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ASSOCIATES city. Recently he helped create Fusion Halifax, a networking group for young city residents who are "inspired to make their city a better place to live, work, and play." In addition to sitting on the Fusion board, Chan has done pro bono legal work for the group. And, as he puts it, Fusion is now pursuing "everything from better urban development to 'we want an Ikea store here.'" Chan's attraction to law began early in life. "I'm one of those people who has wanted to be a lawyer since junior high," he says, recalling how learning about the Scopes monkey trial, and the brilliant courtroom advocacy of lawyer Clarence Darrow, inspired him. "And I'm from a traditional Chinese family," he adds. "You either become a doctor or a lawyer." His parents came to Canada from Hong Kong and strove to provide oppor- tunities. "My dad believed very strongly I should be spending my time with school," Chan recalls. "He worked extra hard to allow me to study and do the vol- unteering and community work." His father worked his way up in the restaurant business. "He started as a bus- boy," says Chan. "Then he became a wait- er, then a chef, then eventually owned a couple of restaurants in Calgary. My mom is a seamstress by trade. She also worked in the restaurants. I have them to thank for the success I have now." His parents tell him that when they came to Alberta they missed the ocean of Hong Kong, so they named him Level after "sea level." "It could be just a cute story they like to tell," he says. "But it is interesting that I ended up being next to the ocean, and it's one of my favourite things about living in Halifax." Chan did his undergrad degree in philosophy, specializing in the study of logic. "I was very into computers," he says. "I'm still a nerd, really." His knowl- edge of logic helped him with the LSAT and he says it also comes in handy for contractual and statutory interpreta- tion. "Sometimes I wish real-world legal problems were as easy to solve as logic problems." He says the most rewarding thing about his career is "getting tangible results for the client. In labour and employment law, you see immediately the benefits of Sentencing Drug Offenders The Honourable Simon Armstrong of the Ontario Court of Justice, Adam Boni,Andrew Sabbadini and Steve Coroza This resource is the product of several years of careful research and helps you to easily analyze relevant jurisprudence and take an informed position in preparation for sentencing. Drug Offences in Canada,Third Edition Bruce A. MacFarlane,Q.C., Robert J. Frater, and Chantal Proulx Everything you need to address the issues and laws relating to drugs and narcotics in Canada. Martin's Annual Criminal Code With annotations by Edward L. Greenspan,Q.C. and The Honourable Justice Marc Rosenberg, Court of Appeal for Ontario Contains the largest number of important cases, with more than 4,800 reported and unreported cases in the most practical and accessible format. your advice. It's not like a personal injury lawsuit that goes on for years." The most challenging aspect of his practice is the time pressure. "There's a quick turnaround in most of my files," he says. "A lot of stuff we do is stuff that was due yesterday." His advice for young associates? "You have to determine if law is something you love and enjoy doing. It took me a few years to learn what working in a firm CA009 4/9/08 10:14 AM Page 1 means. It's absolutely horrible if you're not enjoying it. Law is something that can take over your life. If you're not en- joying it, it's not worth it. It does take time. The first years are tough years in terms of learning curve. I love it now. So my advice is just give it a chance." Are you an associate with an interesting story to tell, or do you know someone who does? E-mail the editor, gcohen@clbmedia.ca, and tell us about it. Prosecuting and Defending Drug Offences Peter M. Brauti and Brian G. Puddington A portable, practical guide that addresses all of the issues that arise in drug cases. www.canadalawbook.ca www. C ANADIAN mag.com M AY 2008 17