Page 10 - CCCA 278683 Magazine_Spring 2018

{ PROFILE }
“ In-house is a great place to practice. I like the

community and the reach it affords me. I feel as corporate counsel

we are like the family doctor. People come to us with their problems,
”
looking for answers. What’s wonderful is that we [in the organization]
are all working towards a greater purpose.”

“In-house is a great place to practice,” Through the CCCA, she has met in- ferent] framework to think about matters
she says. “I like the community and the house counsel from across Canada. “It has you are dealing with.”
reach it affords me. I feel as corporate given me a broader perspective. Hearing, For instance, she was an executive-in-
counsel we are like the family doctor. Peo- listening, connecting with in-house coun- residence for the CCCA’s Business Leader-
ple come to us with their problems, look- sel—that is why the CCCA is so impor- ship Program for In-House Counsel, in the
ing for answers. What’s wonderful is that tant. It provides and enhances this nation- leadership course led by Professor Mark
we [in the organization] are all working al perspective that we have.” Weber, an award-winning teacher, re-
towards a greater purpose.” searcher and consultant. His advice that
She especially likes working for a uni- role model And liFelong leArner she has taken to heart? You create the situ-
versity, a sector “full of smart people,” be- Julia sees her success as bigger than her- ation you are in—so create the situation
cause she has many opportunities to work self. Her highest priority is her family, you want.
with visionaries and a “magnifcent” Board. especially her two daughters, 13 and “Focus on your strengths. That is
“They are always questioning you—and 18 years old. “It is important to me to where you’re going to be the most happy,”
they ask really great questions. They are have a balanced home life as well as a she advises, adding, “The only thing you
always pushing you to be the best lawyer.” great career,” she says—something that can fx is yourself.”
Julia certainly is one of the best. Among is possible thanks to the tremendous As in-house counsel, she says, “we are
her many recognitions, she was awarded support she receives from her husband multi-talented. In addition to lawyers, we
the CCCA R.V.A. Jones Award in 2016, (“a great adviser, great supporter, great act as interpreters and great managers; we
and the Osgoode Hall Law School Dean’s partner”), and her parents and in-laws. are adaptable and strategic. We are not
Alumni Gold Key Award and the CCCA She is well aware she is a role model for one- or two-dimensional lawyers. We have
Ontario Chapter Award of Excellence in her daughters. the opportunity to be so much more.”
2017. She was also named one of Cana- Along that vein, she shows through For her part, she says, “I am trying to
dian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Infuential In- example the importance of continuous make things better.”
House Counsel in 2017. development. “I am a lifelong learner. Julia is a prime example that you don’t
“I could not have done all this without That is the greatest investment,” she says. have to start out big to impact your com-
the CCCA,” she refects. “Younger lawyers Among her most notable achievements, munities. Rather, it is in building, con-
are always asking me, ‘What can I do to she holds the CCCA’s Certifed In-House necting with and empowering her com-
build my career?’ Don’t just look at your Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designation; munities that she has become so well
workplace; look to places like the CCCA the Institute of Corporate Directors, Di- renowned. ❚
for more experiences, like operational; rector (ICD.D) designation and the Mas-
learn operational skills by participating ter of Laws (LLM) degree.
in the chapter executive and organizing a “Any continuing legal education is Lynne Yryku is the Executive Editor of CCCA
CCCA professional development session.” valuable,” she advises. “It gives you a [dif- Magazine.

10 CCCA MAGAzine | SPRinG 2018 PRinTeMPS