Tell us about your position at Pallett Valo
I am a recent member of the Business Law practice group, having joined the firm in 2018 to focus on corporate and commercial law after three years in a general solicitor practice. I advise a variety of corporate clients, from start-ups to mature businesses, on all aspects of business law. I am also working towards my Trusts and Estates Practitioner designation and am developing a practice in trust and estate planning for business owners.
What are some of your biggest achievements/accomplishments within your legal career and why are these so important to you?
As lawyers, we are privileged to help our clients navigate complex and often stressful situations. But, when first starting out, and sometimes especially as a woman, it can feel scary and difficult to express yourself, whether advising a client or negotiating with more senior counsel. I am proud of finding that voice early on in my career by seeking out client-facing and increasingly independent responsibilities from law school onward, and persevering through the challenges of developing an authentic expression of myself to become a trusted advisor to clients.
How does your instructor role at Wilfrid Laurier University influence your practice?
Teaching keeps me on my toes! I completed an undergraduate degree in Economics at Wilfrid Laurier, so I know first-hand the quality of the school’s business and economics programs. The students ask thoughtful questions and challenge the status quo, meaning I am continuously learning about the law and how to communicate effectively. Teaching also gives me insight into the next generation of business professionals (some of whom will hopefully also become lawyers) who will be forging their own paths soon enough.