This week, like many law firms in Toronto, Fasken participated in the annual 2L student recruitment process. I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful students, all with impressive backgrounds and bright futures ahead. I was asked by many of the students about my practice, and what I enjoyed most about estate planning. It was a great opportunity to reflect on what I love about my work. I thought I would share my thoughts with the All About Estates audience, and I hope it will resonate with many of you:

• • I love the “puzzle” nature of an estate plan. Putting together an effective estate plan requires collecting necessary information, carefully considering how to effect the client’s desired result, and then putting it all together with necessary documentation. To me, creating an effective estate plan is often like a complex logic puzzle, which I get great personal satisfaction from completing.
  • I love the varied and complex nature of this area of law. To be an effective estate planner, you have to be a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. Of course, you need to understand estates law, but you also need to have a familiarity with tax law, family law, corporate law, charities law, and real estate law. It’s not uncommon for estate planning and administration to interact with other areas of the law, as well – insolvency, IP, and employment law are just a few that come to mind. I find that the broad knowledge base required as an estate planner keeps the practice interesting and engaging.
  • I love the relationships I develop with my clients. If I had to pick a “number one” reason why I love estate planning, this is it. Effective estate planning requires an in-depth understanding of a person’s family dynamics, their assets (including the inner workings of their businesses), and their aspirations and intentions during their lifetime and after their passing. Being able to draw out this information requires making real connections with people. I love coming to work each day and learning more about the fascinating lives of my clients.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.