CLEBC’s April 2027 Spotlight shines on Aubrie Girou of Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP.
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
As a research assignment in my articles for my mentor Ingrid Tsui. Annotations to the Power of Attorney Act and Rule 25, two chapters I still contribute to!
My partners Ingrid Tsui and Mary Hamilton, KC, have always emphasized this work in their own practices which influenced me.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
I am a part of the editorial board for the British Columbia Probate & Estate Administration Practice Manual, which meets over two days in February to review annual revisions to that publication. In April, I will be acting as a group leader with several of my colleagues from other firms for the Death is Not the End: Estate Administration Workshop.
I value my collaborations with CLEBC because from every presentation, paper, workshop, or manual update there are multiple takeaways for you as the contributor, whether for a specific case you are working on, or expanding your understanding of a particular legal principle, or an idea to execute in your own practice management.
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
I was making a choice between journalism school and law school, and only law school had an entrance exam. I wrote the exam. Then the application for law school was due earlier than the other program. I submitted the application. Essentially my organizational skills made the choice for me. However, given the joy I take in writing, argument, and problem solving, I am confident it was the right choice.
Your practice includes both estate planning and estate litigation. Do you feel that you are more a solicitor or more a barrister at heart?
Tough question! I think time and experience, and my colleagues at the estates bar, have moved the dial toward litigation; but what I learn from my litigation practice is so relevant to a planning practice that I will always do both.
If you weren’t working in law, what career path would you have chosen?
Something else involving writing.
What advice would you pass on to a newly called lawyer?
Don’t count yourself out of anything. Try (and apply for) all of the opportunities and see what fits for you.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
My family and friends, good food, storytelling.