Legal Bites - Andrea Meyes

Our team of lawyers have a very diverse background coming from all parts of the country with extensive knowledge helping people with their legal needs.

Associate Andrea Meyes is the youngest member of our legal team called to the Bar just last year, but that said she already has tremendous experience in and out of the courtroom. Just recently she sat with Partner Don Lewthwaite and did extensive work on the trial, even executing a cross examination.

She grew up in the Okanagan, attend Thompson Rivers University, then returned to the Valley after completing her articles in Kaslo.

We find out a little bit more about Andrea in this “Legal Bites” Q & A:

1. Tell us a little about your practice:

At this point, my practice is quite diverse as I assist most of the senior lawyers in their respective areas of practice. This mostly encompasses research, drafting, and if I am lucky, second chairing a trial! My focus seems to be leaning towards litigation.

2. Why did you go to law school and what school did you attend?

That is an interesting question. The easiest answer to that is to leave people better than when I first saw them. I enjoy assisting people through whatever issue or circumstance they are in, in pursuit of resolution. I attended Thompson Rivers University for law school.

3. How did you get to where you are today? Design? Chance? Both?

The process was not linear; I took a meandering and more protracted path to the law than some of my K-to-JD colleagues. That said, I guess I planted a seed by writing down in my grade 7 yearbook that my plan was to be a lawyer “when I grew up”. To be clear, before that, I wanted to be both a doctor and a ballerina – so there was no real reason to rely on the statement at the time.

4. What is your most significant achievement? What are you proud of?

I cannot give a definitive answer. At this point, I would say that I am proud of being better than I was yesterday.

5. What are some key challenges, and more importantly, opportunities for women in law?

The profession itself is challenging – deadlines, constant mental acuity, expectations, etc. (especially as a junior!). The law is a traditional profession. However, I am (along with others), fortunate to have had the path forged by amazing women before my time, towards more balanced representation in the profession. I think the opportunities for women are building on the foundation of our predecessors, and continuing to challenge the traditional paradigm of the law.

6. What advice would you give a woman starting her legal career?

I think “legal career” starts when you are contemplating applying for law school. So to that person, I would say speak to as many people in the profession as you can, work in the environment if possible. Get to know the good and bad, and, know your “why” – you’ll have to come back to that more than once!