When the opportunity arose to take the lead on this conference, I was on the fence. But after considering it, I said yes. No matter where I am in my journey as a lawyer, I will always have been an internationally trained lawyer. My experiences as an ITL shaped me, my practice and my approach to lawyering. We all face unique challenges and we also share many commonalities. So, I said, "Yes!" to the opportunity to help others navigate similar journeys, and "Yes!" to making substantive, positive and transformational change to the legal community.

In my own journey, I encountered barrier after barrier with a long break on my resume between law school and qualifying in Canada, minimal supports available while I was an NCA, and then the struggle of licensing with a foreign degree. But I kept taking risks when I launched my own law firm with very little capital in my pocket right after my call.

Not one of us have taken an easy path as ITLs. Instead, we're learning new systems and new rules while unlearning old assumptions and cultural norms, rebuilding our professional identities, and navigating networks that many Canadian-trained lawyers take for granted.

We. Take. Risks. ITLs take risks. Leading this conference is an example of one such risk, but I believe that to succeed, we need to support one another, share our experiences and educate each other on the tools that will get us beyond the horizons.

"From Hurdles to Horizons: The Evolving ITL Landscape" reflects where we're going. The horizon is a moving target, allowing us to constantly evolve and excel as practitioners and leaders. Our programming tackles the real questions that we and our clients face daily: how do we build systemic equality from an ITL lens; how do we uphold the rule of law in uncertain times; how do we develop psychological safety; and how do we position ourselves as leaders and bear the responsibility that comes with it.

Whether you are pre-call, newly licensed, years into practice or on the bench, I'm looking forward to the critical conversations, connections, and collective momentum this conference will initiate. I look forward to transforming the legal profession beyond the horizon together.