Roseanna Dat
2014/2015
Roseanna Dat believes with perseverance and will power, anything can be achieved, and that adventure and opportunity can be found in all places, no matter how desperate the odds.
About Roseanna
Roseanna Dat believes with perseverance and will power, anything can be achieved, and that adventure and opportunity can be found in all places, no matter how desperate the odds. She grew up in a tightly knit community in Guyana. It’s where her parents taught her about strength and endurance as they worked tirelessly to put her through school. It’s where her older brother Rocky would become her greatest motivator. And it’s where her appetite for justice quickly formed into an unflinching commitment to become a lawyer dedicated to the craft.
Where did you earn your law degree?
I earned my Law Degree in Guyana at the University of Guyana, South-America.
Why law? What inspired your legal aspirations?
This may sound cliché but I’ve always wanted to do law. Since I was a child, I enjoyed all shows and movies that involved lawyers. Lawyers seemed like strong vocal people with bold personalities and that attracted me. Also, as a child, I was inspired by the TV show Matlock - he made the profession seem so interesting and exciting.
But my real influence was my Mom. She is a legal assistant and I would visit her office every day - before and after school. I was intrigued by the work and found it challenging and interesting. From a very tender age, I had the opportunity to mingle with the lawyers and was fascinated with their stories and cases. I had about a million questions each time and they happily answered them.
Around the age of 11 – I was speaking to one of the lawyers and he was very successful. His mainfocuse was criminal law – and he told me that he believed that I would make a great lawyer and that meant a lot and gave me confidence. He still practices – and was super proud when he heard I got called to the bar in 2017 in Canada.
In order to bring your aspirations to fruition, it is imperative to have good supporters and cheerleaders in your court. I am blessed to have always had amazing people in my court and great mentors. My biggest supporter was and is my brother. I have one sibling - my brother who is three years older and even though it has been 10 years since he passed away, I never refer to him in past tense. He has always been proud of my academic achievements and supported me throughout. Even though he is not physically here, he is my biggest motivator and supporter and I dedicate this achievement to him. The journey to becoming a lawyer as other lawyers and law students can relate to, isn't a walk in the park. It requires dedication and diligence; hard work and commitment.
What kind of law do you currently practice?
I am currently practising Corporate Law at Fasken.
What is a typical day at work/office like for you?
Every day is different so it varies largely. It is mostly dependent on milestones or deadlines of the Project. For 3 months, I could be working 14 hours per day including weekends and then for the next few weeks I could be working 8 hours per day as other “normal people”. But we are anything but “normal”.
What is the best part of your career?
These are numerous. I get to work with very knowledgeable and experienced people who are always willing to have a teaching moment and share their knowledge. Additionally, I am given a lot of responsibility and have room for creativity, which is always welcomed as a new lawyer. Making the clients happy and satisfied in turn also makes you as the lawyer, very happy and pleased as well.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Definitely the long hours.
What legal case had a strong impact on you and why?
I don’t have a specific case that had a strong impact on me but as a student, I was always engrossed in reading criminal law cases especially those centered around diminished responsibility and provocation.
Where did you complete your LPP work placement?
I completed my LPP work placement at Fasken. Fasken is a large law firm on Bay Street and I was in the Corporate Law department working mostly in the Infrastructure Group.
Describe a particularly memorable experience during the training component of the LPP
They are numerous. I remember meeting the members of my Virtual Law Firm for the first time. It was quite interesting because we all had different backgrounds and personalities so we knew from the beginning that it would be a good team.
Describe a particularly significant experience during the work placement component of the LPP
The one that stands out for me right now is docketing. I disliked it and probably still do but as a lawyer, it is necessary in most work environments and I am glad I was exposed to this before entering the firm. Through the LPP, I entered my placement with a great level of confidence as I was not in the dark of what a real work environment would look like. I also especially endorse the LPP for its curriculum and exposing candidates to all areas of law.
Words of advice can you offer future LPP candidates:
This is a very valuable and great experience - make the most of it and enjoy it. You will be exposed to many great tools and knowledgeable people and you’ll make good friends. The LPP acted as a bridge for me - from law school to the “real working world”. It provided me an insight on expectations. But not only that, the program also exposed me to the tools and resources needed to fulfill those expectations. Thank you to all who assisted me through this phase of my education.
