Ten questions for Edmonton lawyer Kathleen Nielsen

1.) How did you get started in the legal profession?

I received my Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London and Masters of Laws from Temple University in Tokyo and the University of Toronto. While at the University of Toronto, I worked as a volunteer student caseworker with two Toronto Legal Aid clinics providing legal services to low-income clients in immigration, income support, and housing law. I also volunteered with the Tenant Duty Counsel Assistance Program at the Landlord and Tenant Board in Toronto, Elizabeth Fry Toronto, Pro Bono Students Canada, Law in Action Within Schools, and the U of T Indigenous Law Journal, and after graduation, worked at a downtown Toronto firm specializing in Landlord and Tenant law. I completed my training through Toronto Metropolitan University’s Law Practice Program, where I was trained by top experts in their fields, and worked as a student-at-law at a Midtown Toronto firm where I worked primarily on real estate, family, civil litigation, and wills and estates files. I am called to the bar in Ontario and Alberta.

2.) Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

I decided to study law while working for a Tokyo NGO (non-governmental organization) in the field of human rights, because I felt it would make me more effective in my advocacy work, which included leading the Japanese delegation at the Human Rights Council at the UN in Geneva.

3.) What qualities do you bring to your career as a lawyer?

I am a strong advocate for my clients inside and outside the courtroom, and I have represented clients both at the Alberta Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench. I make sure that I understand what is most important to each and every client, because everyone is different, and that will influence how we proceed. And I always work as efficiently as possible for my clients.

4.) What areas of law do you handle primarily?

Family.

5.) What things can a client do to work most effectively with a lawyer?

Keep an open mind when your lawyer tells you what they think your options are. Many people think that because their friend had a certain experience with the legal system, their experience will be the same. Every situation is different. It’s also important to be 100% open and honest with your lawyer so they can find the best way to advise you and to deal with any weaknesses in your position.

6.) What things should a client avoid?

Expecting instant results – resolving your issues can take a very long time, whether you’re going to court or trying to reach agreement outside of court. Be patient and accept that you may have to resolve things “one bite at a time” instead of all at once. Clients should also avoid expecting their lawyer to behave like a TV shark/pitbull – this doesn’t get better results for you, and it doesn’t impress judges. It is possible to be a fierce advocate for clients without being obnoxious.

7.) What can a client expect when they meet you for the first time?

When potential clients come to me, they are often under a great deal of stress and don’t know where to start. My job is to listen to their story and to what they would like to achieve, and explain to them in an easy-to-understand way what their options may be and the pros and cons of each. We can’t solve all your problems in our first meeting or call, but we can get a good idea of what the next steps might be.

8.) Is there any way to cut down on my legal fees?

Yes! Getting legal representation is expensive, but there are things you can do to cut down on the cost. Providing your existing documents to us in digital format and copying my legal assistants when you email me are two things you can do to start. Also, be open to resolving your issues outside of court – this can result in lower fees (and stress levels!) for you.

9.) Do you speak any other languages?

I speak Japanese and French.

10.) What are your interests?

My interests include travelling, improv, studying Chinese, and spending time in the great outdoors.