The document discusses how having a supportive network makes achieving goals less overwhelming. It summarizes how the author's friends, family, and TLABC colleagues provided invaluable support when purchasing a home. Additionally, TLABC members often support one another financially and through knowledge sharing. The organization is holding its first New Lawyers Adventure Retreat and establishing a bursary fund so financial barriers do not prevent new lawyers from attending. Members are encouraged to donate to allow those facing hardship to access educational opportunities.

1. 12 Spring 2016 | Issue 148 | the Verdict
COLUMNS | tlabc.org
BY AMANDA HUETTNER
TLABC MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
M
y partner and I recently made the big leap to home own-
ership. While I am very proud of how hard we worked
to save the down payment, and of all the research we
did to find the perfect neighborhood and home, the process was
made far less overwhelming with the support of my friends, family
and TLABC colleagues. My colleagues were excited, and those
that owned homes offered incredible advice. My friends recom-
mended realtors, movers and home inspectors that were trust
worthy. One of our wonderful TLABC members even recom-
mended a lawyer to conduct the conveyance for us. Lastly,
but certainly not the least – my father literally bought as
his own, Christmas gift, all of the supplies to re-tile our new
bathroom.
Yes, this is a sweet story – but what am I getting at? While an
individual’s intelligence, perseverance, ability and work-ethic
definitely drives their success – the support of a network of people
invested in your success and happiness make any goal much less
overwhelming and the process all the more enjoyable.
One of the things I love most about working forTLABC is how
invested our members are in supporting their colleagues. Often,
I receive calls from members who have learned that a colleague
is going through a rough financial period and they offer to pay
their membership dues or attendance at a seminar. We have over
120 Benefactor and Sustaining members go above-and-beyond
each year, by paying premium dues that subsidize our lower cost
student and new lawyer’s rates.
Finally, we have those who donate to our bursary funds. As
our new President, Aseem Dosanjh, mentioned in his opening
letter at the beginning of this issue, we are offering our very first
New Lawyers Adventure Retreat between 10-12 June 2016, in
Squamish, BC. This is the first event of its kind in Canada and
we are determined to make it an unforgettable weekend for our
attendees.
We are asking all members to please donate to the New Lawyers
Adventure Retreat 2016 Bursary Fund. Financial barriers should
not hold any new lawyers, law students or articled students back
from attending this event. Our goal is to send all TLABC mem-
bers under 5 years call who could not afford to attend otherwise.
Any size donation helps. To show our gratitude, we will
highlight your name or firm’s name on event signage, in the
Verdict magazine, in our weekly Your TLABC e-Newsletter, and
on our social media platforms.
Our new lawyer and student members all possess the intel-
ligence, perseverance, ability and work ethic to succeed. Your
contribution allows them access to the education that makes
reaching their goals a far less daunting experience – and lets
them know that they are part of a legal community that sup-
ports their success.
To learn more, please contact Amanda Huettner, Membership
Director at e: Amanda@tlabc.org or p: 604-696-6523. V
Self-described “Jill of All Trades”. I’ve worked as a midwife, managed social housing, contracted myself as
a grant writer, and was on Metro Vancouver’s mayor’s Seniors Advisory Council, working along side with
“Gregor” (yes, we’re on a first name basis). In 2012, I moved into legal field, assisting residential school
survivors with their Independent Assessment Packages. In 2013, a trial lawyer colleague told me to apply
with TLABC, and I am so glad I did! In my spare time I enjoy hosting big groups of friends for dinner, relax-
ing with our cats, Olive and Baby, and catching my partner, Brendan’s, comedy act.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP
New Lawyers ADVENTURE RETREAT
BURSARY FUND
SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION...
An estimated 20% of New Lawyers face financial hardship.
Please donate to the TLABC bursary fund,
and support a new lawyer attending the retreat.
To donate: amanda@tlabc.org 604-696-6523
JUNE 2016