LESA’s Practice Note 2 Exposed: Your Key to Filing and Deadlines webinar is just a few weeks away. We recently caught up with one of the webinar’s presenters—Yasemin Shihab Ahmed—to learn more about Yasemin’s background and practice and to gain some insights into what makes this webinar unique, and why you should consider grabbing a lunch and joining Yasemin and co-presenter Justice Michael Kraus at noon on November 20.
Read on to learn more about Yasemin and the webinar. Note that these responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, education, experience, etc.
I grew up in Calgary until my lifelong desire to pursue a law career took me overseas to study at the University of Liverpool School of Law. There, I earned my law degree and had the chance to experience a different legal culture, which broadened my perspective and strengthened my foundation in the field. Upon returning to Calgary, I continued my education, completing a Master of Management at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, while obtaining my National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) qualifications so that I could practice law in Canada.
Through my summer student roles, articling period, and early years as a practicing lawyer, I gained hands-on experience across a wide range of legal areas—including criminal, immigration, family, corporate, civil, and real estate law. Family law always stood out to me though. I was drawn to the distinct challenges it presents and the need for a hands-on, engaged approach with clients. I ultimately decided to focus on family law, where I feel I can make a meaningful difference by guiding clients through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
What inspired you to the practice law?
First, although it may sound cliché, I wanted to become a lawyer from a young age. For me, the appeal of the law goes beyond just the structure and rules—it’s about using those frameworks to help people through challenging situations, and to, ideally, help them come out the other side stronger.
Second, law, as a discipline, has always intrigued me. Why are laws the way they are? How have they evolved? These questions have been on my mind since I was young, and being able to explore these questions professionally is something I value.
Third, I admittedly like to talk! When growing up, everyone said I should be a lawyer because of my tendency to communicate and debate. Thankfully, this advice helped guide me into a fulfilling career path.
What motivates you in your practice?
My motivation comes primarily from a desire to help people through difficult times and enable them to move forward confidently. Helping clients feel like they’ve achieved justice or resolved issues effectively is something I take great pride in. There’s a distinct satisfaction in knowing that I’ve played a part in helping them navigate a challenging chapter in their lives and emerge with a renewed sense of control and hope for the future.
What are the key takeaways of this webinar?
Practice Note 2 Exposed: Your Key to Filing and Deadlines, which I’m co-presenting with the Honourable Justice Kraus, emphasizes the importance of simplifying the practice notes, making them more accessible and easier for practitioners to follow. Attendees will gain valuable insights into why practice guidelines are structured in specific ways and why the judiciary emphasizes them so strongly. By breaking down the guideline, practitioners can more easily integrate them into daily work and reduce common mistakes. The goal of the webinar is to expose Practice Note 2, break it down, and make it as user friendly as possible.
If you were speaking to a colleague, why would you encourage them to attend the webinar?
Practice Note 2 is often seen as straightforward, but, in reality, it’s commonly overlooked or misunderstood in practice. This webinar provides a valuable refresher or first opportunity for practitioners to learn to avoid common pitfalls and meet the guidelines accurately and effectively. The insights from the program can enhance day-to-day work and reduce unnecessary errors. Also, understanding the reason behind the rules and guidelines, particularly from the position of the Bench, offers invaluable benefit to your practice.
What do you hope to gain from volunteering with LESA?
Volunteering with LESA is an exciting opportunity to deepen my knowledge in legal topics that I’m passionate about. LESA also offers valuable networking opportunities, connecting me with other professionals and expanding my perspective on various legal issues.
I also look forward to the chance to continue to develop skills—like public speaking and presenting—that aren’t always part of my regular workload. Volunteering allows me to step outside of the usual day-to-day routine to grow both professionally and personally.
Webinar Information
Practice Note 2 Exposed: Your Key to Filing and Deadlines
November 20 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Presenters:
Yasemin Shihab Ahmed | Hayher Lee LLP
Justice Michael Kraus | Court of King’s Bench of Alberta
Price: $95 (General) | $85.50 (New Lawyer) | $71.25 (Student)
