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FEATURE
Adkins finds that transactional work is a constant
challenge because no two deals are ever alike.
“Structuring deals can be quite a creative process,
particularly when the client has not done a Canadian
deal before and has particular goals or concerns.
Our clients are highly sophisticated and the process
of giving advice can be a collaborative effort. The
client is trying to find a business solution, and
understanding their objectives really improves the
lawyer-client relationship.”
Adkins confesses to being more than a little surprised
at the type of work he’s engaged in at Blakes. “I
thought I was going to be a litigator. Law school
was very case-focused. I did not follow the business
world in much detail and I did not intend to become
a corporate/securities lawyer. But when I started
practicing, it quickly became apparent that it was the
right fit for me.”
As for maintaining his Canadian connection, the short
distance to the border makes for frequent visits back
to home turf. “Canadian roots are accessible easily
enough. I work with Canadians here in this office. My
wife is from Winnipeg. Our families are from there so
we go back regularly.”
“We are big Winnipeg Jets fans. We go to the big
games when the Jets play here. We go back to
Winnipeg in the summers and spend time with our
families at the Lake of the Woods, so we have really
strong ties to Canada.”
Waving the Canadian flag in New York comes easily
to Adkins and company. “It goes without saying
that my family is my first priority and I work hard to
maximize our time together. We are very proud of
being Canadian. I’m on the board of the Canadian
Association of New York. I serve on the board of
directors of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan,
and it’s a terrific organization. CMOM has a number
of outreach programs for underprivileged children
in New York City and I have been fortunate enough
to be involved. Giving your time to a charitable
organization or doing pro bono work is very
rewarding and one of the best parts of the profession.
We do all kinds of social and charitable events with
the Canadian community in New York. I feel fortunate
to work for a terrific firm. I have excellent colleagues
and that makes all the difference.”
Adkins acknowledges that he never planned to
leave Canada. “It just worked out that way. I think it’s
important to find a place to work where you respect
the people you work with, where you enjoy the work
and the clients, and where you feel appreciated. It
doesn’t matter where that is.”
distinguished guest lecture & reception
l.Kerry vicKar Thursday, sepT. 13, 2012
On Ethics, Legal Education, and Deal-making
5:30pM – 7:30pM
the James W. Burns executive education centre
2 nd floor 177 lombard Avenue
An Evening of Continuing Professional Development and Networking
participants will be eligible to record their attendance as a cpd activity on their report to the law society of Manitoba.
RSVP to larissa Weber by Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, phone 204-474-6717 or email Larissa.Weber@ad.umanitoba.ca.
UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA, FACULTY OF LAW robsonhall.ca 36