
This month’s spotlight shines on Jessica Proudfoot of Woodward & Company.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
I recently co-chaired the Aboriginal Law Conference (in November 2024). Selecting the papers for the conference and getting to know the presenters was a fabulous experience. And I had forgotten how great it is to attend a conference in person. The day offered so many opportunities to connect with old friends and new acquaintances and to learn about interesting corners of the law that I wouldn’t have been exposed to in my day-to-day practice.
What inspired you to practice in the area of Aboriginal law?
I spent the first several years of my career practicing commercial litigation and “environmental” law in Alberta, so the bulk of my practice involved representing large corporations in the resource development sector. I grew weary of advancing arguments and representing clients that were not aligned with my values and worldviews. Free time was scarce, and professional opportunities to meaningfully engage with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action were few and far between. Aboriginal law has, in my experience, offered more opportunities to contribute on meaningful files and advance arguments that I can really get behind. This frees up my conscience to dedicate more of my spare time to my friends and family, or in recreational pursuits.
What are some of the rewards and challenges that you experience in your practice?
That depends on the day. When I was an articling student a partner found me in the office late at night. I was exasperated, sitting behind stacks and stacks and stacks of cases on my desk and a pile of exhausted highlighters in the trash. The partner said, “The best – and worst – part of this profession is that no matter how long you’ve been doing it, there’s always something new to learn.” That rings truer now than ever for me. There are some days I literally leap out of bed, excited to dig into something new. But there are other days when I feel fatigued by all the “new” somethings to learn (and unlearn). Setting realistic expectations for myself of what I’m capable of accomplishing in a day, and then actually getting it done, continues to be my greatest challenge and reward.
Lately, mentorship has really been filling my cup. It’s immensely gratifying to support junior lawyers as they develop into capable counsel and colleagues. And it’s not a one-way street. I am learning too. Just the other day I discovered that “kk” is not, in fact, a typo. It’s an enthusiastic version of “ok”!
If you weren’t working in law, what career path would you have chosen?
At our ten-year reunion, my law school classmates voted me “most likely to be appointed Attorney General”. I’d like to think I would never become a politician, but I am not so sure. I’ve always been a sucker for a soapbox.
What advice would you pass on to a newly called lawyer?
Pace yourself. Don’t get hung up on “making partner” or opening your own shop by some artificially imposed deadline. Give yourself an opportunity to focus on files that truly interest you and hone your craft before you tangle yourself up in other responsibilities that distract you from what attracted you to this profession in the first place.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
Making empathy cool again. Protecting our kids from unnecessary climate insecurity. Amplifying acts of self-determination. Five-pin bowling. Taxing the super-rich. Cross-country skiing. Cold plunges. Boycotts; More or less in that order.