Canadian Lawyer

realized early on that social work wasn't for me," she says. "In my second year, I decided to transfer to law. Fortunately, I was able to transfer my credits." She began articling in Winnipeg then transferred to Dauphin. "I am from Dauphin and wanted to come back and practise law in my home community," she says. "I was presented to the bar in Dauphin by our mayor Eric Irwin. Eric is also a lawyer. His son and I went to school together." Dorion worked at legal aid in her hometown for four years, focusing on family law. With Dawson and Bretecher, she notes, she is also gaining experience in wills and estates and corporate and commercial law. It wasn't until after finishing law school in 2008 that she returned to song writing and live performance. She hooked up with guitar player Arun Chaturvedi and started getting bookings. "Arun and I became really good friends," says Dorion. "He produced my 2010 album and helped record my new album, Small Town Stories." Chaturvedi moved to Toronto last year so Dorion is now working with two new guitar players and is learning to play acoustic guitar herself. "Being a musician living in a rural area presents some challenges," she notes. "When we rehearse, I have to go to Winnipeg. It's a seven-hour return trip. I leave work in Dauphin at 4. We rehearse at 7:30. Then I drive back home. But I love performing, meeting new people, and sharing my songs. It's worth the sacrifice." Certainly her aboriginal background is reflected in her songs. She points out however that she tries to write music that is "honest." "I try to be myself. In my music, I try to incorporate universal themes that everyone can relate to." Her performing career has taken her to Las Vegas twice, Ottawa, Edmonton, and, this summer, Churchill in northern Manitoba where she and her guitar player had the chance to jump into Zodiac boats and see some beluga whales up close. "That was a great experience," she says. Most of her performances thus far though have been in Manitoba. "We did a lot of shows this past summer," she says. "I am just starting to get more bookings outside the province. I just released a single across Canada that I think will help." She reports that the single, Mama Got a Shotgun, has been played on 30 country stations across the country. She also recorded a Christmas song with singer/ musician Don Amero which was released Nov. 12 and has another single coming out this month. "I have started working on my fourth album," she says. "I am aiming for a 2015 release." One of her dreams is to one day perform at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville. "That's pie in the sky," admits Dorion. She plans to continue to juggle her musical and legal careers as long as she is having fun. "When it stops being fun, I know it will be time to quit," she observes. "I will be able to quit and know that I still have a job." She compares a career in music to gambling. "Putting out albums is a huge financial investment and you never know what people will like or take to. It's like a slot machine. You pull the lever down and see what comes out." Looking for legal expertise? Find exactly what you need at www.CanadianLawList.com yu s and it's available to yo 24 hours a day. Starting a business, making a will or buying a house? g house? s nal injury r Declaring bankruptcy, dealing with a personal injury,, insurance claim or job loss? If you're in the midst of one of life's big events, help is as s close as your smartphone, tablet or computer. Simply go Si l to www.CanadianLawList.com to find the right lawyer for your particular legal need. www.CanadianLawList.com is Canada's most comprehensive online directory of lawyers and law firms. And it's easy to use! You can search by city, legal specialty, or name for listings and contact information. Find the legal expertise you need at www.CanadianLawList.com. CLLwebsite_CL_Jan_14.indd 1 www.CANADIAN L a w ye r m a g . c o m 13-12-03 11:07 AM Jan uary 2014 25

• Cover