Canadian Lawyer

w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m M a r c h 2 0 1 4 23 in an office overlooking the float planes plying the waters of Vancouver's harbour as she pursues a litigation practice. "I like to argue," she says. "Not in the combative sense. I really enjoy the mental exercise of debating, taking a position." What's more, she says, as she bores easily, litigation work keeps her mind engaged. For a lawyer to be effective, she believes he or she must be connected to the community. "It's absolutely crucial," says MacKinnon, who is fluent in Eng- lish, French, and Italian. "I think that it is generally accepted in the profession that we don't have a diverse enough pro- fession, we're not representative of the Canadian population." Community connections can inform a lawyer of what is going on around them and not only inform their practice but also how the profession and system can evolve. "When you're arguing how the law applies in a situation, you're advancing a client's position. That position affects everyone," she says. "Lawyers also participate in law reform activities and if they don't under- stand how the law works every day, that advocacy occurs in a void. "I think it's also good to be a good person," she adds. "It's not good to sit up in your ivory tower." So what does community involvement look like for MacKinnon? Well, she sits on the Vancouver Book and Magazine Festival board of directors, performs with a local opera company, and is also a member of the Canadian Forces communications reserve. So when she isn't performing as a lead principal soprano with Opera Pro Cantanti, a Vancouver-based repertory opera company and, as she puts it, wear- ing fancy dresses, crinolines, and wafting fans, MacKinnon is a master corporal in the Canadian Army working as a sig- nals operator detachment commander. "I think it's absolutely transferable to law," she says. "The military is a very team-ori- ented environment. Understanding that when everybody succeeds, that's crucial to a good practice." And, says McCarthy Vancouver man- aging partner Herman Van Ommen, it's having lawyers with spirit and involve- ments like MacKinnon's that make for a good firm. "Emily understands other people," Van Ommen says. "She gets along with other people and will be a leader in her community. With Emily, it's a no- brainer issue. Of course you're going to hire her. I have high hopes for her in the profession generally. She's just a well- rounded individual — a woman for all seasons. She's going to be good at every- thing. She's got the right personality. She's respectful of other people." He says the firm pays close attention to who is hired to clerk at the Supreme Court. "It's not a bad pool to pick from," he notes. With her successes thus far, there may be little doubt MacKinnon will be a high flyer in the world of litigation. However, any question about her suc- cess has not put any dampers on another dream — getting a pilot's licence where she will be flying high, part of her drive to try everything. "My new year's resolu- tion is 'do all things.' It's sort of an ongo- ing life ethic continuing each year," says MacKinnon. Starting a business, making a will or buying a house? 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 close as your smartphone, tablet or computer. Simply go 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. g a house? nal injury, help is as Si l legal expertise? Looking for Find exactly what you need at www.CanadianLawList.com and it's available to you 24 hours a day. s available y availabl y CLLwebsite_CL_Jan_14.indd 1 13-12-03 11:07 AM

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