Why did you choose to pursue a career in tax? Was there an ‘aha’ moment? If so, please describe.
I grew up with an Income Tax Act. My mother is a translator and worked on federal budgets while I was a kid. Tax was a recurring topic of discussion. I mostly enjoyed debating tax policy and ultimately, realized I loved the thrill of tax litigation.
What do you consider to be the greatest achievements of your career to date?
Building a tax litigation team from scratch at Deloitte. From two lawyers in 2014 to now leading one of the largest tax litigation groups in Canada. It is an honor and a privilege.
Tax work in the pandemic era
What was one of the most interesting deals you worked on in the past year and why?
I very much enjoy the ability to have virtual hearings, virtual depositions and virtual meetings with the courts. This modernization is most welcome in the tax litigation community.
A career in tax
What key piece of advice would you give to young attorneys just getting into a firm or entry-level job? Is there something you wish you knew when you were first starting out?
Tax is an area where you will make mistakes often, especially at first and especially if you go at it alone. There is a reason that no one practices tax alone. There’s no such thing as an amazing tax lawyer—there are only amazing teams, members of which get recognized for their team’s success.
If you could introduce one new policy in the legal profession what would it be?
I would develop a tax litigation pro bono system in order to provide quality access to justice and advice for otherwise self-represented litigants.
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