The most widely read magazine for Canadian lawyers
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/50839
ASSOCIATES During his time at U of A, he also managed to get a bachelor of commerce and a law degree. "I had the opportunity to go play professional basketball over in Europe right after we won the national championships in 2002, but instead I went to law school," says Parker. After articling with Miller Thom- son LLP, Parker was called to the bar of Alberta in 2006. He made the move to FMC in December 2007. A registered trademark agent, his main focus is on intellectual prop- erty, but, he adds, "as a younger asso- ciate things tend to flow onto my desk. . . . I'm getting ex- perience in all ar- eas right now." His basketball tour and practice schedules meant some time away from the of- fice, but Parker says the partners and other lawyers at FMC were very accommodating. "Several of them have come out to the games and showed their support that way." Rob McDonald, a partner with FMC that much." He admits that after taking some time off for road games in places like Chicago and Seattle, he'll be spend- ing the next little while making up for the missed work. The basketball season was "effectively my vacation time for this year," says Parker. Parker thinks keeping active on the one-trick pony, and playing basketball certainly has given me a lot of exposure and an opportunity to market myself as a lawyer." — STEPHEN PARKER and co-chairman of its national intellec- tual property group, says it was no sur- prise to him when Parker was selected for the team. "When it was announced that professional basketball was coming to Edmonton, I had no doubt that Steve would not only play but be an integral part of the team," says McDonald. "It was also no surprise when Steve stepped up to a leadership role on the team, act- ing as a player/coach at one point in the season." Parker doesn't try to hide the fact that his schedule doesn't leave room for much else. Being a young associate is demanding. "You spend 10 hours at the desk here and then go play for two and a half hours and get home, hopefully by 10," he says. When asked how he man- ages to make time for it all, he says, "You have to look hard to find it, I'll tell you "You can't be a basketball court makes him a more well-rounded individual. "You can't be a one-trick pony, and playing basketball certainly has given me a lot of exposure and an opportuni- ty to market myself as a lawyer." The sense of competi- tion that it fosters doesn't hurt either. "I'm in the litiga- tion department here, primarily, so I like to compete. Whatever it is I do, I like to excel," he says. McDonald says Parker has done well combining his life as a lawyer and involvement in a professional sports team. "Steve has successfully managed to balance his passion and talent for basketball with his legal career, and he has never given any less than his best effort, whether in court or on the court." So what's next for Parker? His future with the Edmonton Chill isn't set in stone. "I've received an offer to play on the team again next year, but I really am going to have to take a look at ev- erything." He recognizes the time com- mitment that it requires, and realizes he has some other passions he might like to pursue. And sometimes there just isn't enough time to do it all. Even if he doesn't continue basketball at a professional level, there's no doubt he'll still be found on the courts from time to time. Are you an associate with an interesting story to tell, or do you know someone who does? E-mail the editor at gcohen@clbmedia.ca and tell us about it. www. C ANADIAN Law ye rmag.com SEPTEMBER 2008 19 ntitled-8 1 7/29/08 3:08:25 PM Presented by Upcoming Conferences E-DISCOVERY September 22 – 23, 2008 | Halifax Les 1 et 2 octobre 2008 | Montréal ENERGY CONTRACTS September 23 -24, 2008 | Calgary October 28 – 29, 2008 | Houston PRODUCT RECALLS September 25 – 26, 2008 | Toronto November 24 – 25, 2008 | Vancouver COMMERCIAL INSOLVENCY October 16 – 17, 2008 | Toronto November 4 – 5, 2008 | Vancouver MAJOR BUSINESS AGREEMENTS October 27 – 28, 2008 | Chicago ABORIGINAL LAW October 29 – 30, 2008 | Toronto November 17 – 18, 2008 | Halifax CORPORATE IMMIGRATION November 6 – 7, 2008 | Calgary INTERNET LAW November 13 – 14, 2008 | Vancouver CANADIAN SECURITIES REGULATION COURSE November 24 – 25, 2008 | Toronto Media Partner ENROLL TODAY! 1 888 777-1707 www.insightinfo.com