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.

July Spotlight: Raji Mangat

What is your name? 

Raji Mangat

Current place of work/title?

Executive Director, West Coast LEAF

How did you first get involved with FACL BC?

I attended one of FACL BC's social events with a friend, and was immediately struck by how welcoming everyone was and how much I felt at "home" at the event, despite knowing only a handful of the people there. From there, my involvement has grown and I'm now serving as a member of the FACL BC Advisory.

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

FACL BC's galas are epic, for sure. I think my favourite event so far is the last one I attended - the inaugural retreat held in Whistler. It was an incredibly intimate and welcoming space in which we could share our concerns and challenges. I learned a lot and had a few of those "where have you been all my life" moments with other attendees and speakers.

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

I would advise myself to worry less, sleep more and trust my gut. And also that you will find your people.

What is something that not many people know about you?

I officiated my friend's wedding in Portland, Oregon as a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. And yes, the marriage was legally valid, and still going strong.

June Spotlight: Cynthia Lam

1. Current place of work/title?

GBC Law, Owner

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

I first got involved with FACL when I moved to BC from Ontario in 2015. I didn't know many people here and wanted to join a community that would allow me to network and make friends at the same time.

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

The "But I Look Like a Lawyer" initiative. I love things that are relatable and this one was spot on!

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

There are no mistakes or failures in life. Every experience is a lesson and things always work out in the end.

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

I am fascinated by astronomy and ancient civilizations. 

May Spotlight: Chilwin Chienhan Cheng

1. Current place of work/title?

Ascendion Law

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

Serene Chow asked me to participate as a speaker and mentor at a FACL conference. My involvement with FACL-BC ramped up significantly when Fiona Wong asked me to co-produce and host a mini-series on the FACL-BC podcast featuring prominent Asian litigators. 

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

The FACL-BC podcast as a host and as a guest, and the 2024 gala dinner. It was so much fun meeting so many trailblazers and people I admire in the profession.

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

The advice that senior lawyers are trying to tell you: that courtesy, civility, candour, honour, and professionalism really do matter the most in the long run - is true. After over twenty-five years of practice, it's become apparent to me that my reputation is the only asset that I have. When I was younger, it felt like my best assets were my smarts, knowledge of the law, and my work ethic.  But now, I've realized that my ability to pick up the phone and talk to other counsel to work something out, to talk out a problem, or learn something new, has proven to be my most valuable asset. Building collegial relationships takes time, patience, humility, and consistently treating everyone as I wish to be treated.

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

I am a registered athlete with Boxing BC and actively train to fight in matches. I have five sanctioned fights under my belt and several sanctioned and unsanctioned exhibition matches. Oh, and I love dogs, miniature schnauzers especially.

April Spotlight: Kevin Wang

1. What is your name?

Kevin Wang

2. Current place of work/title?

Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP

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

I joined FACL BC as a student member in 2017 and attended various FACL BC events. I also had the pleasure of helping out with the 2019 FACL Annual Gala with my dear friend and mentor Jayde Wood. 

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

The Hometown Eats series

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

Make the most of your time, and build good habits. Time is the most precious element of human existence. You cannot get your time back so make the most of it. Time is also a very powerful element because the effect of good habits can compound over time. The longer you compound, the greater the rewards. And the best time to start is always now.

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

I took up boxing about a year ago and now I do it every week.

March Spotlight: Steven Ngo

1. Current place of work/title?

Senior Counsel, Rivian.

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

I remember attending my first FACL Ontario gala as a law student in 2013, and after the gala, I was inspired to start up my own chapter of FACL in Alberta. I knew that there had never been a FACL chapter in Alberta before, and I was lined up to article in Calgary after graduation, so why not? I was the youngest president of any FACL chapter in Canada but age really doesn't matter. After I moved back to BC in 2019, I wanted to keep going, so I ran for a board position that year. After a few years, I became president of FACL BC and I'm currently in my final year on the board as advisory director / past president.

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

While the gala is definitely a popular event, my favourite initiative has been our regular journal sessions (“Write On”). This was something that Jenny Huang and I started on a whim where we would invite members to wake up early with us on a Sunday morning and journal together. I've learned a lot about myself and others who have taken part and it's my favourite initiative thus far.

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

A lot can change in 5 years. Dream massive and follow your intuition. You're on the right track.

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

Outside of law and advocacy work, I host a podcast called 2 Dads 1 Car where we talk about modern fatherhood. Patrick Chan was actually one of my earlier guests, and this is how I was able to invite him to be our recent gala keynote speaker!

February Spotlight: Seema Lal

1. Current place of work/title?

Partner, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP

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

I first got involved in FACL BC about 10 years ago but have recently become re-engaged as a FACL member. 

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

I was invited to attend the recent FACL Partners Networking Event which was a fantastic event.  I also really enjoy the FACL gala that was held last November.

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

Find a good mentor and a good sponsor! Both are equally important - mentors help their mentees develop a career vision, while sponsors typically drive the sponsee's vision. 

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

I am an avid karaoke singer (and amateur dancer)!

January Spotlight: Jennifer Chow, K.C.

1. Current place of work/title?

Senior Counsel at the federal Department of Justice. 

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

I supported the founders of FACL BC while CBABC president.

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

The FACL BC gala is a wonderful annual event.

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

That everyone feels like an imposter at times.

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

That I am learning how to wingfoil.