In honour of International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025), we are thrilled to spotlight LESA’s Board Chair, Rachel Hopf.
At various points in her life, Rachel felt inspired to pursue a career in law. While completing her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Winnipeg, she decided to pursue law. She craved the intellectual challenge, variety, and daily and lifelong learning that she anticipated a career in law would bring. In 2009, she received her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Manitoba and began her articles in Lethbridge at MMH Lawyers LLP (then MacLachlan McNab Hembroff LLP). She continued as an associate, and in 2016, became partner.
Rachel perceives the practice of law as similar to honing a craft. She is inspired by the use of language and reason to present facts, solve problems, and craft narratives to captivate, persuade, and shape cases within the framework of the law.
Rachel remains dedicated to her aspiration of lifelong learning, not only in her professional career, but also in her personal life. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, scuba diving, reading, spoiling her cat, binge-watching shows, traveling, and volunteering on various boards including the YWCA Lethbridge & District, Lethbridge Family Services, Lethbridge Police Commission, and Alberta Association of Police Governance as Chair. Currently, she is a board member of the Lethbridge & District Japanese Garden Society in addition to serving as LESA’s Board Chair.
Rachel values the opportunity for lawyers to engage in continuing legal education and lifelong learning. As Board Chair, she values being able to work with and interact with the LESA community and to hear a greater variety of thoughts, opinions, insights, and experiences from her fellow board members.
“I think lifelong learning is so tremendously valuable. I like being part of an organization that provides so many opportunities for my fellow lawyers to continue to engage in that effort, ‘in the common pursuit of continuing legal excellence,’ wherever they are in their careers at the moment.”
As a woman in law, Rachel recognizes that women still face challenges in the workplace. She notes that this can result in women making difficult life choices which can impact their careers and/or their families.
“I think we have come a long way towards gender equality in this profession, but we still have a long way to go. I also think it’s important to remember that the work in achieving and maintaining equality never really ends.”
For women embarking on a career in law, Rachel leaves them the following inspiring advice:
“Be curious. Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t be afraid to ask. Challenge yourself to try the hard things. We all started out somewhere, even those who have decades of practice under their belt. Don’t be too restrictive when you set out as to what kind of law you will or won’t do, you may be surprised by what inspires you.
Mistakes are inevitable. What matters most is owning them and learning from them, and using the knowledge gained from mistakes to mentor others who are beside you or who come after you.
Respect the profession, respect the people. Even when you are challenged by differences in opinion. Be confident in your skills, abilities, and your ability to exercise judgment and seek assistance and mentorship when you need it.
Believe in yourself but also believe in those who are there to mentor and support you, whether they are your colleagues, your family, or your friends.
Make sure to take time for yourself outside of work, as one day, the work will be done – or at least less – and you need to be able to know who you are without the job, too.”
Many thanks to Rachel for everything she does for LESA, for her leadership within the Alberta legal community, and for taking the time to connect with us for this interview.
