Laura Dickson's Secret Sauce for Success

1. Who are you? What's your story?

I am a typical Scottish girl. I was born and raised in Scotland.?When I was 16 or so, I did a biometric test that noted I should either be a librarian or a lawyer. Since I didn't like reading books, my naivete told me to become a lawyer instead. And?now I read and write all day long! Fundamentally, I wanted to help people and knew that becoming a lawyer would allow me to fulfill that goal.

Before and during law school, I traveled quite a bit and even worked at Walt Disney World in Florida for a year when I was 18 years old. Interestingly, I?met my husband while working at Disney. I then returned to Scotland to complete my law degree. While in law school, I worked for the Crown office.

After graduating law school, I moved to?Canada in April 2008 as my husband is Canadian. After moving to Canada, I completed my NCA qualifications through a one year program at UofT. In 2012, I was called to the bar and also got married - all in the same week. We now have 2 beautiful daughters who are 8 and 6.

My first job in Canada back in April 2008 was with a personal injury firm here in Hamilton. It met my desire to help people and champion those who needed a voice. I had intended to continue my initial goal of becoming a Crown Attorney but when I started working in personal injury through chance, it ended up being the right fit for me.

2. What's your definition of success?

Success to me is feeling satisfied with what you are doing in the present, with what you have done in the past, and always looking forward and planning for things you will do in the future.

3. How did you achieve success??

I truly believe that a lot of opportunities arise out of luck and finding yourself in the right place at the right time. So success is in part attained by pushing forward and striving for it, but in part through sheer luck.

I find myself lucky to be in a country like Canada where I have opportunities available to me and where I am able to do what I love doing every day.

I also find it helpful to have smaller goals along with bigger life goals and to be able to adapt as necessary from time to time.

4. What's your secret sauce for success?

Making sure that I have a good support system around me, including both my legal family (such as colleagues) and my family and friends.?I have the fortunate experience of working with one of my close friend, Erica Lamont. Erica and I met when we both worked at the same insurance defence firm and after a wonderful lunch some years later, we set in place our plan for the future and our success.

When it comes to success, it truly takes a village. This is a hard profession as it is, but I feel I would not be able to be as successful without my village. I strongly believe in not burning any bridges and in keeping civility even when it comes to opposing counsel.?

It is equally important to have a life outside of the law.?I play soccer twice a week and a lot of people I play with initially get shocked to hear that I am a lawyer because I don't really advertise it on the field. I also love being with my children, exploring new things and helping them grow. Having work-life integration is key.

5. How do you prioritize peace?

Being a personal injury lawyer helps me fulfill my goal of why I became a lawyer - to help people.?

Having a life outside of law including enjoying being with my kids, seeing them grow up, and being there for them, as well as playing soccer twice a week, are all outlets that allow me to find peace in what I do every day.?

6. Anything else you would like to share?

I also strongly recommend lawyers get involved in the legal community and/or philanthropic efforts that have an impact on the community at large. Giving back to the community is important.

I, like many, admire and respect Beverley McLachlin. Her book 'Truth Be Told' ends with a quote that?I try to live by: "Within the broad embrace of the law, I will keep moving out, ever exploring. The journey continues."