This month’s spotlight shines on Ingrid Tsui of Alexander Holburn.
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
I was fortunate in that my mentor, Andrew MacKay, was very active with CLEBC and provided me with my earliest opportunities to contribute to publications and conferences in the area of wills, estates and trusts. Early on I learned that when you say “yes” to a CLEBC opportunity, you benefit so much by keeping up to date with developments in the law, learning new things, and meeting amazing colleagues.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
I just completed the latest annotations to the Power of Attorney Act and Regulations and Rules of Court, Rule 25, and I will be co-chairing Estate Planning for Blended Families on May 30, 2024.
My favourite CLEBC contribution is working on the annotated Power of Attorney Act and Regulations, which I have done annually for most of my career. This is because the case law is often directly applicable to the work we are doing in our office.
What inspired you to become a lawyer?
My father, who is still a practicing lawyer in BC, has always been my professional inspiration. I developed an interest in the profession from him and the other lawyers I was exposed to through him, seeing the variety of career options available to a person interested in a legal career.
I continue to be inspired by the people I work with every day, from my legal assistant to my business partners.
How did you decide to focus your practice on wills, estates and trusts?
I enjoy long-term relationships with clients, serving as their ‘trusted advisor.’ Practicing in this area allows me to really get to know a client, which often expands to include assisting in other legal matters. A big part of my practice is also business law and non-profit law, and many of those clients initially came to me for estate planning. I find it rewarding to learn about people’s lives and businesses and see how this evolves over time. My longest client has been with me since I started articling: 20 years!
You are very active in the legal community both as a contributor to publications and as a speaker. What motivates you to give back to the profession?
I have benefitted so much from the contributions made by others and this motivates me to follow suit. I also learn a lot each time I work on a publication or presentation for CLEBC which I incorporate into my practice.
What advice would you pass on to a newly-called lawyer?
I once read in a legal publication: “There is nothing in law that cannot wait.” It is such a good reminder to take the time to edit, reflect, and consider your work before presenting a finished product.
What is an unexpected perk of the career you have chosen?
I get to meet very interesting clients and colleagues, often over a fantastic meal in one of Vancouver’s excellent restaurants!
If you weren’t a lawyer, what career path would you have chosen?
My lifelong passion is ballet, which I still participate in recreationally! Lacking the talent to pursue this, I would have been interested in becoming an architect.