Brewsters co-owner and in-house counsel Deirdre Lanigan
Deirdre Lanigan is the first ever in-house legal counsel for her family's business, Brewsters Brewing Company & Restaurant.
Prior to this, Lanigan graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2010 and articled in Calgary. She enjoyed a successful career practicing corporate law and litigation, especially with employment issues.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of moving in-house? Is there anything about private practice at a firm that you miss?
A: As an owner-operator, it is rewarding to see the work I do directly impacting a business I have an interest in. It is rewarding to be able to contribute expertise and experience that others in the company don't possess. However, I do miss the variety and challenge of work and learning new things on a daily basis. I also miss working with a team of other lawyers where I could seek out insight from others on a legal issue.
Q: What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
A: First, don't spend one more second in a job that doesn't make you completely happy. Second, never discredit your abilities or downplay your strengths when being introduced by someone who is complimenting your work. And third, always add value - never sit back as an observer. Don't be static in your career - always try to add to the conversation during meetings.
Q: Your family successfully lobbied the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to modify policies to allow brew pubs to sell their beers outside of their pub locations. As a result, your beer is now sold in more than 500 liquor stores across Alberta. How did your legal expertise help you to navigate that process?
A: Using my experience as a lawyer, I was able to summarize the issues and act as a liaison to effectively communicate the issues on both sides. As well, I was able to use my research and advocacy skills to present persuasive arguments as to why the policies should be modified by presenting real life examples where other brew pubs were successfully doing in other jurisdictions what we hoped to achieve.
Q: What advice do you have for junior lawyers who want to branch out from the traditional law firm environment?
A: Do your research, have a clear idea of what your interests are (work-wise) and have a strong sense of what you want to do before leaving the traditional law firm environment. Seek out people who have successfully transitioned to a non-traditional career in law.
Q: When you reflect back upon your days at the Faculty, what comes to mind?
A: When I reflect on my days at the Faculty, I remember the environment being very collegial and collaborative, rather than competitive. The people from the Faculty are always happy to help others.
Prior to this, Lanigan graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2010 and articled in Calgary. She enjoyed a successful career practicing corporate law and litigation, especially with employment issues.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of moving in-house? Is there anything about private practice at a firm that you miss?
A: As an owner-operator, it is rewarding to see the work I do directly impacting a business I have an interest in. It is rewarding to be able to contribute expertise and experience that others in the company don't possess. However, I do miss the variety and challenge of work and learning new things on a daily basis. I also miss working with a team of other lawyers where I could seek out insight from others on a legal issue.
Q: What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
A: First, don't spend one more second in a job that doesn't make you completely happy. Second, never discredit your abilities or downplay your strengths when being introduced by someone who is complimenting your work. And third, always add value - never sit back as an observer. Don't be static in your career - always try to add to the conversation during meetings.
Q: Your family successfully lobbied the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to modify policies to allow brew pubs to sell their beers outside of their pub locations. As a result, your beer is now sold in more than 500 liquor stores across Alberta. How did your legal expertise help you to navigate that process?
A: Using my experience as a lawyer, I was able to summarize the issues and act as a liaison to effectively communicate the issues on both sides. As well, I was able to use my research and advocacy skills to present persuasive arguments as to why the policies should be modified by presenting real life examples where other brew pubs were successfully doing in other jurisdictions what we hoped to achieve.
Q: What advice do you have for junior lawyers who want to branch out from the traditional law firm environment?
A: Do your research, have a clear idea of what your interests are (work-wise) and have a strong sense of what you want to do before leaving the traditional law firm environment. Seek out people who have successfully transitioned to a non-traditional career in law.
Q: When you reflect back upon your days at the Faculty, what comes to mind?
A: When I reflect on my days at the Faculty, I remember the environment being very collegial and collaborative, rather than competitive. The people from the Faculty are always happy to help others.