Spotlight: Jeff Hernaez

Jeff Hernaez is a commercial litigation associate at Lawson Lundell LLP and was a past board member.

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

I don't know how to swim... tragic for living in a coastal city!

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

I started attending FACL BC events when I moved to Vancouver in 2017, as a way to meet new people. I enjoyed these events so much that I ran to become a Director-At-Large, and served in this position from 2018 to 2020.

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

I really enjoy taking part in the mentorship program and meeting law students and younger lawyers. I feel a duty to give back through mentorship after drawing on the advice of those who mentored me.

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

Enjoy the moment, and worry a little bit less. Be more fearless.

Spotlight: Jeevyn Dhaliwal, Q.C.

Jeevyn is associate counsel at Larlee Rosenberg, Barristers & Solicitors, and is a member of FACL BC.

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

I really love to bake - especially exquisite cakes and cookies. Every large celebration that we, as a family, host usually involves a specially decorated cookie for our guests to take home. My daughter and I are most proud of our mehndi inspired brightly decorated sugar cookies baked on the occasion of one of my big birthdays!

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

It was through my work as past president and board member with the South Asian Bar Association of British Columbia that I first became aware of FACL BC. I was looking for opportunities for our organizations to collaborate, as I believe we have so much in common and even more to share. At that time, FACL was just beginning its ascent in BC and I had hoped to support its efforts in any way I could.

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

There have been so many inspirational events that I have been fortunate to attend but the FACL BC Family Feast 2017 stands out in my mind. I was delighted to have been asked to share the story of my career journey in such an intimate and respectful setting, where meaningful conversations were had and lasting connections were made.

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

I realize that with the benefit of hindsight, having seen how things have turned out positively, it is perhaps easier to be more bold in one’s advice. Although I am not sure I would have had the time to do more than I did, I would encourage my younger self to “Pursue every opportunity. Far too often, we let negative thoughts hold us back from achieving our full potential. Know that if you have come this far, you are eminently capable and have much to contribute.”

Spotlight: Kristian Arciaga

Kristian Arciaga is a commercial real estate associate at Fasken and was a past board member.

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

I am an avid fan of professional sports teams that let me down every year.

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

I was a Director of FACL BC from 2016 to 2018. I wanted to be a part of FACL BC after I moved back to Vancouver from law school (University of Ottawa), where I was Co-President of the Asian Law Students Society and also was a member of FACL Ontario.

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

I have always enjoyed the annual FACL Galas. They're well planned and give the opportunity to network and reconnect with colleagues in the Vancouver market.

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

Enjoy the process as much as you can, whether it's undergrad, law school, or articling. Time moves a lot quicker than you think.

Spotlight: Sena Byun

Sena Byun is senior counsel at TELUS and was a past board member.

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

One of my early co-op experiences in law school was as an immigration detention hearings officer!

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

I was a member of the Board from 2016-2019 and served on the Mentorship Committee.

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

My favourite events are the mentorship events and I personally found the career roundtables very insightful and I especially loved meeting with lawyers and students of all backgrounds. However, I think all of FACL's recent initiatives have been great, and despite not being able to meet in person due to COVID, the shift that FACL has made to online events has been amazing, the quality and depth of topics has been stellar and I think this virtual setting has allowed everyone to actually "meet" more frequently.

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

You never know what you are capable of if you do not try. Don't be afraid to jump in, sometimes head first, and try not to overthink everything!

Spotlight: Victor V. Ramraj

Victor is a law professor at the University of Victoria and the Director of the Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives. He is a member of FACL BC. 

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

My parents migrated to Canada from the Caribbean in the mid-1960s. I was born in Fredericton and grew up in Calgary. My personal connection to Asia is that I spent 16 years at the National University of Singapore from 1998-2014 before returning to Canada.

I also recently edited a book, Covid-19 in Asia: Law and Policy Contexts, consisting of 30 chapters by 61 contributors, published by Oxford University Press in December 2020. 

(The book can be found here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/covid-19-in-asia-9780197553831?cc=us&lang=en&#)

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

I attended the FACL BC gala dinner as a member of UVic's Faculty of Law.

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

I've been especially impressed with FACL's advocacy work.

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

Learn more Asian languages.

Spotlight: Serene Chow

Serene Chow is a lawyer at Boughton Law and was one of the founders of FACL BC.

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

I have been on a flying trapeze!

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

Annual FACL BC Gala

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

I would continually keep an open mind for opportunities and be confident in my abilities.

Spotlight: Will Tao

Will Tao is a Canadian immigration lawyer and Principal of Heron Law Offices. Will was also a past board member.  

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

I decided to start my own Firm just recently (in February 2021). It is a challenging process. I have had to spend significant time with Trust Accounting, Tech, and Building Systems I used to only have to apply. However, it's brought me closer to my work. I think there's something to be said about the Japanese Sushi Chef approach of breaking down your product and processes and doing it slowly. Hopefully, I can do this work of immigration law and serving migrant communities for a very long time. 

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

I was a Member-at-Large for two terms, including as Mentorship Chair - a role I started when I was still an articling student back in the tail end of 2015!

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

There is no one favourite event/initiative. The direction of FACL towards a more progressive, advocacy-based organization has been a beautiful process to watch. Sometimes I wish I stuck around on the Board a little longer but proud of all the new faces and ideas that have moved the organization to where it is today.

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

Don't be afraid to speak out, step up, challenge, and fail with purpose. Even since I have started practicing law in 2015, you have seen the racialized legal community reclaim their voice. We have shifted the conversation in law and policy to the point where we can speak on things we used to discuss only in hushed tones or with fear and anxiety. For me, Law is now a process about conquering the fear and uncertainty that have held me back for too long. Embrace the process of struggling and failing, for the more crevasses you find yourself in, the more lessons and experiences you have to differentiate yourself from other lawyers.

Spotlight: Raminder K. Hayre

Raminder K. Hayre is a lawyer at Soul Counsel and is a member of FACL BC.

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

I grew up as a dancer and also competed in the U.S.A. and Canada. I judged a dance competition in Melbourne when I lived in Australia for law school.

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

I joined as a member in order to be assigned a mentor. I am now involved as a general member and often mentor students. I have also been happy to speak on a panel for FACL (regarding systemic racism).

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

The FACL Gala as it allows us to foster and create relationships with people in the bar. It is also a nice informal way to mingle with colleagues and esteemed professionals. I always enjoy listening to the speakers. 

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

Everything works out in the way that it is meant to. Law school and articling are stressful, but you will get to where you want to be. It is important to not listen to those that try to put you down.

Spotlight: Pablo Tseng

Pablo Tseng is a Partner at McMillan LLP and was a past board member.

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

I de-stress by playing Tetris. Best game ever, IMHO.

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

I joined FACL BC as a director in 2015, and have continued to be involved with the organization ever since.  

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

My favourite FACL event is the annual gala. It's at the gala that I get to catch up with others in the FACL community. The keynote speakers are always a treat!

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

Do not lose sight of things that are important to you outside of work. The legal practice is consuming and can swallow you before you know it. Make sure to take time to take good care of yourself, and strike a balance between work-life and personal life. 

Spotlight: Lori Lam

Lori Lam is a Litigation Associate at Baker Newby LLP and was a past board member.

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

I love abstract art and black and white photography.  I am a big fan of the work of Ansel Adams and Richard Avedon.

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

I was a part of FACL BC's inaugural Board in 2011.  I created what was then FACL BC's Social & Networking Committee and had the distinct pleasure of organizing its first social events.  It was exciting to meet so many Asian lawyers through those events who later on became familiar faces at FACL BC activities, some even becoming good friends.

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

Our FACL BC Family Feasts. This was a food-centric initiative (our Board loved to eat!) where we gathered for a meal with senior members of the Bar. These senior members were Asian lawyers who were trailblazers through their own accomplishments and careers. Hearing their stories encouraged us to forge ahead in our legal careers.

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

I would tell my younger self that my experience as a Chinese-Canadian female litigator born to immigrant parents is a strength.  Not only does my background contribute to diversity in the legal profession, it helps me better understand and connect with others from diverse backgrounds.