1. How long have you been practicing law? How did you begin your law career?
I have been practicing for 13 years. I articled at an insurance defence firm and wanted to try commercial litigation. In my first six months of practice I had a matter settle on the first day of trial at the courthouse. About a month later the managing partner of the opposing counsel requested an interview. I have been with Boghosian + Allen ever since practicing primarily Municipal Law. The firm focuses on litigation in the areas of Municipal, Commercial, Product Liability, Employment, Wills and Estates Law and other Specialty Insurance.
2. What is your approach to the ‘business of law’ side of the practice?
There is disconnect between the ‘business of law’ with the actual practice of law for many who practice. Being at a firm of 4 lawyers when I started that has now grown to 15, I have seen how imporant the business aspects of client and business development are and have been proactive in that respect from the earliest stages of my career.
3. What challenges are presenting themselves and how are you handling them?
Resolving disputes in our civil courts is a long and arduos process. As counsel, I attempt to temper clients expectations regarding the expediency of the process and discuss the realties of the costs associated with ongoing litigation.
4. What is a typical day like for you? What is the best part of your job?
My days are highly variable. On any given day I’m attending client and witness meetings, advising municipal council and staff on challangeing legal and policy questions, examinations for discovery and court. My Municipal Law practice often brings me to all corners of the province.
An in-office day tends to be 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. so that I can have dinner with my family. Once my 5 and 2 year-olds are in bed I try to get in a few more hours of work.
5. On a totally different note, how do you like to spend your time when you are not at work?
I am an avid home cook and have dabbled in gardening since we moved from a downtown condo to a house. I have always been a keen traveler and we now try to keep the adventures going with the 5 and 2 year-olds in tow..
