Barrister and Solicitor, Sole Proprietor
Public Administration, Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) 2010

Tell prospective students a bit about the work you do?

I work as a lawyer. I defend criminal and regulatory offences, work on family law files, and assist clients with small claims matters. I generally spend my time on legal research, business administration, and court appearances.

Tell prospective students a bit about how your studies at York helped you to get where you are today.

I applied for work-study positions through the School of Public Policy and Administration during my undergraduate studies. My government policy courses gave me some context for thinking about decision makers' choices at work. And the student opportunities allowed me to apply what I learned in school - especially program evaluation, introductory statistics, and research skills.

Toward the end of my third year, I applied for a summer job with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The Freedom of Information and Privacy Office hired me that summer. I helped respond to requests for information from political parties, journalists, and members of the public. I applied FIPPA in my work, and learned about statutory interpretation.

When school started again that September I continued with the Ministry part-time. When I wasn't studying, I worked on communications and research assignments for the office.

The SPPA offered placement opportunities as part of certain fourth year courses: I enrolled in the practicum course and the program evaluation courses. I completed my practicum at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure Legal Services Branch, where I helped lawyers with research tasks. I completed a student evaluation at the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade together with three classmates.

These experiences – especially my introductions to legal research and statutory interpretation – helped me later as a law student. More generally, these student jobs helped me develop a work ethic, learn to manage my time, and learn how to learn outside of school.