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 5 39 Lorna Turnbull, says improving diversity is also a priority. Half of the faculty at the law school is female and there are a grow- ing number of professors who reflect the demographics of the province, she says. e ties between the legal community and the law school are strong and collegial, stresses Turnbull. e centralization of so much of the province's legal community in Winnipeg, including the judiciary, has its benefits, she suggests. "ere is an intellec- tual satisfaction and a real sense of community," says Turnbull. "It makes Winnipeg a rewarding place to practise your cra." Mizra agrees, "e legal community is tight knit. ere is an excellent relationship between the bar and judiciary," which includes regu- lar meetings to discuss issues such as diversity and access to jus- tice. For those seeking to enter the profession, there is a much bet- ter chance of landing a job there aer graduation than in some other provinces. Turnbull estimates about 90 to 95 per cent of recent graduates who are seeking to practise law, were hired by firms. "We have a vibrant, young bar," states Fineblit, stressing that quality of life can play a major role in keeping legal talent in the province. In terms of recruiting, Snyder says while it is natu- ral for some graduates to leave the province, the willingness to remain in Manitoba, is essential. "You want good students and you want those who are likely to stay," he says. Where there is agreement among the senior members of the profession in the city is that the current generation of lawyers has a different outlook on their careers. Hill says some young as- sociates are reluctant to take a step over to a litigation boutique. "ey seem to be content at the big firms," he says. Ferguson, at Aikins, notes: "is generation, needs a lot more handholding and feedback." He suggests firms have a role to play in rounding out their new associates. "We have to make sure we are not creat- ing isolated people with laptops at Starbucks," he says. Some generational differences aside, which may not be unique to the legal profession, the legal outlook in Winnipeg is a positive one. e civic boost from having an NHL team even extends to the legal community, says Fineblit. It probably does not hurt, that unlike the team that plays its games just a short walk from the Bay Street offices of some of the country's largest law firms, the Jets are a good bet to make the playoffs. On that winter day that Hill used the Skywalk to walk from work to the game, the Jets beat the Florida Panthers 8-2. ZyrOn Paul Felix @Fillmore_Riley FILLMORE RILEY LLP LEGAL ADVISORS AND TRADEMARK AGENTS Take the plunge Take the plunge ÄSSTVYLYPSL`JVT >L»]LNV[`V\YIHJR When you want the certainty of a legal team that is experienced in charting a course through the toughest legal situations, you can look to Fillmore Riley. d.indd 1 2015-02-13 9:04 AM

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