This month’s spotlight shines on Stacie Ayukawa and Michèle Ross of Heinrichs Richards LLP. We are proud to have Stacie and Michèle co-chairing CLEBC’s Inaugural Paralegal Conference, which takes place on April 16.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a paralegal? (Stacie)
I actually fell into the career through happenstance. I had no legal background or knowledge when I got a job as a legal assistant at a small, sole proprietorship in Richmond, BC. When asked to prepare an affidavit, I had to ask her what that referred to. I wasn’t prepared for what would eventually become something like second-nature. That initial job made me fall in love with learning the law and knowing that my knowledge and experience would, in turn, help people practically. My lawyer from that first job inspired me in many ways—one of which was believing in myself and my abilities and turning those into a future.
In what ways do paralegals uniquely contribute to access to justice in Canada? (Michèle)
By offering an affordable option when members of the public cannot afford the services of a lawyer.
How has the role of paralegals evolved in recent years? (Michèle)
In 2020, we saw the introduction of the ‘innovation sandbox’ by the Law Society of BC, which allows paralegals (and other legal service providers) to apply to offer services directly to the public. In May 2024, the Legal Professions Act (Bill 21) received Royal Assent and creates a new category of service providers, “Regulated Paralegals.” If the Act is brought into force, Regulated Paralegals will be licensees of the new regulator. And while not all paralegals may wish to become “Regulated Paralegals,” this is a significant step for those who choose to.
What excites you most about co-chairing CLEBC’s Inaugural Paralegal Conference? (Stacie)
The Inaugural Paralegal Conference is going to be epic. I am excited about seeing connections that I already have and especially about forging new connections with paralegals and other legal professionals. It will be a singular opportunity to establish networking with other people who are from all walks of life in the legal realm. I am particularly looking forward to learning more about other practice areas that I am less familiar with, and getting exposure to the ideas for the future of paralegals in BC. And, to top it all off, I get the chance to work with co-chair Michèle Ross!
What skills do you believe are essential for success in today’s legal landscape? (Michèle)
- Time management: It’s essential that paralegals have the ability to handle high-pressure situations, multiple deadlines, and the ability to prioritize effectively.
- Legal technology proficiency: Adapting to modern technology enhances productivity and efficient document management.
- Communication: Both strong written and verbal communication skills are a must.
- Ethical practice: Adhering to ethical standards and understanding boundaries is key in order to support the legal team.
Okay, that’s more than three—I feel like I could go on!
How can attending this conference benefit both new and experienced paralegals? (Stacie)
This conference is going to benefit anyone who attends it. There are many topics to explore, and I believe that there will be something for everyone to take away from this conference. There are substantive law topics, and then also soft skill presentations that will apply to any field of interest. I think this is a rare opportunity for the paralegal profession of BC to get together in an in-person environment and experience who is actually on the other side of the computer or telephone. In this contemporary society where so many people are working from home or don’t have the occasion to get out of the office. This day will present the chance for people to mingle while simultaneously offering the opportunity to acquire knowledge and practice points.