At the OBA Initiatives and Events

Mariam Moktar on Justice, Resilience and Being Sure

Having witnessed the rule of law collapse during civil war in her home country, Mariam Moktar doesn't take it for granted – its preservation is a calling both professional and deeply personal. In a reflective and resolute Q&A, the OBA's incoming president illuminates her path to leadership, reveals the story behind her “Be Sure” mandate, and champions a mission to help members find clarity and comfort in a climate of uncertainty.

BY Mariam Moktar Aug. 27, 2026

Photo of Incoming OBA President Mariam Moktar

Having witnessed the rule of law collapse during civil war in her home country, Mariam Moktar doesn't take it for granted – its preservation is a calling both professional and deeply personal. In this reflective and resolute Q&A, the OBA's incoming president illuminates her path to leadership, reveals the story behind her “Be Sure” mandate, and champions a mission to help members find clarity and comfort in a climate of uncertainty.

What drew you to a career in law — and did you ever think you'd end up somewhere else entirely?

What first drew me to law was actually seeing what happens in its absence. Having witnessed civil war in my home country, I became intrigued by the relationship between law, governance and societal stability. I was particularly interested in what happens when the rule of law breaks down, and how the absence or destruction of legal institutions can fundamentally change people’s lives. That experience led me to study political science, and law felt like a natural progression from there.

Interestingly, when I applied to law school, I also applied to pursue a master’s in political science. I was deeply interested in politics and, at the time, even thought I might one day become a politician. I ultimately chose law school, but that interest in public life and governance has never really left me.

Beyond legal know-how, what personal traits do you think have shaped your success in this profession?

I would say determination and perseverance have truly shaped my journey. I’ve faced my share of challenges along the way, and I’ve learned to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn’t always clear or easy. Growing up without much instilled a deep sense of resilience that remains a core part of who I am.

But I think my ability to connect with people, my emotional intelligence, and my compassion have been equally essential. Law can be very technical, but at the end of the day, it’s about human beings. Being able to truly listen, understand people and meet them where they are, have been just as important to my success.

Your journey to Canada from Somalia during the civil war is something you’ve openly discussed as having shaped your perspective and priorities. How has that experience influenced the way you think about the rule of law and your work as a lawyer?

Having experienced the absence of the rule of law firsthand, I don’t take it for granted for a second. Seeing what happens when the rule of law breaks down and a country begins to unravel has indelibly shaped how I think about law and my responsibility as a lawyer.

Lawyers carry a fundamental responsibility to protect the rule of law, to speak up when it is threatened, and to actively do our part to preserve it. For me, the rule of law isn’t an abstract concept. I’ve lived through what happens when it collapses, and that makes preserving it deeply personal for me.

Your presidential mandate, “Be Sure,” is about offering members clarity, comfort and certainty in an uncertain and fast-changing time. What led you to make that the focus of your year?

We are facing an incredible amount of change and uncertainty, whether it’s elections, anticipated changes to the civil rules, rapid advances in technology, or what’s happening in the world around us. I’ve always embraced change and new challenges, but I also recognize that when the pace of change is this fast, it can create a lot of unknowns that leave people feeling unmoored.

For me, “Be Sure” is about helping people find their footing within that uncertainty. It’s about providing clarity, comfort and confidence when there are a lot of questions, and making sure our profession feels supported and grounded, even as the world around us continues to change.

What do you see as the greatest source of uncertainty for lawyers and legal workplaces right now?

I think the greatest source of uncertainty is the pace of change itself. AI and other technologies are transforming how we practice, rules and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, and we’re also navigating broader political, economic and global uncertainty. It can feel like we’re adapting to one change while the next one is already coming.

For lawyers and legal workplaces, the challenge isn’t simply keeping up with change. It’s doing so while continuing to deliver excellent service, support clients, and maintain public confidence in the legal profession. That’s really at the heart of why I chose “Be Sure.” We may not be able to eliminate uncertainty, but we can help lawyers weather it with greater clarity, confidence and support.

Next August, what do you most hope to be able to say about your year as president?

I hope to be able to say that I helped our profession feel more connected, supported and equipped to navigate uncertainty and change, while also inspiring people to approach the future with hope and optimism. My own story has taught me that you can prepare for uncertainty without losing faith in humanity or in what’s possible. If I can share that perspective and help others feel more confident about the future, I’ll consider that a successful year.