Dean Bill Flanagan and Professor Mohamed Khimji with the first “Law as a Launchpad” panelists: Brenda MacDonald, Law’92, Sam Altman, Law’82, Richard Tory, Law’89, Edward Boomer, Law’89, and Jim Walker, Law’81. (Photo by Andrew Van Overbeke)
Dean Bill Flanagan and Professor Mohamed Khimji with the first “Law as a Launchpad” panelists: Brenda MacDonald, Law’92, Sam Altman, Law’82, Richard Tory, Law’89, Edward Boomer, Law’89, and Jim Walker, Law’81. (Photo by Andrew Van Overbeke)

On November 22, Queen’s Law brought together five leading alumni to discuss the varied legal career paths that enabled them to leap into the business world. They participated in “Law as a Launchpad: How to Leverage Your Degree,” a new annual event organized by the Career Development Office (CDO) for students of all academic and professional backgrounds. 

This event forms part of the CDO’s strategy to highlight the variety of career options available to students with a law degree. “From a career development perspective, it is important for students to think about their short- and long-term goals,” says Julie Banting, CDO Director. 

“Oftentimes, students can get caught up in the short-term with a focus on the immediate things they need to do to complete their degree,” she adds. “Panels like this one show students how many different opportunities there are in the business sector across a variety of industries for a law grad.”

Panelists for the discussion, hosted by Dean Bill Flanagan and moderated by Professor Mohamed Khimji, are chief actors in the private and public sector corporations: Sam Altman, Law’82 (President of Joddes Limited); Edward Boomer, Law’89 (founder and President of Reference Realty Inc.); Brenda MacDonald, Law’92 (VP of Regulatory Affairs for Ontario Power Generation); Richard Tory, Law’89 (Managing Director of Investment Banking for Morgan Stanley); and Jim Walker, Law’81 (Managing Partner for HOOPP Capital Partners).

“The alumni stories highlighted the rewards and challenges of their different paths,” Banting adds. The panelists also highlighted the strengths that students obtain in pursuing a law degree and the skills that are essential for success in any career.”

During a lunch after the panel discussion, students had an opportunity to network with the alumni and foster some longer-term career connections for them. Egi Troka, Law’19, took this opportunity to ask the panelists more personal questions. “I was speaking to Brenda MacDonald about serving on a board of directors” says Troka. “It’s a great way to build your network, get your name out and increase your business knowledge.”

Asked about what the panel taught her about the corporate world, Troka explains, “You are not only a lawyer, you are a business person. To become a trusted advisor and expert, you have to go above and beyond from day one – this includes having business acumen and being personable.

“If you want more doors to open up, you cannot just focus on the work,” she adds. “You have to be actively involved with things that interest you and meet like-minded individuals who will help you rise in your career.”

By Aschille Clarke-Mendes