Samantha Horn, Law’91, and Claire Kennedy, Law’94, are known not only as leading lawyers in their respective areas of practice but also as two of the strongest female leaders in the country. They have been named to the Top 100 list of Canada’s Most Powerful Women for 2017 by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN), a national organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in business.
A Top 100 award recipient for the previous three consecutive years, Horn has been inducted into WXN’s Hall of Fame. Kennedy makes her debut on the list as a KPMG Professional. Both of these accomplished role models talked to Queen’s Law Reports about their career satisfaction, law school experience, and advice they give to students and junior lawyers.
Samantha Horn, Law’91
Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP (Toronto office)
Recognized as one of the country’s leading lawyers in the corporate, commercial, mergers and acquisitions and private equity practice areas, Samantha Horn is a member of the Toronto office’s management committee and formerly served as co-head of the mergers and acquisitions and private equity group. Her efforts to promote the advancement of women in law contributed to the firm receiving the Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Award of Excellence. She is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a founding and executive member of the Canadian Women in Private Equity committee of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association and a member of the Women in Capital Markets and the U.S. Women’s Association of Venture and Equity. (Women’s Executive Network, November 2017)
QLR: What do you find most fulfilling in your career?
SH: I find the most fulfilling aspect of my career is being able to use my contacts, experience and expertise to assist others, whether helping investors and acquirors in their business acquisitions, helping entrepreneurs to complete the sale of their businesses, helping connect business people to create new business opportunities or helping to train and mentor younger associates and others. In each of these roles, I have the pleasure to work with smart, dedicated and enthusiastic people and the variety of the work that I do keeps things very interesting.
QLR: How did Queen’s Law prepare you for your career?
SH: When I was in law school, and even in my articling year, I had not determined what area of law I wanted to practice. At Queen’s Law, I was able to take a range of courses in various different areas of law, as well as getting experience in mooting and legal aid. That general background proved to be very useful.
QLR: What advice would you give women law students and junior lawyers for a successful legal career?
SH: Work hard. Be intellectually curious and look for opportunities to get more involved. Keep your work varied as much as possible until you identify an area that interests you and pursue that. Take opportunities that come your way. Seek challenges. Enjoy the journey.
Claire M.C. Kennedy, Law’94
Partner, Corporate Tax & Transfer Pricing Lawyer, Bennett Jones (Toronto office)
Recognized as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in tax and transfer pricing, Claire Kennedy provides corporate tax and transfer pricing advice and represents large taxpayers during tax and transfer pricing audits and disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency. A seasoned board director, she serves on the executive of the International Fiscal Association’s Canadian branch and is an officer of the International Bar Association’s taxes committee. She is also a professional engineer and in 2015 received the Citizenship Award from the Professional Engineers of Ontario. (Women’s Executive Network, November 2017)
QLR: What do you find most fulfilling in your career?
CK: Leadership and mentorship are incredibly fulfilling and I have been lucky to have opportunities for both.
QLR: How did Queen’s Law prepare you for your career?
CK: My mooting experiences still stand out to me today as great learning opportunities for discerning analysis, clear communication and productive teaming – all essential practice skills.
QLR: What advice would you give women law students and junior lawyers for a successful legal career?
CK: Seize opportunities when they present themselves even if you don’t think you are fully ready yet. Of course do your homework and prepare thoroughly but stretch assignments are just that – a stretch. Push yourself and you will be rewarded with a great sense of satisfaction and more importantly an opportunity to learn about yourself under pressure – as well as some new skills or domain expertise.
Queen’s Law congratulates Samantha Horn and Claire Kennedy on their remarkable accomplishments.