Saying that Daisy Feehan, a first-year UAlberta Law student, comes from a family of lawyers is a bit of an understatement. In fact, approximately fifteen of her blood relatives, including her dad and two sisters, all have had careers in the legal field.
Though becoming a lawyer may have seemed like a clear choice for Feehan, her decision to study law was more like an afterthought.
"A year ago I hadn't even written the LSAT," she said.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Feehan studied environmental chemistry at Vancouver Island University.
Following graduation, with a Bachelor of Science under her belt - not to mention two undergraduate student research awards granted by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Al Fowler Memorial Scholarship - she pondered the idea of pursuing a Master of Science or beginning work in the science field.
But an early inkling from childhood - and a gentle nudge - led her to UAlberta Law.
"My dad actually suggested that I attend law school," she recalled.
Her dad is Mark Feehan, currently a personal injury lawyer at Feehan Law Office.
Though times have changed greatly since her father was a law student, when, as he pointed out, "We had no computers, we had to go to the books," he knew that the complex nature of law would make for a good pair with Daisy's tendency to enjoy work in diverse areas.
"Law really fit, because Daisy was interested in everything," he said.
Daisy was hopeful that an unexpected journey in the legal field might lead to something great.
"I thought, 'I'm going to start studying for the LSAT and see where that takes me'," she said.
For now, it's taken her to a place where all of her family resides, which she cites as the number one reason for returning home to Edmonton.
Not that UAlberta Law is unfamiliar territory to the Feehans. Along with her father being an alumni, Justice Kevin Feehan of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta - who is her second cousin and still a sessional instructor at the Faculty - is also a graduate. In addition, she has two uncles who are alumni.
The Feehan Faculty connection doesn't stop there. The Francis Michael ('Ned') Feehan Memorial Award is named after Daisy's late grandfather who practiced law for about 35 years. The award is offered annually to a law student entering second or third year who requires financial assistance and who best combines academic and athletic achievement.
Looking into the future, although Feehan said her background in science would help her work in patent or environmental law, she said at this point, with two more years of study to go, she's open to all options.
When the time does come for Feehan to make tough choices, like where she'll article, she knows she won't have to make those decisions alone.
"They give so much advice," she said fondly of her family.
"We talk about the law, about perseverance, tips for interviews and how assignments work."
Given the large presence the Feehan family has had in the legal profession, it's no surprise what she says next.
"I'm really proud to be a Feehan," she said with a smile.