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Former Olympian and Schulich Law alumna Jill D'Alessio on life before and after law school and competitive sport

Posted by Jane Doucet on August 2, 2016 in News
Jill D'Alessio at the Halifax waterfront (Photo: Rachael Kelly)
Jill D'Alessio at the Halifax waterfront (Photo: Rachael Kelly)

We caught up with Schulich School of Law alumna Jill D’Alessio (JD ’15) in mid-July, just one week before she wrote the Nova Scotia Bar exam. The former Olympian sprint kayaker – in Athens in 2004, she raced in the K4 500m as part of a four-woman team, placing eighth overall – is also a two-time Pan American Games champion in the solo K1 500m and the K4 500m.

Since January, D’Alessio has been articling at Carter Ford LLP in Halifax, a small firm that was launched in 2014 specializing in personal injury, accident, and disability law. She’ll complete her articling there in January 2017.

Although D’Alessio, 31, has retired from competitive sport, she sits on the High Performance Committee of Canoe Kayak Canada as the Athletes Representative. The committee is responsible for implementing the selection criteria and nominating people to various teams, including the Olympics, World Cup Tours, and the Canadian national team.

Why did you decide to apply to law school?

It was on a whim, really. I was thinking about life after sport. I had earned my undergrad in political science and philosophy at Saint Mary’s in 2009, and I thought maybe I’d pursue a career in law or social justice. I wrote my second LSAT in 2012 in Florida while I was at training camp. I had written the first one without studying, just to see what it was like. The second one I spent more time preparing for.

Where did you apply?

Schulich Law was my first and only option, because it had a great reputation and because I wanted to set down roots near my family. I grew up in Middle Sackville, where my family is still based, and I live in Dartmouth now.

What were some highlights of your time at Schulich Law?

I was president of the Domus Legis Society and a member of the Law Students’ Society’s grad committee. The social side of law school was important to me, and I chose the pocket I wanted to be involved with and put my energy there. Because of my sport, I grew up in a team atmosphere, and I took that attitude with me to law school. For me, it was about achieving my personal best, not beating other students. It was important for me to feel like I was part of a community.

I learned that I have a passion for being an advocate and providing tools for people to navigate the justice system. It also reassured me that one of the most important values to have in the legal profession is integrity.

What did doing your degree at Schulich Law teach you about yourself?

I learned that I have a passion for being an advocate and providing tools for people to navigate the justice system. It also reassured me that one of the most important values to have in the legal profession is integrity. If I am fortunate enough to be given a voice within this Nova Scotian community, then I hold that as a big responsibility. I learned that this type of community engagement was important to me.

Was there something unique about Schulich Law that helped you find your way to success?

Schulich has an amazing community-based legal education program that allowed me to build a network from the moment I stepped into my first class. Whether it was with other students, former students, legal practitioners, or the professors, these relationships will continue long after graduation. I was engaged in societies and committees that set this degree apart from my first degree, when I was so focused on my sport. Just as I felt supported while in school, when I graduated I felt pride not only in myself but also in my fellow classmates on what we accomplished. This network extends to a deeply rooted alumni base that I feel very fortunate to be a part of.

I grew up in a team atmosphere, and I took that attitude with me to law school. For me, it was about achieving my personal best, not beating other students.

Tell us about your articling position.

Carter Ford represents plaintiffs in insurance, medical malpractice, and accident claims. The firm has a huge book of clients and a great reputation. I find the medical files fascinating, although some of them are tragic. It makes me want to advocate for a client when you see how they’ve been wronged. They’re tired, financially stressed and mentally or physically ill, and they have legitimate claims. I enjoy getting to know their story and seeing how the law can help their circumstances.

Do you have more responsibility because it’s a fairly new firm?

Yes. I get to communicate with clients directly, and I get to know them personally. I’m sensitive to the fact that their lives are on the table to be poked and prodded at. When the outcome is positive, it’s nice to be able to share good news that some financial relief is coming.

Was it difficult to secure an articling position?

I graduated in May of 2015, and it took until January to get my articling position at Carter Ford, after the first position I secured ended up falling through. I had decided to stay in HRM, and I was confident that I would find something, but I did have to beat on doors. Last fall while I was looking, I shadowed Justice Michael Wood at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

How did shadowing Justice Wood come about?

In my third year of law school, I had the opportunity to shadow with Justice Glen McDougall for a week at the Supreme Courts, and while I was there I met a handful of other judges. One was Justice Wood, who recognized me through paddling, because I had grown up paddling at the same time as his daughter. Justice Wood invited a few students to sit on a couple of his matters throughout the year. and I followed through with the opportunity. Then while I was working at Propeller Brewery for a couple months in the fall while looking for an articling position, he came in and invited me to shadow him.

Did you find it tough to retire from your sport?

Yes, it was hard. I had considered trying for a spot on the 2016 Olympic team competing in Rio de Janeiro, but instead I decided to pursue opportunities to build a career in law. The timing was right, and I don’t have any regrets. I’m rooting for Halifax-based sprint kayakers Genevieve Orton and Mark de Jonge in Rio [both are Dalhousie University alumni].

Competition comes down to you being challenged and tested. Whether it’s in sport or a courtroom, it’s all about the preparation you did beforehand, which is crucial. 

Are there any parallels between sport and law?

Competition comes down to you being challenged and tested. Whether it’s in sport or a courtroom, it’s all about the preparation you did beforehand, which is crucial. You have to be prepared, then do the best you can and hope the outcome is positive.

What else could you see yourself doing with your legal education?

Someday I might explore the opportunities to pursue a legal career in sport. Right now in my volunteer position with Canoe Kayak Canada, we mainly review documents – I’d like to see where that can go. I’d like to be an advocate for the athletes in some way.