Spotlight: Abigail Cheung

Abigail, a past FACL BC President, is an associate lawyer at Harris & Company LLP. 

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

Outside of work, I love cycling. I once biked from Vancouver to Seattle for a charity event!

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

I joined FACL BC in 2018 - slightly unconventionally - by running for the position of Secretary of the Board as soon as I had completed my articles! I enjoyed my first term so much that I decided to run again; I served terms as VP External in 2019-2020, President in 2020-2021 and Past President in 2021-2022.

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

There have been so many wonderful FACL BC events - it’s hard to single out just one! However, I particularly enjoyed attending a lecture by Henry Yu about 4 years ago. I remember him describing laws - which some lawyers and politicians had defended - with racist, white supremacist objectives, such as a law banning Chinese Canadians from swimming at a local Vancouver pool until challenged by a brave university student. His talk inspired me to think critically about how FACL BC could actively engage in law reform. It’s been so exciting to watch FACL BC’s advocacy committee grow and develop over the years!

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

Be courageous. Have the confidence to show up as your authentic self. The legal profession will benefit from what you bring to the table.