A Mid-Life Pivot

My first year of law school taught me many things. I learned foundational concepts in the five core areas of first-year law: constitutional, property, tort, criminal and contract law. I learned how to conduct effective legal research, advocate persuasively and work at maximum efficiency.

But perhaps most notably, I learned that returning to school as a mature student is sure to generate curiosity and attention from classmates and administrators alike.

My decision to enroll in law school wasn’t a difficult one to make. The journey to get there, however, was a bit more of a challenge.

When I was 13, doctors discovered a brain tumour. I was extremely fortunate as the tumour was removed without too much difficulty. However, years later as an adult, I experienced complications and suddenly, these challenges proved to be an insurmountable barrier to attending law school.

In spite of the complications, I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and developed a passion for journalism. I subsequently pursued a rewarding career as a journalist and won several awards for my work, later transitioning into public relations.

Five years ago my life changed dramatically. I underwent a second surgery – a neurosurgical procedure that enabled me to pursue what had been a life-long dream.

This summer, having completed my first year of law school, I have the opportunity to work at Jasmine Daya & Co. where I’m able to help injured clients and support the firm’s first-class litigators as they fight to secure maximum damages in their clients’ cases. As someone who has suffered serious injury and encountered challenges as a result of my injury, I can relate to the plight that many of the firm’s clients face. I believe this personal experience has made me a more passionate and enthusiastic advocate.

Working in one of the city’s most prominent personal injury law firms this summer has provided countless opportunities and valuable exposure to the fundamentals of personal injury law as well as the daily lives of first-rate litigators.

Jasmine Daya & Co. has been a great place to work, and having had the opportunity to see the firm’s lawyers in action, it’s an exceptional firm to have fighting in your corner.