Episode 3: Kanchana Fernando

Kanchana Fernando speaks to us in this episode about the diversity of experiences possible with a law degree. Kanchana graduated from the University of Alberta's Faculty of Law in 2007, and went on to clerk with the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench and to article with the Department of Justice, where she is now Deputy Regional Director. In 2018 she received the Tomorrow's Leader Award from the Women in Law Leadership Awards, and she is the former chair of the Canadian Bar Association's Women Lawyers Forum. She currently volunteers with the Edmonton Community Legal Clinic, and she created and now teaches the U of A's Public Law Advocacy class. High attrition rates of women in the legal profession was at the forefront when Kanchana graduated from law school, which influenced her path in law. Today we discuss the many paths you can take with a law degree beyond practicing with a private firm or the government. Kanchana elaborates on the different supports available to women in law, the volunteer experiences and community groups that can bolster a legal career, and advice for law students in general. Finally, we discuss the importance of giving back to the community and how to affect real change for women and underrepresented individuals in the law. Recorded on: January 15, 2021