Canadian Lawyer

FEATURE CROSS EXAMINED 10 www.canadianlawyermag.com JILL FRASER RESHAPES AIRD & BERLIS With a full exit from client work ahead, Jill Fraser is investing in West Coast growth and emerging leadership across the firm JILL FRASER has spent nearly three decades at Aird & Berlis LLP, building a career in financial services law. Now, as the firm's managing partner, she's stepping into a leadership role she describes as exciting and demanding. Her work has primarily focused on lending, securitization, and equipment lease financing, but her priorities have shifted dramatically since taking over last spring from Steve Zakem, who held the role for nine years. Fraser says that because the firm does not have term limits, she "could be here for quite a while or a short time." She's still balancing her legal practice with her new responsibilities but plans to transition fully into leadership. "It is really a full-time role," she explains. "The previous managing partner also gave up his practice." While the decision wasn't easy, she felt ready for the shift. "I've been practising law for almost 30 years, so I'm excited to take on the challenge of running a business now." A major focus for Fraser is finalizing the firm's three-year strategic plan, a process launched two years ago. "The partnership just endorsed our strategic plan at our partnership meeting," she says. "So, we're now just in the process of creating a roadmap for the next three years." That roadmap includes examining which practice areas to expand, how to use technology more effectively, and how to continue delivering strong client value and service. Internally, one of Fraser's top priorities is talent development. "Investing in our people … [is] an ongoing thing," she says. She's overseeing a revamp of associate training and has appointed younger partners as practice group leaders in key areas like municipal, real estate, capital markets, and financial services. "I think it's important to have some young ideas," she says. Fraser is also focused on fostering more collaboration among lawyers. "We just had an … associates retreat in Kelowna in the fall," she says. The retreat gave associates across departments an opportunity to connect outside the office – something Fraser sees as crucial to firm culture. While the firm remains Toronto-based, it's making a significant geographic push westward. "We have had … a few lawyers in Vancouver who have been using the Regus shared office space, working mainly remotely," she says. But with growing client demand, the firm has leased permanent space and launched a formal office in the city. "It's pretty exciting to be able to service clients in Vancouver and BC as well as Ontario." The new team includes 12 lawyers focused on corporate, real estate, and Indigenous law – an area Fraser says is poised for growth. When it comes to retaining talent, Fraser says the firm's five-year partnership track is a big draw. "When I started, it was three years… Now, even five years is quick, but I find it's really appreciated, and our young lawyers are very excited to … have that opportunity." She says younger lawyers are also given meaningful responsibility earlier in their careers, which helps them grow and stay engaged. Fraser also points to the firm's longstanding focus on diversity and inclusion, which she acknowledges have become politically charged, particularly in the US. "Our program is not about politics; "I've been practising law for almost 30 years, so I'm excited to take on the challenge of running a business now"

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