Updated August 2023
I was asked to write about my decision to become a lawyer by Israel, one of our former team members responsible for client services and marketing. She thought my life story was interesting, and those of you who choose to read our articles may enjoy it. Like most people, I don't particularly like talking about myself, but sometimes I find it challenging to find new topics to write about, so here goes!
As some of you may be aware, I came to practice law later in life. I started university at age 37, and in 2010 I graduated from law school at the age of 41. Prior to law school, I had to complete one year of an undergraduate degree, and then as a mature student, I could apply to law school with 30 credit hours (the equivalent of 1 year of university. For regular track applicants, the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba requires 60 credit hours or two years). Before going to university as a mature student, I sold real estate and then industrial equipment, such as forklifts. I was in sales from the age of 25 until I was 37 when I began attending school.
Out of high school, at the age of 17, I joined the Canadian Armed Forces, where I served eight years. I reached the (dizzying) rank of corporal. I completed my basic training in St-Jean, Quebec and then I trained to become a Radio Operator (or RadOp for short) in Kingston, Ontario. In the forces, I served in Calgary, Germany, Shilo Manitoba, and Winnipeg. I also completed a United Nations tour in 1988 in Cyprus. That year, the "blue helmets" won the Nobel Peace Prize (I'm still waiting for my award...)
While I chose all three of my careers (military, sales, and law), the decision to start over at 37 was made for me. My marriage failed and I simply made the best of it. While the last change was made out of necessity, my first two careers came out of a desire for a challenge. I sought adventure when I decided, on a whim, to join the army at 17. One day, as I walked by the recruitment centre in Montreal, I walked in out of curiosity. Six months later, I was in "boot camp."
After eight years, I decided to leave the forces because I had a young family and wanted to stay close to home to see my children more often. I didn't have many qualifications useful in the civilian world, so I threw myself into real estate sales. I wasn't from Western Manitoba, so when I started, I didn't know many people (I worked in Shilo, Manitoba but lived in Brandon). So I found a phone book and started calling the "A"s. I used to tell those curious enough to ask that I preferred making cold calls than digging holes to sleep in.
After four years in real estate, I found a more stable position selling industrial equipment. I did this for about seven years. As my career in sales was progressing, at the age of 36, my marriage fell apart. I was devastated. I found myself on my own with custody of three kids on a 50/50 basis with their mother. I met with an acquaintance of mine who was following a graduate program at the university and suggested I look into returning to school. So, after I investigated the possibility, I realized with some major life changes, I could afford it. I went through the process of reflecting on and testing my skills and aptitudes with psychologists who administered tests such as Myers Briggs. A career in law suddently seemed possible. So I completed the LSAT (Law school admission test) and applied to the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba. To my surprise (and relief) I was accepted. My new life in law started.
Going to school later in life provides certain advantages. I remember how I felt when dealing with lawyers before law school. I was in my early 20's when I first dealt with a lawyer. I met him when we bought our first home. I remember leaving his office confused. I didn't understand any of the documents we signed. Further, he kept asking me to sign waivers stating that he warned us about certain problems. I didn't understand a thing. I left frustrated and confused. Then when I separated and divorced, I dealt with a divorce lawyer. That process also left me frustrated. There had to be a better way.
Once I completed my articles, I started my own practice. At first, I practised criminal defence. While I enjoyed the work, the hours and other factors led to disillusionment. I wrote about my decision to leave criminal defence here if you're interested. An opportunity came up in St-Boniface as two francophone lawyers wanted to retire. So I joined them and decided to approach the concept of providing legal services differently. I wanted to make sure that no one left my office confused or frustrated the way I did when I was younger. Now, with a team of fourteen and three offices, we focus our efforts on making the law accessible. We train our staff to explain legal concepts and problems in plain language. Clients attend our offices easily without paying for parking while offering proximity to downtown and three neighbourhoods. We wanted to take the "marble" out of the law office. We also offer a pet-friendly environment in two of our three locations (the landlord on St-James does not allow pets) with Benny, who comes regularly, and Daisy and Milou, who visit less frequently.
My spouse, Cheryl joined our firm a few years ago and we now co-own the practise. While my decision to get into law stems from a significant setback in my life, I can't imagine any better outcome. Our clients and staff have made the journey rich and wonderful. For that, I am eternally grateful.
This article is presented for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice or solicitation and does not create a solicitor-client relationship (this means that I am not your lawyer until we both agree that I am). If you are seeking advice on specific matters, please contact our office at 204.925.1900. We cannot consider any unsolicited information sent to the author as solicitor-client privileged (this means confidential).
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