Setting the Stage with Incoming President Katy Commisso

What was the lure of law for you? Was it where you always saw yourself?

I did not grow up thinking I would be a lawyer. To be frank as I approached the final years of my liberal arts undergraduate degree, I wasn’t quite sure what to do. For me, the draw to law became apparent as I looked at what kind of career I wanted. I knew I had an interest in problem-solving and fairness. As a former theatre-kid, I also liked the idea of advocacy and presenting an argument in court. Law became the natural place where all of those interests intersected, and it has proven to have been the right choice.

If you were to describe your law school experience in five words, what would they be?

Eye-opening. Community. Challenging. Rewarding. Transformative.

What has been the most surprising reality of legal practice, and what advice would you go back and offer your just-starting-out self?

The biggest surprise has been how much the practice of law is about people, not just theory and principles. You spend as much time managing human dynamics as you do analyzing legal issues. If I could go back, I’d tell myself: you don’t have to choose between being an excellent advocate and being kind. In fact, the lawyers I admire most are both – firm in their positions, but gracious in their dealings.

Do you think there are skills or sensitivities that lawyers require or use more today than they did even ten years ago?

Absolutely. Empathy and adaptability have become central. The legal profession is experiencing rapid change – technology, client expectations, rules, substantive law, and even the structure of workplaces. Today’s lawyer needs to be comfortable with uncertainty, while also being able to reassure others through it.

What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in the profession since you began practising?

The pace. Five years ago, we were filing with paper and ten years ago email was considered fast. Now, clients expect answers in almost real time and that puts new pressures on lawyers. Balancing responsiveness with the deliberation our work requires is a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

How have you benefitted from your experience in OBA governance and what would you say to young lawyers who are contemplating pursuing volunteer or leadership opportunities within the profession?

Serving in OBA governance has given me perspective beyond my own practice, firm, and region. It reminds me that I am part of a profession that’s bigger than any one file or community. I have learned an incredible amount about the issues which should concern lawyers and the varying perspectives on those issues. I am a better lawyer for it. To young lawyers, I’d say: get involved early. It will expand your network, your skills, and your sense of belonging in the profession.

Your presidential mandate will equip lawyers to navigate transitions in life and law with confidence founded in expert intelligence and community experience. What inspired that mission, and is there a transition you’ve maneuvered in which peer and association support played an important role?.

Every lawyer faces transition points – whether it’s articling to practice, parenthood, caregiving, moving communities, or shifting practice areas.  For me, I’ve done a few of those things – most recently becoming a parent. What carried (and carries) me through was the support of my friends, family and colleagues. I want the OBA to be that steadying presence, resource, and community for lawyers at every stage.

Who or what inspires you most in your professional life?

I’m inspired by colleagues who quietly uphold the best traditions of this profession and the rule of law every day – often without recognition. Lawyers who combine excellence with kindness – the ones who are firm advocates, clear thinkers and highly skilled but who also treat everyone, clients, colleagues, and even opponents – with respect. That balance of strength and humanity reminds me of the best our profession can be.

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

That we made lawyers feel supported and connected, especially through their own transitions and the changes we are seeing in the profession. If members can look back and say, “The OBA helped me move forward with more confidence,” then it will have been a successful year.

Lightning Round

• Go-to karaoke jam ... You will not typically find me on a karaoke stage – if you do it is strictly for the occasional Spice Girls performance with Mariam Moktar.
• Rainy-day activity of choice … My 10-month-old is currently in charge of my activity choices – so if we are inside on a rainy day, you’ll probably find me on the floor with some blocks or balls or chasing her around on her walker.
• Last show you binged … The Last of Us.
• Best OBA memory … The process of running for second vice president – it was thrilling to take that leap.
• Trait you admire most in others … Kindness under pressure.
• Hidden talent … Reasonably good at cooking.
• Your happy place … Summer on the lake with my daughter and husband.