Spotlight: Will Tao

Will Tao is a Canadian immigration lawyer and Principal of Heron Law Offices. Will was also a past board member.  

1. What is something that not many people know about you?

I decided to start my own Firm just recently (in February 2021). It is a challenging process. I have had to spend significant time with Trust Accounting, Tech, and Building Systems I used to only have to apply. However, it's brought me closer to my work. I think there's something to be said about the Japanese Sushi Chef approach of breaking down your product and processes and doing it slowly. Hopefully, I can do this work of immigration law and serving migrant communities for a very long time. 

2. How did you first get involved with FACL BC?

I was a Member-at-Large for two terms, including as Mentorship Chair - a role I started when I was still an articling student back in the tail end of 2015!

3. What has been your favourite FACL event or initiative so far?

There is no one favourite event/initiative. The direction of FACL towards a more progressive, advocacy-based organization has been a beautiful process to watch. Sometimes I wish I stuck around on the Board a little longer but proud of all the new faces and ideas that have moved the organization to where it is today.

4. What advice would you give yourself if you were to go back in time?

Don't be afraid to speak out, step up, challenge, and fail with purpose. Even since I have started practicing law in 2015, you have seen the racialized legal community reclaim their voice. We have shifted the conversation in law and policy to the point where we can speak on things we used to discuss only in hushed tones or with fear and anxiety. For me, Law is now a process about conquering the fear and uncertainty that have held me back for too long. Embrace the process of struggling and failing, for the more crevasses you find yourself in, the more lessons and experiences you have to differentiate yourself from other lawyers.