TLA’s Women in Law forum should not be missed

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The Toronto Lawyers Association‘s (TLA) upcoming Women in Law program is a must for any member looking to get ahead in her profession, says executive director/library director Joan Rataic-Lang. 

Steps to Success: Building the Foundation and Finding the Right Mentor(s), runs from 5-6:30 p.m. on May 13 and will be moderated by Surina Sud, of Kostyniuk & Greenside Lawyers.  The online forum features Ontario Superior Court Associate Chief Justice Faye E. McWatt, Dean Donna Young, Faculty of Law, Ryerson University, and Gina Nardella, of Kostyniuk & Greenside Lawyers.

It is the fourth annual Women in Law workshop which has been enthusiastically received although this year’s offering is not filling up as quickly as hoped, says Rataic-Lang.

“It might be a case of Zoom fatigue,” she tells LegalMattersCanada.ca.

Rataic-Lang says an important component of the Women in Law program fell victim to social distancing, which may account for the slow pace of registration.

Looking forward to return of networking sessions

‘In the past, we were able to do a networking session afterward, which was extremely popular, she says. “The members were able to meet with the speakers and people would be really engaged in discussion. Now we’re missing that. We’re looking forward to the time when we can do it again.”

Still, Rataic-Lang says, the event is one that should not be missed.

“We are presenting three people who will have a lot to say on this very important topic,” she says. “People may think this is a program just for young lawyers but everyone should have a mentor, no matter where they are in their career. 

“Everyone needs a career plan and should ensure that they surround themselves with people who can help them to achieve success.”

According to the TLA, research shows that despite making headway in recent years, women lawyers face three main challenges within their profession: gender bias, lack of role models and champions, and exclusion from informal male networks. 

The program panellists will discuss their respective career journeys and the lessons learned along the way. Topics include:

• Pushing through adversity and tips on overcoming challenging situations.
• Strategies to help women advance in law firms.
• The importance of career planning and goal setting.
• Various forms of mentorship.
• Developing a mentee/mentor relationship.
• Finding the right mentor.

‘No person is an island’

“No person is an island so it is essential to have someone that you can trust to have open and honest discussions with,” Rataic-Lang says. “Not just your family or friends but someone who is in the profession who really understands your day-to-day experiences at work. Someone who understands your career aspirations.”

Despite the benefit of a mentor, she says many people may be afraid to ask someone to take on the role.

“There’s that voice in our heads that makes us question whether we should ask someone for help,” she says. “There may be the fear of the time commitment involved but it doesn’t necessarily need to take up a lot of your life.”

 Rataic-Lang says the program is not only open to those interested in having a mentor but to anyone who believes they have something to share.

“You may be at the stage in your career where you think you can help someone and wouldn’t that be an honour to give back?” she asks. “I mentored one young librarian and I was thrilled to help him out because I remember some of those times when I could have used some advice.

‘Doesn’t always have to be a long-term relationship’

“I offered a little bit of career guidance and that was all that was required. It doesn’t always have to be a long-term relationship,” Rataic-Lang adds.

The cost of the program for TLA members is $69; member licensing candidates and new calls is $25, Friends of the TLA  and non-members is $130. HST is extra. Complimentary tickets are available for law school students.

To register, click here.

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The TLA has a wide variety of member programs worth checking out, including The Basics of Appellate Advocacy: As Seen Through the Eyes Of The Bench, running from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on May 19.

“They’re only taking 40 people for this event,” says Rataic-Lang. “It sold out in London, Ottawa and Hamilton.”

The forum is a unique learning opportunity on appeal court advocacy hosted by two Ontario Court of Appeal judges, Justice David Brown and Justice Grant Huscroft, who will share their thoughts, advice and tips on how to be successful. There will be a group discussion followed by break-out rooms and an opportunity to ask questions. 

“If you are going to be appearing before the Ontario Court of Appeal, you should be attending this program,” Rataic-Lang says.

For fee structure and registration details, click here.

Panel of experienced lawyers lead discussion

On June 2 from noon to 1:15 p.m. members can take part in Enforcing Foreign Judgments: Strategies, Tools and Tactics From the Trenches. Rataic-Lang says a panel of experienced lawyers will discuss how to lay the groundwork for successful recovery, options for preserving assets to prevent dissipation, and tools available across jurisdictions to facilitate prompt payments by unwilling debtors. 

“One of our members said he attended this program in 2007 and still uses the materials from that session,” she says. “This is a topic that can touch every practice, every litigator. Lawyers should be attending this just to ensure they’re on top of what they need to know.”

For fee structure and registration details, click here.

The association is offering Part two of Continuing to Manage – Mental Health, Resilience and Resources, on June 15 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This session will address a range of issues, including how to keep connected, find mentors and supports, and tips and resources. The program is eligible for 1.5 hours of professionalism, and LAWPRO’s $50 Risk Management Credit. For fee structure and registration details, click here.

On June 22, TLA is presenting Working Together, Remotely – Managing and Leading Through COVID and Beyond. 

Leading lawyers and expert law practice advisors share tips and lessons learned from the rapid shift to virtual practice in this program, which runs noon to 1:30 p.m. 

Topics include:

• Managing people, teams and your clients remotely.
• Maintaining your values/culture while remote.
• Managing processes and leveraging your tech.
• Effectively setting boundaries within the firm and with clients.

For fee structure and registration details, click here. For a complete list of events, click here.

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