Keeping Tabs February 2019

Q. What unique knowledge have you gleaned in your practice that you can share with
other young advocates?
A. There is a famous quote from Robert Jackson about the three arguments he made in every
case as Solicitor General of the United States: the one he planned for, the one he actually presented,
and the “utterly devastating” argument that he thought of after going to bed that night.
Whether it’s an examination of a witness or an oral submission, in the hours, days or weeks that
follow you might think of an answer that you wish you had given, or a further question that you
wish you had asked a witness. This doesn’t happen only to young advocates so you shouldn’t be
too hard on yourself. Instead, use these as opportunities to learn.
Q. What is your greatest extravagance
in your everyday life?
A. I like to pick up a decent bottle of wine
every now and then. Another “extravagance”,
though certainly not an everyday
one, is collecting works by emerging artists.
Our artists tend to be underappreciated
in this country, and I encourage
everyone to support these folks in their
regions and beyond. They promote curiosity,
inspire debate, and encourage dialogue
in ways concrete and abstract, and
they certainly deserve our support.
Q. You practised in both Toronto and
Vancouver. What is the difference in
the practice between the two cities?
A. For me, the biggest difference was the
change in subject matter. In Toronto, my
practice involved primarily patent and
trademark disputes, whereas my practice
now is much more general. Aside from
that, there is certainly a difference in the
size of the bar, but both are collegial and
filled with talent.
YOUTUBE SERIES
TAS Legends of the Bar
Erin H. Durant, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Pawlitza Discusses Imposter Syndrome in the Practice of Law
and How to Believe in Yourself
Q. What should advocates in the rest of Canada know about the life of a litigator in Vancouver?
A. There are a lot of great opportunities for young lawyers in Vancouver. The breadth of files, big
and small, allow young lawyers here to gain courtroom experience and develop their skills early
on in their careers. The bar is small enough that you will regularly run into the same lawyers, and
so your reputation is especially important.
The TAS archives contain footage
from a number of CPD conferences,
including the 2011
Women in Litigation Conference.
Laurie Pawlitza gave a significant
speech at this event - a portion
of which focused on imposter
syndrome and strategies to get
over the feeling that you do not
belong or are not good enough
to accomplish your goals. Imposter
syndrome impacts many
in the practice of law including
women, minorities and first
generation lawyers. Watch Ms.
Pawlitza discuss her own battle
with imposture syndrome and
her suggestions on how to silence
the negative voice that can
hold you back.
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