder of Precision Paralegal Services Professional Corporation, and has 25 years’ experience in the Small Claims Court. Michelle is currently a member of the Toronto Small Claims Court Frequent User Committee and the Attorney General’s Small Claims Court Advisory Committee.  Michelle was formerly a member of the Humber College Program Advisory Board, and the Sheridan College Advisory Board. Michelle has also sat on the boards for Legal Aid Ontario and the Canadian Mental Health Association (Halton Branch).

Amelia Yiu is the founding principal lawyer of Elm Law Professional Corporation, a law firm located in Whitby, Ontario. Amelia is committed to supporting and promoting women lawyers by creating an inclusive atmosphere at her firm and by being an advocate for the advancement of women in the profession.Amelia was called to the bar of Ontario in 2007 and began her career at a boutique litigation law firm in downtown Toronto before opening Elm Law in 2016. Her practice is focused on estate litigation, power of attorney disputes and elder law. Amelia also practices family law where it intersects with estates and/or power of attorney issues.

Moderators:

Jennifer Gold is a Partner of Wood Gold LLP in Brampton, where she practices family law with a focus on settlement. She’s experienced in achieving consensus, negotiating agreements, de-escalating conflict, and representing clients in mediation and arbitration. In 2021, Jennifer was appointed as a Dispute Resolution Officer for the Superior Court of Justice to assist in early resolution of family law cases. She has completed a Certificate in Family Mediation and, in keeping with her professional commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, has also completed the University of Alberta’s course, Indigenous Canada.

Najma Jamaldin is a Trial & Appeal Lawyer who is passionate about Canadian law and history. Najma has accumulated over 20 years of court expertise and with a deep belief in individual rights, she applies herself with professionalism and dedication. She has experience dealing with complex matters before all levels of court and regularly appears in the appellate courts. Najma has frequently participated as a panelist for several legal education conferences held by Ontario Bar Association, Osgoode Hall Professional Development Program and the Criminal Lawyers Association. She serves on committees for the Advocates’ Society and Women’s Law Association of Ontario. Najma works with a network of lawyers in shared chambers to ensure she can serve her clients from every angle.

This session is hosted by the Women’s Law Association of Ontario.

CPD Accreditation: Approved EDI Professionalism: 1 hour(s) and 5 minute(s)