By Samuel Getachew

Tanya C. Walker is a commercial litigator in Toronto. The Osgoode Hall Law school alumna has won many awards, including the Simms Shuber prize for academic excellence in Corporate Governance and Woman’s Enterprise Woman of the Year Award from Women’s Enterprise Canada. She shares with Sway her thoughts about her career and being on the Black History Month poster.

Tanya, congratulations on being featured in the new Black History Month poster. Tell us about that.

Thank you! I was also featured in it with other incredible people in 2010, such as Nneka Elliot.  This poster is displayed nationwide in all government buildings.  This includes fire stations, libraries, schools and police stations.  The unveiling took place on January 31 at Parliament Hill.  We attended with students from the Breakfast Club (created by Dwight Drummond), enrolled in Stanley Park, an elementary school near Jane and Sheppard.

What I enjoyed most about attending Parliament Hill is chatting with the young adults.

Tell us about your involvement with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL).

I have been a member for many years and really appreciate the work that it does.  Last year I presented on financial management at their conference and mc’ed the golf tournament.  I also appreciate that the organization lets us know what is going on in the community.

You have been a lawyer for a number of years now. For those considering law school, what wisdom would you most like to share?

Having good marks is important.  What is also important is mentorship.  If you are able to find a few people that you trust and want to guide you, then it helps.

What surprised you most about law school?

The strong sense of community that I felt.  The professors were great and supportive.  I developed strong friendships with a few classmates.  I was the first year representative for the Black Law Students Association, then the president.  I really appreciated having guidance and support from members of CABL.

Tell us about the Walker Law firm.

The firm is located at 2410-401 Bay Street.  I opened the firm around a year and a half ago.  It employs a law clerk, Kai Yorke-Edwards and a lawyer Sarah Deol.  My role as the owner is to practice commercial litigation and manage the business.

You are a very active volunteer in the community. What have you learned from your experience so far?

It is important to give back.  Contributing time will make a big difference in someone’s life.

Related Articles:

• Q&A with Kim Crosby
• Q&A with Akwasi Owusu-Bempah
• Q&A with DJ Flowmaster
• Q&A with Ethiopian activist Teddy Fikre
• Q&A with Farley Flex