Advocacy Matters - Spring 2024

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Erin Durant Durant Barristers Jennifer Hunter Lerners LLP David Thompson Carroll Heyd Chown LLP Brian Duong Hunter Litigation Chambers INTERVIEW A Roundtable with the Chairs of the TAS 2024 Winter Summit: The Big Chill Ottawa Compiled by Mana Khami (she/her), Borden Ladner Gervais LLP 26 Interviewees: Erin Durant (Lawyer and Founder, Durant Barristers), Jennifer Hunter (Partner, Lerners LLP), David Thompson (Partner, Carroll Heyd Chown LLP), and Brian Duong (Counsel, Hunter Litigation Chambers)
Q: The 2024 Winter Summit: The Big Chill Ottawa conference was the first destination conference specifically geared towards mid-career advocates. How did it differ from other TAS conferences geared towards junior or senior lawyers, like Fall Forum and Fall Convention? A. Jennifer Hunter: Our focus was on creating content, and engagement, specific to mid-career lawyers. The session topics were intended to look at familiar topics, such as mentoring and business development, from the particular lens of someone who has been practicing for 10+ years. We also wanted to introduce new specific topics, such as entering management for the first time, and how to be a “Happy Lawyer”. We also wanted to take advantage of peer mentoring, so we built in a lot of discussion and networking opportunities. Q: The conference was held in February 2024 at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa. Tell us why this location was chosen, and what made it an ideal location for the Winter Summit? A. Brian Duong: Ottawa is a central location for delegates from coast to coast. It is also home to the Supreme Court of Canada. Q: What was the most memorable part of the conference for you, and why? A. David Thompson: I most enjoyed the roundtable discussions we had after several of the panels. It was reassuring to hear from so many peers that they struggle with the same challenges, no matter how successful they appear to be. Everyone was so down-to-earth, willing to listen and share ideas for dealing with those challenges. Q: While the conference focused on programs and discussions surrounding essential leadership skills, next-level business development strategies, and practice pointers from mid-career leaders, what other opportunities and events were participants able to take advantage of during the three-day conference? A. Erin Durant: The participants benefited from a lot of downtime in Ottawa and were able to check out Winterlude, attend the Supreme Court of Canada tour, and dine at local restaurants. There were a lot of new and deepened connections made between advocates at the social events. Q: What were some of the key takeaways you learned from speakers presenting at the Winter Summit? A. Brian Duong: Mid-career lawyers should not hesitate to put their hands up to take on greater leadership roles within their organizations. Jennifer Hunter: Take risks. Whether that is putting your name forward for management, or taking time back from a busy workload, now is the time to build the practice and the life you want. 27
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