Spotlight: Tina Parbhakar

Tina Parbhakar is an associate at North Shore Law LLP and is currently volunteering in the Documentary Committee.

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

I have been learning French and Spanish for a long time. I have yet to visit Senegal or Spain, although I hoped to visit these countries by now and actually had the opportunity to go to each one for a brief period, with friends who went (but I tend to not like short visits where long distances are involved and also prioritized my school and work obligations at the time). All that to say, learning these languages will likely be a life-long effort, inclusive of any immersion experiences that happen.

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

I became involved relatively recently, in 2018, although I knew of FACL BC for some time, as it was developing. Some things that stood out for me about FACL BC were how well-organized it is and how it provides high-quality professional development that is geared towards a broadly understood Asian legal community. I appreciate and see value in supporting an affinity group that empowers its diverse members and I enjoy meeting and learning more about colleagues and their practices at FACL BC events and galas.

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

As I am actively involved in them, my two favourite initiatives are the Supportive Relationships workshop series and the But I Look Like a Lawyer documentary, which are tangible contributions to building cross-cultural understanding in the profession as well as to inclusion of individuals from different races, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds in the justice system.

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

Spend time on understanding your strengths and weaknesses as well as what makes you feel content and discontent. You can investigate the complaints and worries you think about often to turn them into changes that improve your surroundings, relationships and/or abilities. Find or create spaces where approaches and ideas are discussed and collaborated upon without judgment. Be curious and don’t get too attached, just try your best and be open to all the ways things may work out.