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Launch of “The Blink Score: A Racial Diversity Audit”

TORONTO, ONTARIO – The South Asian Bar Association of Toronto (“SABA”) is a proud partner of Blink Equity in its launch of a report entitled “The Blink Score: A Racial Diversity Audit and Ranking of Ontario Law Firms” (the “Report”) released on October 10th, 2024. As an advocate for inclusivity and representation in the legal profession, SABA is excited to support the Report, which addresses the critical issue of diversity within Ontario’s legal profession. This timely initiative underscores the need for law firms to reflect the changing demographics of our society. The Report assesses the demographic makeup of law firms in Ontario with 50 or more lawyers, as identified by the National Association for Law Placement Canada. Over 30 firms have been evaluated, the majority of them being in Toronto, and each of them has been provided a “Blink Score,” which measures the diversity of their lawyers. The Report aligns with SABA’s mandate of fostering diversity within the legal profession and is a starting point to encourage dialogue and action towards meaningful change.

Some key insights from the Report include:

Accountability and Transparency: By publishing rankings based on demographic data, the Report incentivizes law firms to prioritize diversity and inclusion, ultimately leading to improved career advancement opportunities for racialized lawyers.
Inclusive Terminology: The report embraces the term “racialized person” or “racialized group,” aligning with the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s guidance. This approach acknowledges the social constructs surrounding race and promotes a more accurate representation of diversity.
Fostering Dialogue: The Report aims to spark conversations about representation in the legal field, encouraging law firms to reflect on their practices and make necessary changes to support a more inclusive environment, and one that empowers racialized candidates.

The Report aims to serve as a catalyst for positive change by enhancing transparency and furthering the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Past President of SABA, Devin Persaud, stated: “Calls for diversity data within the profession have fallen on deaf ears since the Law Society’s 2014 report ‘Developing Strategies for Change: Addressing Challenges Faced by Racialized Licensees’. SABA has recognized this need and has worked with Blink Equity over the past few years to see this project to its fruition. I’m hopeful that the data presented throughout the report, and importantly in its Figure 2, fosters discourse within law firms on the inclusion of racialized candidates. The narrative of diversity in law is ours to write. Through an informed public discourse, we shape a more inclusive future for all lawyers.” Figure 2 from the Report is reproduced below.

SABA urges all stakeholders in the legal community to engage with this vital report, available now at https://blinkequity.ca/the-blink-score.

About SABA

The South Asian Bar Association of Toronto is Canada’s largest equity-seeking bar organization, dedicated to promoting the objectives of South Asian members of the legal profession. SABA represents South Asian legal professionals and ensures that their interests are recognized, respected, and voiced with the Law Society of Ontario and various levels of provincial and federal government. SABA aims to unite its over 800 members, deliver programming for professional growth and advancement, promote access to justice, and give back to South Asian communities. Its membership is dynamic, ever-expanding, and includes legal professionals from large and small law firms, sole practitioners, government agencies/departments, non-profit organizations, and corporations. Members of the judiciary, academics, and law students also form an integral part of SABA Toronto.

SABA Toronto Hosts Awe-Inspiring SABA North America Conference

TORONTO, ONTARIO — The South Asian Bar Association of Toronto (“SABA”) proudly hosted this year’s North America Conference (“Conference”) from July 10-14th at the Hilton-Toronto. SABA Toronto is the largest of SABA North America’s 31 chapters and hosted the Conference for the first time, bringing together over 800 South Asian attorneys from around the globe, fittingly living up to the Conference slogan: “Welcome to the North, Your Passport to the Future”.

For two decades, the SABA Annual Conference has been the premier professional development and networking event for South Asian lawyers in North America. This year’s conference brought together attorneys from all corners of the South Asian bar, including corporate counsel, law firm partners and associates, federal and state judges, law professors, government and public interest attorneys, entrepreneurs, and law students.

Conference delegates were inspired by a myriad of events held over four days ranging from professional and networking development, cultural engagement and celebration, to substantive legal programming, all set over a celebratory backdrop of food, entertainment, and social events with a uniquely South Asian flavor.

Some particular highlights of the conference included:

A kick-off boat cruise hosted on Wednesday night setting the stage for a vibrant meet and greet among attendees with lots of revelry, dancing, and live music, with picturesque views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario.

On Thursday, a meeting of the SABA Board, followed by a Corporate Counsel Summit and South Asian Women’s Attorney Network event. The official conference Welcome Reception was held at the iconic Four Seasons Arts Centre and evening activities included a “SABA’s Got Talent” showcase & karaoke party.

On Friday, programming panels kicked off which offered insights into critical issues and legal topics facing the legal profession. Notable sessions included:

“The Fight for DEI” – Exploring the ongoing efforts and strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal sector.

“The Transformative and Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence” – Delving into the advancements and ethical considerations surrounding AI in the legal field.

“Canadian and American Judges on Effective Advocacy” – Featuring a panel of distinguished judges from Canada and the US discussing best practices in advocacy.

Highlights of the Friday afternoon programming included a luncheon with the presentation of SABANA awards, a Welcome to Canada Reception (hosted by the Canadian Chapters), and a Corporate Counsel Reception at Kraft Canada headquarters.

Saturday’s plenary session left the entire room speechless with a panel discussion from Nisha Pahuja on her Academy Award Nominated film “To Kill a Tiger”. The panel also featured incredible advocates Ena Chadha, Beesham Seecharan, and Justice Davin Garg, who inspired all conference goers to fight against injustice and enact change.

The conference culminated in SABA’s annual gala (which this year was combined with the SABANA gala) and featured a keynote speech from 2024 SABA Pioneer Award Winner, Justice Mahmud Jamal of the Supreme Court of Canada. Justice Jamal underscored the importance of diversity, identity, and acceptance in the legal profession. The night was capped off with a performance by acclaimed Bollywood/Canadian singer, Raghav, who electrified the crowd.

SABA Toronto’s President and Partner at Miller Thomson LLP, Devin Persaud, said the following about the Conference:

“Delegates from around the continent were blown away by our amazing chapter and city. The Conference provided Canadians with the unprecedented opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend insightful panels, and foster meaningful connections with fellow South Asian attorneys from around the globe. Hosting the Conference enabled us to celebrate the achievements of our peers, acknowledge the challenges we have all collectively encountered, and envision a shared future that we can build together.”

Devin Persaud, President – SABA Toronto, Partner – Miller Thomson LLP

SABA NA’s Vice President of the Conference and Partner at Aird & Berlis LLP, also said the following:

“SABA Toronto, set itself apart as a leading chapter of the broader SABA North America family. Our chapter hosted the conference for the first time and we were able to raise over USD$1,000,000 for SABA North America programming, bringing together over 800 attorneys through amazing programming, networking and celebrations. It was an honour to chair the conference this year and to showcase our incredible chapter and city.”

Aaron Bains, VP & Chair of Conference, Partner – Aird & Berlis LLP

SABA Toronto thanks all conference guests, speakers, volunteers, and performers for making the Toronto Conference one to remember. Special thanks is due to the Conference Steering Committee: Charan Brahma, Keerthi Sugumaran, Mona Shah, Asker Saeed, Aaron Bains, Devin Persaud, and Annie Tayyab, as well as event planners Acuity International.

SABA Toronto was thrilled to have hosted members of our community from across North America. We look forward to the next opportunity to do so!

About SABA Toronto

Its membership is dynamic, ever-expanding and includes legal professionals from large and small law firms, sole practitioners, government agencies and departments, nonprofit organizations, and corporations. Members of the judiciary, academics and law students also form an integral part of SABA Toronto.

SABA Conference 2024 Welcome Letter

Dear SABA North America Members,

Welcome to The 6ix! On behalf of SABA Toronto, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our vibrant and diverse city, as we host the 2024 SABA NA Conference for the very first time.

Toronto, known for its rich cultural tapestry and dynamic legal community, provides the perfect backdrop for our conference. Based on total population, Toronto is the 5^th largest city in North America and the largest metropolitan area in Canada. Almost 20% of this population is South Asian – so it is no surprise that Toronto is the largest (and in my biased opinion) best SABA Chapter.

Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend insightful panels, and foster meaningful connections with fellow South Asian attorneys from across North America. Please take this time to meet with your cross-border colleagues as a major theme of this conference is on growing these connections. The exchange of ideas and experiences here will not only enhance your professional and legal capabilities but also reinforce the shared values that unite us as South Asian attorneys.

We have also catered a fun social calendar during the conference to assist in this regard. We hope that you all attend our Kickoff Boat Cruise on Wednesday night, a showcase of singing and performances from your peers on Thursday night’s SABA’s Got Talent, a meet and greet of Canadian chapters during Friday evening, and a performance by our very own Bollywood/Canadian icon, Raghav, during the gala on Saturday night.

During your time here, we also encourage you to explore the beauty and culture that Toronto has to offer. From its iconic landmarks to its vibrant neighborhoods, this city has much to offer. In the helpful conference app, our team has put together a list of places to visit, attractions and events to take part in, as well as culinary delights.

As you navigate through the diverse offerings of this conference, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought us all here. Primarily we are here to celebrate these achievements, acknowledge the challenges we have collectively encountered, and envision a shared future we can build together.

Long Live the North!

Devin A. Persaud

President, SABA Toronto

Partner, Miller Thomson LLP

dapersaud@millerthomson.com

SABA Spotlight Series – Ira Parghi

Ira Parghi is a partner at INQ Law (https://www.inq.law/iraparghi ) with over 20 years of experience practicing information law and health law.

Ira joined the board of SABA in 2022. She is a volunteer member of the Canadian Blood Services Research Ethics Board and a Chair of the University of Toronto Tribunal. She previously served on the boards of directors of the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO) and the Gerstein Crisis Centre.

Ira was born and raised in Kamloops, BC and moved to Toronto for law school. Her parents are from Gujarat, India.

1. What drew you to the legal profession and particularly to information and health law?

Honestly, it was partly by process of elimination: I didn’t want to be a doctor or an engineer, so in my world that left me with only a few options. But I also felt a “pull” towards the law: I was interested in doing something analytical and with the potential to have a real impact on public policy and on people’s lives.

As a junior lawyer, I wanted a high-volume litigation practice where I could manage files on my own and get on my feet. A health law position came along, I gave it a try, and I loved it. And I often say, half jokingly, that this is the closest to practicing medicine that I will ever get.

Information law was something for which I was just in the right place at the right time. Ontario had just enacted a patient privacy statute and it made sense for me, as a junior associate, to become expert in it. Then I moved to the US and took on a job as a Corporate Privacy Officer at a large health system, and my privacy work took on a life of its own. And now I get to “ride the wave” of a lot of hot issues like big data, digital health, and artificial intelligence. I could not have predicted any of that when I started out.

2. If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?
I don’t know! Maybe a teacher. But that is tough, tough work. I think I would be looking for a way to monetize my knowledge of 80s song lyrics.

3. What do you enjoy about being part of the SABA Toronto board?
I know I will sound old when I say this. When I started in private practice, there were very few South Asian lawyers around. I am amazed by how far we have come in a relatively short time. But I have no illusions about how much remains to be done. Serving on the SABA Toronto board is an opportunity for me to try to give back, to support and mentor junior colleagues, to connect with the community and support pro bono initiatives, and to help raise the visibility of South Asian and other visible minority members of the bar. SABA Toronto members and my fellow directors are amazing: engaged, really committed, and doing amazing things professionally and outside of work. I love seeing what they are doing and learning from it.

4. What’s your favourite South Asian snack?
It’s hard to pick just one. I would say… an ice cold Limca and pav bhaji with a side of pani puri accompanied by aloo tiki and a chaser of uttapam.

5. What’s the best advice you have received?

To maintain a sense of humour about things. And to avoid rushing to judgment. Life is complicated. People are complicated. We should give each other the same grace we would want for ourselves.

SABA Spotlight Series – Amrita Mann

Amrita Mann is a partner in the Dispute Resolution Group at Simmons da Silva LLP and exclusively practices commercial and civil litigation, with a focus on shareholder disputes, real estate litigation and construction litigation.

Amrita is a second generation Canadian and, although born in Canada, grew up in Punjab, India, where she went to middle school and high school before returning to Canada. Having grown up in India, Amrita is not only fluent in Punjabi and Hindi but also reads and writes both languages flawlessly, which is huge asset to her practice in the Peel region where she represents a number of South Asian businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs.

When she’s not busy litigating, Amrita spends her time with her two children (a 2.5 year old and a 5 month old) and her chickens at her farmhouse in Caledon Village. Amrita is an avid fan of Indian music, Bollywood movies and cricket. Interestingly, Amrita was the captain and wicket-keeper of her high school cricket team. In her spare time, Amrita is passionate about travel and fitness, especially kickboxing.

Amrita joined SABA Toronto as a member in 2013 and the Board of Directors in 2021.

1. What drew you to the legal profession and particularly to litigation?
On a personal level, I was drawn to litigation because it involves lifelong learning. In order to properly represent a client, I need to understand his or her business, family dynamics, and/or financial situation. I may need to learn the details of a specific transaction, or how a particular machine or process works, or events or strategy behind a particular decision, in order to be able to explain it later to a judge or jury. In some ways, it’s like staying in school (which I enjoyed) but being paid for it. The diverse nature of my litigation practice constantly keeps me on my toes.

2. Who are some people who have helped guide you in your career?
My mother taught me by example that hard work can never be replaced. She fought every imaginable odd during very tough times to find a way to raise me and my two siblings and to make sure we received the best education available. She knew what she wanted, and that was to ensure that her children got every opportunity possible. So I have always been determined not to let her down and to always be looking to do more. Staying hungry is my mission.

3. If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?
Either a politician at the regional/municipal level or a lobbyist with a grassroots movement or organization.

4. What’s your favourite memory from being part of the SABA board?
Its difficult to pick one. The galas are always fun and filled with many great memories. On a personal level, on behalf of SABA I helped with organizing a Diwali and a Gurpurab food drive in partnership with the Seva Food Bank last year where volunteers from both organizations attended at local grocery stores in the Brampton and Mississauga area and encouraged customers to donate food items to those experiencing or at risk of poverty. It was extremely humbling yet rewarding to be able to serve and partake in the mission to provide equitable access to safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food to people in need.

5. What’s your favourite South Asian snack?

I have a few favorites but I can never resist a plate of chaat papri.

6. What’s the best advice you have received?

Listen more than you speak. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. The most successful litigators are not always the loudest or the most boisterous; they are the most curious, the most detail-oriented, the best prepared, and the most willing to outwork the opposing side.

SABA Toronto Endorses the Good Governance Coalition in the 2023 Bencher Elections for the Law Society of Ontario

Since 2005, SABA Toronto has worked to help its members transcend barriers that visible minority lawyers once thought impossible to overcome. We continue to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the profession.

It is in this spirit and tradition that SABA Toronto lends its full support to the candidates running as part of the Good Governance Coalition (GGC or the Coalition) in the upcoming 2023 Law Society of Ontario bencher election. See below the list of GGC Candidates and a primer on voting in the election.

SABA’s commitment to EDI includes a deep appreciation for the vibrancy of the communities we work in, which include equity-seeking groups that continue to face systemic barriers in society. It involves making a concerted effort to ensure our profession reflects the diversity of the communities we work in and the clients we work with. Most importantly, it means continuously evaluating our profession and those responsible for steering it in the right direction in the name of public interest, demanding the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and leadership.

Lawyers and paralegals across Ontario will vote in April to elect benchers who will govern the Law Society of Ontario. SABA strongly endorses the GGC. The Coalition’s candidates bring incredible depth, experience, and leadership, and include among them past presidents and directors of virtually every major legal association in Ontario. Its candidates understand the importance of EDI in our profession and they themselves reflect its broad diversity. Among its candidates are SABA members Jennifer Gold, Shalini Konanur, Neha Chugh, and Isfahan Merali.

It is essential that our regulating body be run by experienced and representative leadership that values diversity over division. Anything less would not be in the public interest. Events over the past four years at Convocation are deeply troubling to SABA Toronto and continued turmoil may place self-regulation at risk. The privilege of self-regulation has already been lost in Britain and Australia. Closer to home, it is at risk in British Columbia. We must protect it here.

While SABA Toronto has endorsed individual candidates in past bencher elections, it is critical that the Coalition prevails over candidates and a group that denied the Law Society’s findings of systemic racism in the profession and campaigned on the singular promise of repealing the Statement of Principles. SABA Toronto endorses the entire Coalition and urges its members to vote for all 40 of its candidates to ensure a better regulatory body and a more equitable legal profession.

The 2023 bencher election will take place from April 19-28, 2023. SABA Toronto encourages all of its members to review the policy positions of the Coalition’s candidates to ensure you have the information necessary to cast your vote in favour of a more progressive future for the Law Society of Ontario: https://www.goodgovernancecoalition.ca/

About SABA Toronto

The South Asian Bar Association of Toronto is Canada’s largest equity-seeking bar organization, dedicated to promoting the objectives of South Asian members of the legal profession. SABA represents South Asian legal professionals and ensures that their interests are recognized, respected and voiced with the Law Society of Ontario and various levels of provincial and federal government. SABA aims to unite its over 1000 members, deliver programming for professional growth and advancement, promote access to justice and give back to South Asian communities. Its membership is dynamic, ever-expanding and includes legal professionals from large and small law firms, sole practitioners, government agencies and departments, nonprofit organizations, and corporations. Members of the judiciary, academics and law students also form an integral part of SABA Toronto.

SABA Spotlight Series – Davin Michael Garg

Davin Michael Garg is Crown Counsel with Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General at the Crown Law Office — Criminal, where he conducts criminal trials and appeals at all levels of court. His specialties include Charter litigation under sections 9 and 10, impaired driving prosecutions, and white-collar and corruption cases. He practices in English and French. He is also a coordinator of the office’s articling student program, which includes developing inclusive recruitment strategies.

Davin first got involved in SABA by volunteering in the mentor match program, and he joined the SABA board in 2021. He has since organized multiple social events, including the SABA pub nights, the joint social with CABL and FACL, and the recent event in Peel. He is currently organizing a criminal law evening jointly with The Advocates Society, set for the end of April 2023.

Davin’s family hails from Agra, India. He looks forward to returning soon with his two-year old son, who is already an expert at counting to five in Hindi. Davin was born in Vancouver, where he completed his undergraduate degree in business at Simon Fraser University and his law degree at the University of British Columbia.

What drew you to criminal law?

The ability to contribute to the pursuit of justice in a tangible and immediate fashion. I previously worked with CTV News in Vancouver, and I was assigned to cover a story at the local courthouse. I was taken by how everyone in the courtroom had an important role to play, and how much the case mattered to everyone involved. The courtroom setting also speaks to me. I appreciate how each party gets a chance to be heard, and not just the loudest or most powerful voices.

What do you enjoy about being part of the SABA board?

It’s incredible the people that I’ve met, both my fellow directors and the other people that I’ve met through SABA projects. I joined the board to contribute my perspectives, but I didn’t appreciate how much being on the board would also broaden my horizons. My favourite part of our recent Peel social was connecting with new and prospective members and encouraging them to experience all the ways that SABA can enrich their practice of law.

What’s your favourite South Asian snack?

I will say mangos because I have fond memories of my dad espousing their virtues. I remember as a little kid we’d go out in search of the perfect, ripe mango. We were looking for the red, rosy hues, with skin just tender enough to the touch. We’d return home, and he’d peel the skin to prepare the perfect slice. It was the only fruit that he didn’t add salt or spices to before eating.

What are some moments in your career that you are proud of?

I’m certainly proud of the cases that I’ve argued, especially the ones that involve a jurisprudential issue or where the stakes are high. But the moments that stand out for me are when I feel like I’ve made a difference or helped someone. As Crown Counsel, we do not measure success on a file by winning or losing. It’s about doing what is right and putting the best case forward.

Do you have advice for young lawyers?

Get deep into the forest, but don’t lose the forest for the trees. What I mean is that success as a lawyer requires passion for the craft and relentless consumption of whatever is relevant to your case, including the facts and the law. But you can’t lose sight of the reality that your ultimate audience, such as a court, requires you to distill all that complexity into something that is manageable. It can be tough for lawyers to find the balance between the details and the bigger picture.

SABA Spotlight Series – Kelvin Ramchand

Kelvin’s family came from Berbice, Guyana. His cricket loving parents quickly became fans of baseball, a sport that most resembled it when they came to Canada. Kelvin is an avid a fan of both sports.

Kelvin is a Federal Crown Counsel with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and worked on high profile criminal cases including drug, organized crime, terrorism and wiretap prosecutions in Toronto. Kelvin is on the PPSC Student Committee and has a sincere commitment to mentorship, equity, diversity and inclusion in the office. Kelvin joined SABA after being called to the Bar and previously served on the board from 2017-2018.

What drew you to become a crown prosecutor? Did you imagine doing anything else?

After being a prosecutor in my grade 7 mock trial, I was inspired to pursue a path in criminal law. I hoped to become a professional baseball player but realized that was unlikely being from Scarborough (still holding out hope the Jays will discover me one day!).

What do you enjoy about being part of the SABA board?

Working with like-minded and passionate individuals who tirelessly advocate for important issues while providing mentorship to future South Asian lawyers.

What’s your favourite South Asian snack?

Samosas with extra dipping sauce.

What do you like to do during your down time to relax?

Learning to cook, listening to podcasts/audiobooks and playing or watching sports.

What’s something unique you have learned about the practice of law that you can share with other lawyers?

Law is a very people oriented practice. Be mindful of your reputation and always be respectful, kind and empathic.

SABA Spotlight Series – Arun Krishnamurti

Arun Krishnamurti is an experienced technology lawyer with a track record of practical, business-oriented legal advice. After having worked at a leading law firm, and now in-house at Google Canada, Arun’s well versed in analyzing and responding to complex (and frequently cross-border) legal issues, including product launches, cloud services and other outsourcing agreements, consumer protection and many other commercial and regulatory topics. In addition to SABA, Arun currently sits on the board of Can Tech, and remains actively involved in his communities, taking active roles in mentoring, as well as supporting diversity and equity seeking groups.

Arun has been named to Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 and as a Rising Star by the South Asian Bar Association of North America.

What drew you to become a technology lawyer? Did you imagine doing anything else?

It was something I sort of fell into. I have always been interested in technology, and when I was an articling student I found myself involved in a couple of deals where I just loved the work. Being involved in ambitious, interesting projects with lofty goals and cutting edge technology really sparked something in me.

What do you enjoy about being part of the SABA board?

It’s a group of such talented people. Lots of passionate, dedicated folks involved. I loved making these connections, and finding a community of folks I could relate to. For me it was a lot about getting involved with and helping build this community (both the organization, and the broader South Asian bar).

What’s your favourite South Asian snack?

I will forever love gulab jamun. If I had to go savoury, then murukku.

What do you like to do during your down time to relax? It’s mostly family-focused right now. Spending time with my kids and friends. Wherever I can fit in a trip (especially pre-pandemic), travel was always one of my favourite ways to spend free time.
What’s something unique you have learned about the practice of law that you can share with other lawyers?

Much of your legal career is based around exposure. You have to put yourself in as many places as possible to get that “right place, right time” moment. It can be uncomfortable, but it’s the best way to find your path.

SABA Spotlight Series – Anisha Bhardwaj

SABA Spotlight Series – Anisha Bhardwaj

Anisha Bhardwaj is a first-generation lawyer born to parents who immigrated from India to Canada. Growing up, Anisha enjoyed watching Bollywood movies on the weekends and emulating Priyanka Chopra’s dancing (when her parents were not watching). This eventually led her to compete in Miss India Worldwide Canada. Nowadays, when she is not busy litigating, she enjoys tasting different cuisines from around the world and posting food reviews on her blog (ironically named Judge Foody).

Anisha is an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group at Aird & Berlis LLP, where she has a general commercial litigation practice and represents clients across a number of industries, such as real estate, commercial leasing, construction, employment and municipal.

1. What drew you to litigation?

Since a very young age, I knew I wanted a career where I could advocate on behalf of my client in a courtroom. I eventually learned about the litigation process and how it actually involves so many other steps that I also enjoy, such as written advocacy (which makes me feel like a creative story writer), negotiating a settlement with the opposing party, and investigating the case. I love the challenge and excitement of the litigation process both inside and outside of the courtroom; it makes me really look forward to waking up every morning knowing that each moment of the day will be unpredictable but challenging and will bring with it an opportunity to help my clients.

2. How did you come to be involved with SABA?

My involvement began during my role as President of the South Asian Law Students’ Association (SALSA) at Windsor Law. I worked with SABA to coordinate a mentorship program for lawyers and students that provided an insight into the organization and provided mentorship from SABA members. After I graduated from law school, I volunteered with SABA and then joined the board after being called to the Bar. Having received invaluable mentorship from SABA as a student, I wanted to give back and am now actively involved in coordinating SABA Toronto’s mentorship program for lawyers.

3. Do you have a favourite memory from being part of SABA?

I had an incredible time at the 2019 SABA Toronto Gala and Awards Night, which was the last SABA Gala before the pandemic started. It was held at Liberty Grand and roughly 400 people were in attendance (which now sounds like a distant dream given the current pandemic environment). There was live music, great speakers and the food was delicious. It had all the hallmarks of a successful networking event.

4. What’s your favourite South Asian snack?

I have a few favourites, but I think that if you put a plate of South Asian snacks in front of me, the Aloo tikki would disappear the fastest.

5. What’s the best advice you have received about the practice of law?

“Practice in an area that you enjoy”. I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing what I genuinely enjoy. Sometimes it takes time to find the right practice area, but if you persevere and remain committed to the goal, you will eventually get there.