March 2026 Spotlight: Jessica Pham

How did you first get involved with FACL BC?

In July 2024, I joined FACL BC’s NCA/LLM Committee as a volunteer. I studied law at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, and at that time, I was finishing up my NCA exams. I did not know that there was a whole federation for pan-Asian lawyers in B.C. I wanted to get involved to have a bigger platform to mentor other students on how to navigate the relicensing program in Canada. One year later, I decided to step up and serve as Co-Chair of the Committee. We have grown our Committee to twice its size in the 2025-2026 term.

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

I will start this by saying there are so many incredible events to choose from, and it is difficult to select one. Generally, I am always proud to connect other associations with FACL BC. In my term this year, our first event was a collaboration with the Turkish Canadian Lawyers Association. This was the first time FACL BC had collaborated with TCLA. I was honoured to be part of that initiative and to give opportunities to another community that I respect so much.

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

I would tell myself that imposter syndrome is real, and even the loudest person in the room has likely felt the same insecurities you questioned yourself with. The truth is, and what I have learned throughout my legal career, is that you are not defined by the law school you went to, the firm you work for, or even passing PLTC on the first attempt. You are defined by your ability to do good work, practice the law within the bounds of our professional and ethical obligations, and your willingness to add value to the legal profession through mentorship and advocacy. I would tell younger Jessica to never stop believing in herself, fight past the imposter syndrome, and continue to create a seat for herself in rooms where she may not belong.

What is something that not many people know about you?

I am a mother to a beautiful, sassy, strong-minded Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix dog. I tried to name her Legal, but my best friend teased me and said I had no life outside of the law… pft. Needless to say, I named her Millionaire Thuy Pham. As if the new name did not annoy her even more :’) haha. We call her Millie for short. She is definitely the light of my life!