FACL BC

Welcome to the first episode of “Leadership in Law”, a mini-series of the FACL BC Podcast. In this episode, Mark Leung and Steven Ngo share insights from their journey co-leading the FACL BC Leadership Academy over three years, and how their life journeys led them to foster and support leadership in the legal community. Mark and Steven unpack core principles of leadership - from making tough decis...

In this episode, Claire-Xi Song and Jiahong Huang speak with Jayde Wood, an IP partner, Patent Agent, and Trademark Agent at Gowling WLG. Jayde shares the story of her journey into IP law and what drew her to this exciting sector. She discusses possible considerations for moving from a boutique firm to a full-service firm in this field, including needing to grow and adapt to her clients' prese...

In this episode, Xue Zhang and Baron Hsueh speak with Karen Claus, an accomplished technology lawyer and principal of Karen Claus Law Corporation. Our conversation centres on Karen’s storied legal career - having worked as a litigator and now a solicitor, and having gained experience in private practice, in-house, and now as a solo practitioner. Karen shares the processes and approaches she took w...

This episode is an edited live recording of the FACL BC event moderated by Char Sandher, the Director & Group Lead of Healthcare & Professional Banking for Western Canada at Scotiabank, on April 2, 2025. In this episode, we speak with Alex Wilson, George Zhang, and Sean Akeroyd (MNP) who are experienced with financial solutions and strategies, to arm lawyers and law students with the confi...

In this episode, Fiona Wong and Abby Pang speak with Gloria Ng, a criminal defence lawyer and co-founder of Platform Litigation. In this enlightening discussion of a criminal defence practice, Gloria offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the dynamic, fast-paced, and meaningful work she does as a criminal defence lawyer. When it comes to the often unique needs of her clients, Gloria also recoun...

In this episode, co-hosts Xue Zhang and Becca Liu welcome Douglas Chiu, a partner at Hammerco Lawyers LLP and a distinguished litigator with nearly two decades of experience in complex financial disputes. Recently recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in personal injury litigation, Douglas brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation. He shares his journey in law, reflecting on the challenge...

This episode is an edited live recording of the FACL BC event moderated by Jennine Punzalen, FACL BC VP Internal, on November 29th 2023. In this episode, we speak with Stephen Hsia, Christine Yan, Brian Reigh, and Mark Iyengar on their judicial clerkship experiences ranging from the Federal Court, provincial trial and appeal courts, and the Supreme Court of Canada. In their discussion, our panelis...

This episode is an edited live recording of the FACL BC event moderated by Mark Leung, FACL BC In-House Committee Chair, on November 27, 2023. In this episode, Alex Su delves into the impact of his Asian-American background on his career path in law and shares his unique journey from being a lawyer in private practice, to a salesperson in legal tech, and now as an internet celebrity. Alex shares t...

In this episode, we chat with Stephanie Mui, Assistant Dean of the Career Services Office at Allard Law, about navigating student recruitment. Stephanie shares her career journey, offering essential tips on crafting standout applications, effective networking, and interview preparation. We also discuss post-COVID-19 changes in recruitment and address common misconceptions law students have. Stepha...

Join us as we uncover essential insights with Lucy Schilling, partner and Vice Office Managing Partner at Cozen O’Connor’s Vancouver office. Lucy shares perspectives on understanding law as a business, empowering junior associates to take initiative and become indispensable team members, and effective strategies for standing out. Additionally, Lucy explores the importance of networking and busines...

In this episode, we dive into Cheryl D'Sa, KC's remarkable journey through the legal landscape. From her beginnings in the accounting department of a law firm during undergrad to her current role as managing partner at Narwal Litigation LLP, Cheryl's career trajectory is truly impressive. Beyond her professional accolades, Cheryl is a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion in the...

In this episode, James Hsu unveils his unique career journey - transitioning from a litigator to employment lawyer to in-house legal counsel before finding his calling back in private practice as an employment and human rights lawyer at PortaLaw. James also shares his reflections from a nine-month long break between positions. Having gained valuable insights into maintaining personal autonomy, lif...

In this episode, we chat with James Chen, an accomplished legal professional who's paved a unique career path. As the founder of CMJC Law, James spent over a decade in big firms, specializing in corporate and securities law, before transitioning to an in-house role at a large company, where he drove transformative growth initiatives. In 2016, he took the leap to establish his own practice, CMJ...

In this podcast mini-series, join Brian Cheng for a captivating conversation with Chilwin Cheng, a seasoned business litigator specializing in complex commercial litigation and regulatory and white-collar defence. As the principal of Ascendion Law, Chilwin shares insights into his career journey, the changing landscape of diversity, the significance of mentorship, and his distinct perspective on w...

In this episode, we sit down with Gigi Chen-Kuo, TransLink's Chief Operating Officer, as she discusses her 30-year career that fuses law and public transportation. From her favorite TransLink route to her transition from law to an in-house role, Gigi shares insights on her unique position, daily challenges, and defining moments. Get a glimpse into her historic role as the first Asian heritage...

This is the first episode of FACL BC's new Corporate Lawyer Series. In this episode, we invite Julia Winters, a partner in Lawson’s Asia Pacific Group focusing on corporate/commercial and real estate law and the Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Lawson Lundell. Julia shares her journey towards a corporate and real estate practice, her experience interacting specifically with Asi...

In this episode, we sit down with Sameer Kamboj, a litigator and new shareholder at Owen Bird. Sameer takes us on a journey through his path to law and shares his insights on the keys to success in becoming a shareholder or partner in a law firm. But that's not all. Sameer also provides invaluable advice to law students and associates, offering practical tips to help them thrive in the legal p...

Late in 2022, FACL BC’s Vice Presidents, Jim Wu and Fiona Wong, sat down with Justice Randall Wong to reflect on his path to becoming a lawyer, and his distinguished career as a member of the judiciary. In this episode, Justice Wong recounts the significance of Vancouver’s historical buildings, legal landscape, and key figures who served as mentors to him over the decades. He shares with us the im...

Welcome to our first episode of 2023! FACL BC would like to thank its listeners and supporters for nominating its podcast to receive the 2022 Clawbies Award for Best Podcast. We are grateful to receive this award and hope you continue to enjoy our carefully curated content moving forward. In this episode, we invite long time FACL BC Mentorship and Membership Committee volunteer, Abby Pang, to shar...

In this episode, we invite lawyer and life coach, Angela Han from the US, to share briefly about her own journey with mental health, how she helps others through her career, and her thoughts on being a minority in the legal field. Angela paves the way for Asian lawyers, particularly Asian women, to turn our so-called “weaknesses” into “fuel” for our journeys. She reminds us that it's oka...

In this episode, Impact Recruitment's Steve Dorling and Olivia Truong explain to FACL BC's members and the legal community at large on what it means to work with skilled recruiters. They answer all of our questions, from how to work with a recruiter, whether it's a free service, what to submit in your application materials, the average pay range in the US, to being transparent about the diffi...

Our host May Au, in-house counsel at Lululemon, sits down with Jaclyn Leong, Senior Legal Counsel at Aritzia for this episode (recorded in April 2022). Aside from raving about the delicious fried chicken wings at Phnom Penh in Vancouver's Chinatown, and recommending her favourite pieces from the fashion boutique, Jaclyn shares with us her decision to transition from a legal career in private pract...

Guest host Chilwin Cheng sits down with Kevin Loo, QC one year later to discuss his Queen's Counsel appointment in 2021. In this episode, Kevin shares with us his thoughts on becoming Queen's Counsel, and family history, including how his great uncle, Andrew Joe, was the first Chinese Canadian to be admitted to the British Columbia bar in 1953. Kevin also discusses briefly his Uncle Andrew's advoc...

In this episode, guest host Chilwin Cheng invites long-time friend Miranda Lam onto FACL BC's podcast again, one year later. This month she shares with us her exciting (and surprising) transition from being a litigation partner and retail sector lead at McCarthy Tétrault, for more than a decade, to now the Chief Legal Officer and Senior Director, Business Development at Acuitas Therapeutics I...

In this podcast mini-series, Chilwin Cheng interviews Rose-Mary Liu Basham, QC, founder of Basham Law. Rose-Mary discusses her experience as an Asian woman litigator, tracing her journey from when she was first called to the Bar in 1977. Rose-Mary shares with us her stories in the courtroom over the last four decades and imparts wisdom on how to to be a good lawyer, regardless of one's race and ge...