U of T Law welcomes its newest Career Development Advisor
This May, the Career Development Office of the Faculty of Law welcomed its newest Career Development Advisor, Aglaia Lowo. Despite having joined the Faculty of Law only four months prior, Aglaia has already been instrumental in helping students navigate through the haze of job applications and summer interviews. This month, in an interview with Ultra Vires (UV), Aglaia shared her experiences and thoughts relating to her decision to join the Faculty of Law, her transition from private practice, and her perspective on the OCI process.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
UV: Can you tell us a little bit about your background, education, and career?
Aglaia Lowo (AL): I’m originally from Vienna, Austria and came to Canada as an international student. I completed my BA in History, International Relations, and Jewish Studies at the University of Toronto and then went on to Windsor Law, where I obtained my JD degree. Throughout law school, I was heavily involved in one of the student legal clinics affiliated with the law school, Community Legal Aid, which greatly shaped my law school experience and desire to become a litigator. I articled at Community Legal Aid before being called to the Ontario Bar in 2018. I then practiced exclusively in Family and Child Protection Law at a number of boutique law firms across Toronto. In May of this year, I joined the CDO as a Career Development Advisor.
UV: What drew you to your role as a Career Development Advisor?
AL: Throughout my years living in Canada, I have benefited greatly from formal and informal mentorship and made it my goal to pass forward all the kindness and support I have received (and continue to receive to this day). During my undergrad, I became a mentor to other students who were the first in their family to attend university in Canada. During law school, I worked my way up from caseworker … to summer student and ultimately articling student at Community Legal Aid. In these roles, I often mentored more junior law students who were working on client files, going to Court for the first time, etc.
When I started working in private practice, I often found myself working with students and junior lawyers. I enjoyed the opportunity to impart career advice or connect people with others who were better able to advise. I soon found that mentorship was the most rewarding part of my job, and decided that I wanted it to be the focus of my career.
UV: What is your favourite part about your role so far?
AL: The excitement, ambition, and kindness of the students have been so energizing and have made working with students the highlight of my role.
UV: Given that the 2L OCIs are rapidly approaching, what is something that you wish for all 2Ls to hear?
AL: The main thing I want 2L students to be aware of, if they choose to head into OCIs (and in-firms), is that this recruit is not the only way to find a 2L summer job. Many more opportunities become available throughout 2L, particularly in the winter term, in addition to fellowships and externships supported by the faculty and donors.
UV: What is the worst/best advice that you’ve ever been told, and is there something that you’d like for all students to hear?
AL: Worst advice: “If you don’t enjoy public speaking, you shouldn’t pursue a career in litigation.” Growing up, I was very averse to public speaking. Even in law school, mooting was something I dreaded. However, volunteering and working at legal clinics taught me that litigation is in many ways distinct from public speaking and that it is very much a skill one can develop with practice. I ended up pursuing a career in litigation that I felt was exciting and fulfilling, despite having been a very anxious public speaker.
Best advice: “I am a human being, not a human doing.” – Kurt Vonnegut. This is one of my favourite quotes. It reminds me of the importance of being kind to oneself. I think all students should remember that law school is the beginning of an exciting and challenging career path (for those who choose to practice). Try to be present and enjoy your three years here, because they will fly by!
UV: What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
AL: This is a tough one! My favourite restaurant has been Little Sister (Dutch-Indonesian fusion) on Portland Street; however, I recently tried Bar Raval on College Street, which is now my new favourite spot.
UV: What is your favourite past-time?
AL: It’s hard to choose just one, but I love reading a good thriller, while enjoying a steeped tea from Tim Hortons. (Feel free to ask me for book recommendations!)
UV: What is something fun that you did this summer?
A: I played kickball in a recreational league (and had so much fun)!
UV: What is a typically unknown, funky fact about you?
A: I consider myself a hobby dermatologist and love all things skincare!
Aglaia can be reached at her email, [email protected], and her cellphone, 416-978-1353. Her office is located on the third floor of the Jackman building, at room P304.
