May Spotlight: Daniel Lee

1. What is your name? 

Daniel Lee

2. Current place of work/title?

Partner at Fasken

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

My initial involvement with FACL BC was limited to attending the annual gala. I subsequently became more involved with FACL BC by attending more events because the event topics were relevant for me. Throughout the past 10 years I have had opportunities to speak at a number of FACL BC events on different topics, including the practice of immigration law and career development. In 2023, I completed the FACL BC Leadership Academy, which provided me with a platform to learn from other members and guest speakers in a non-judgmental setting, offering tools to break through the glass ceiling and reach my career, professional, and personal goals.

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

My favourite FACL BC initiative is the Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is the first of its kind for Asian Canadian lawyers and it was created in 2023 to develop the next generation of leaders in the Asian Canadian legal community. This program has been designed to equip future leaders in British Columbia with key tools and strategies for leadership growth, while allowing the participants to for authentic connections with other lawyers.

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

The practice of law is a marathon. Do not rush to get to the finish line because what is more valuable is the journey and the personal relationships that you will develop during this journey. Instead, take the necessary breaks to slow down (when required) and never jeopardize in spending quality time with family and taking care of your own health. In addition, enjoy what you do and never do it just for the money. If you only chase after the money, then you will never truly be happy.

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

My wife, Tianyi Song, and I created an award at the UBC Law School for JD law students entering their second year of law school with an interest in immigration law who are the first in their family to attend law school. This award was created in honour of my parents and to recognize their silent support that they provided to my educational journey, enabling me to become the first in the family to earn a Juris Doctor degree.

April Spotlight: Karen Kit-ling Claus

1. What is your name? 

Karen Kit-ling Claus

2. Current place of work/title?

Karen Claus Law Corporation dba "Karen Claus Law", Founder and Lawyer

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

While I was working as in-house counsel to a Vancouver startup in 2024, I attended a social for in-house lawyers, organized by the FACL In-House Committee. The founders of the FACL IHC invited me to serve as Vice-Chair after learning about my desire to mentor and elevate the next generation of lawyers.

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

The Trailblazer series, featuring Catherine Chow, who is the CLO of the Vancouver Canucks. This event was organized by the FACL IHC. It was particularly meaningful because Catherine highlighted the need for a legal profession that reflects the diversity of our country and the fact that each of us have a responsibility and the power to be a part of that shift.

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

Be the best colleague and employee you can be at all stages of your career, because the people you've been good to will be the very ones helping you to succeed.

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

Before law school, I was close to applying to a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. I've always considered myself to be more right-brained and had perceived it to be a weakness. Now I realize that it is a unique strength for running my practice!

March Spotlight: Fiona Wong

1. What is your name? 

Fiona Wong

2. Current place of work/title?

Overholt Law LLP, Employment Lawyer

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

I joined the Board as a Student Director for University of Victoria in 2019, and since then I have had the pleasure of serving as FACL BC President in 2023-2024.

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

FACL BC puts on over 60 events a year, so this is really tough to answer, but I would narrow it down to 3 events in the past year.

1) Partner's Reception (January 2024) where FACL BC invited over 80 partners of Asian descent from law firms of various sizes to join an intimate reception, celebrating Asian representation at leadership levels. Some came as far as Squamish and Abbotsford despite a snowstorm that week. For many it felt like a law school reunion as they had not seen each other in years. I was inspired to see so many leaders in the room and am grateful for their ongoing support of FACL BC.

2) Membership Retreat (June 2024) where FACL BC brought 30 members to Whistler, BC for a summer weekend filled with honest conversations and insightful panels. I'm thrilled that FACL BC was able to invite Chief Justice Leonard Marchand to speak to FACL BC members over an intimate wine cellar dinner, as well as Justice David Masuhara, Judge Glenn Lee, and Judge Grace Oh, among other fantastic speakers.

3) Annual Gala and Conference (Every November) where FACL BC hosts one of the largest legal events in BC, with over 780 lawyers, law students, and allies from over 50 law firms and organizations at the Fairmont Hotel. I am always amazed by the incredible work that the Gala Chair and Gala Committee do to execute this event, and their ability to bring in excellent keynote speakers who align with FACL BC's thoughtful themes each year.

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

Don't be afraid to pivot to reach your goals, and persistence is key. Transfer law schools or switch practice areas if that’s what you need to get to where you want to be. Keep applying to firms and organizations you want to work at even if you are rejected the first time around - sometimes it takes multiple tries but it shows grit and passion for long-term goals.

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

I used to be a flight attendant before law school, and it took me more than once to be elected to the FACL BC Board. Don’t give up and embrace new opportunities!

February Spotlight: Dimple Kainth

1. What is your name? 

Dimple Kainth

2. Current place of work/title?

Satya Law, CEO and Lawyer, Sayva Consulting, CEO

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

I am fortunate to know a number of FACL BC members, and was asked to speak at a conference about EDI and EDI issues.

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

Mentorship is extremely important to me, so my favourite FACL initiative is FACL's mentorship program. My favourite FACL event is the Annual Gala.

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

In terms of my professional life: to trust my ability and instincts, that no one will advocate better for me than myself, and to get out of a bad/toxic working environment as soon as possible.

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

I know way too much when it comes to the topic of Star Wars!

January Spotlight: Connie Do

1. What is your name? 

Connie Do

2. Current place of work/title?

Associate at Guild Yule LLP

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

I first joined in 2018 in my first year of law school. It's kind of a blur but I *think* I signed up on Clubs Day.

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

I've always enjoyed the Annual Gala. They have been great for catching up with friends and colleagues I wouldn't see otherwise. The energy and excitement is infectious. I graduated during the pandemic so it was really exciting to attend the Gala in person again in 2022 and see people I hadn't seen in years. Shout out to the organizers!

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

Be kind to yourself and trust the process. Roll with the punches and let every mistake or disappointment be a valuable learning opportunity.

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

I can't ride a bike, swim or skate. I probably won't last long in a zombie apocalypse.

December Spotlight: Angie Sung

1. What is your name? 

Angie Sung

2. Current place of work/title?

PortaLaw, Lawyer

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

A friend from law school invited me to a FACL Mentorship Roundtable event. I joined the board as a student director soon after.

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

So hard to choose, because every FACL event has been a great time! But being a part of the producing team of the "But I look like a Lawyer" documentary has been one of the most meaningful projects I've been a part of in my legal career so far. I am also a big fan of the FACL mentorship program, and am still closely connected with my amazing mentor whom I met in 1L. I hope to join as a mentor in the upcoming years. 

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

Do your own thing. There is no need to feel like you have to follow the traditional path, or copy what everyone else is doing to "fit the mold". Your authenticity is your power, and key to a happy and fulfilling career. 

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

I downloaded TikTok during the pandemic (because I was bored in the house), and became internet famous by accident.

November Spotlight: Isabelle Guevara

1. What is your name? 

Isabelle Guevara

2. Current place of work/title?

McMillan LLP, Associate

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

I went to law school at Queens and I wasn't very familiar with FACL BC. When I moved back to Vancouver, I wanted to be involved in an organization that represented Asian Canadian lawyers and I knew of a few friends and colleagues who were involved with FACL. Shortly after moving back, I signed up to be a mentor and have since attended the gala and other FACL events.

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

I really enjoyed last year's gala. Not only was it an incredibly well-organized event, but it was very special to be surrounded by so many successful individuals who have similar cultural backgrounds to me. I bumped into lawyers I knew from previous jobs, or who knew my parents, and it was great to catch up with them. It felt a lot like one of my Filipino family reunions!

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

Always take the time to celebrate your victories, no matter how big or small.

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

When I was younger, my cousins and I would pretend we were in a girl band and perform in front of our relatives. They would give us money at the end of the "show" and the most I ever got in one night was 100 pesos (around $2.37). So if I didn't go into law, maybe I could've been a pop star.

October Spotlight: Nyusha Samiei 

1. What is your name? 

Nyusha Samiei

2. Current place of work/title?

Lawyer at Jiwa Law

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

I first got involved with FACL during my articling year, thanks to a recommendation from a coworker. It had been some time since I participated in extracurricular activities, as I had taken a step back after law school. Given my passion for volunteering and community involvement, I was eager to connect with others in a similar environment. Joining FACL provided me with an invaluable opportunity to meet fellow lawyers in the city, and I benefited from the mentorship groups, which offered both guidance and meaningful connections.

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

Definitely the Gala!

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

If I could go back in time, I'd remind myself that confidence comes from action, not perfection. I would tell my past self to trust my instincts and not let the fear of making the wrong choice paralyze me. Learning to value my own perspective has been one of the most important lessons in my journey. I've realized that being a good lawyer means being decisive even in the face of uncertainty and trusting my voice, because all experiences, even the mistakes, are part of growth.

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

I recently fell in love with rowing and just joined a rowing team.

September Spotlight: Nerissa Yan

1. What is your name? 

Nerissa Yan

2. Current place of work/title?

Yan Muirhead LLP / Partner

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

My first involvement with FACL started with FACL Ontario when I was a law student at the University of Ottawa. I joined many FACL Ontario events in Toronto back then. During my last year of law school, I attended UBC Allard Law as a Letter of Permission student. My positive experience at FACL Ontario led me to being involved with FACL BC.

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

I have been very fond of the FACL Mentor/Mentee Program. I was a FACL Mentor for a number of years and was paired with articled students and NCA students, who are now colleagues and friends. I have been going to the FACL annual gala for many years and each year became my favourite FACL gala. I look forward to the upcoming annual gala in November.

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

I would tell myself the Chinese expression, 船到桥头自然直. The English version of it is, you will cross the bridge when you get to it. There are many unknowns and anxiety-causing moments when stepping into this profession. It's all going to work out eventually.

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

I have two young children and they keep me busy outside of work.

August Spotlight: Doug Chiu

1. Current place of work/title?

Hammerco Lawyers LLP/ Partner.

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

Our firm attended a FACL gala and then I signed up to be a mentor in the mentorship program.

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

The inaugural FACL Retreat. It was simultaneously rewarding, inspiring and educational. So nice to spend a weekend where I got to hang out with current FACL friends and make new ones.

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

Your career is far from a linear trajectory. There will be substantial hurdles along the way but you will have invaluable support from those around you.

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

I love sneakers and I have over a dozen in my collection. And yes, I do wear them frequently.