Helping Yorkies Make Invaluable Connections
Twenty-two alumnae gathered in the downtown Vancouver offices of Singleton Urquhart law firm on June 13th for our very first “Yorkies in Law” event. After a year of responding to questions from recent grads studying law who were eager to connect with other alumnae in the field, Ita Kane-Wilson in the YHS Alumnae Office saw the need for a structured networking event specifically for alumnae in law. She reached out to alumna Talya Nemetz-Sinchein ‘05, Law Associate at Singleton Urquhart, who immediately offered to find a space for the event and within a few days, a date was set.
Elizabeth Lyall ’77, a partner with Fasken Martineau, and Jane Murdoch ’78, General Counsel, Finning International, were invited as panellists along with Talya and Erika Lai ’08, currently articling with Miller Thomson. The panel discussion focused on career paths, bigger versus smaller firms, trying to do it all as a working mother, and opportunities for women in law today. Following the formal panel discussion, alumnae had the opportunity to make personal connections with those who attended.
Commenting on the success of this first-ever event, Ita said, “Our recent grads need mentorship and advice as they leave law school and find articling positions; it is so wonderful to see our more established alumnae provide them with the support and resources that they need. In keeping with our school motto, Not for Ourselves Alone, it was incredible to see how much goodwill Yorkies have for one another.”
“Yorkies in Law” will become an annual networking event moving forward. The Alumnae Office has already had requests for similar events for “Yorkies in Medicine” and “Yorkies in Business” and planning is under way.