Blog Entry

Spotlight On: Radhika Sharma

By May 11, 2021 No Comments
Let’s start with the basics. Tell us about yourself. What makes you you? 
I am the first person in my family to pursue a legal education. In regards to my personality, I believe that my passion is what makes me who I am, which is also reflected in the values that I hold today. For example, I am dedicated and extremely passionate when it comes to working with individuals who are vulnerable and/or belong to a marginalized group. On a more personal level, I am someone who enjoys reflecting on my decisions in life, enjoys nature, as well as spending quality time with my friends and family.
Why did you decide to join LAWS? 
I was always interested in politics, and the law more generally. When I heard of the LAWS program, I happily enrolled in the program, as well as the courses. I heard that it offered opportunities to network with different people in the legal profession, and was curious as to what that would entail. I was also looking for an opportunity to get a job in an area that I was interested in, and luckily I heard that LAWS provided an opportunity to be employed in either a firm or an organization.
What are some of your favourite or most valued moments from the program? 
I found that the extra curricular activities was my favourite part of the program. Being able to participate in programs like mentoring and mooting, as well as being able to attend courthouses and network with different legal professionals was amazing.
What are you up to now? 
I have finished my second year at Osgoode Hall Law School. I will be summering at the Ministry of Attorney General at the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.
What are your future goals and aspirations? 
My short-term goals are to graduate, pass the bar, and to secure an articling position where I can practice in the area of wills and estates. In addition to that, I hope to contribute to LAWS by becoming a mentor myself one day and encourage students who come from underprivileged neighbourhoods to pursue the field of law.
How did LAWS impact your life/career choices? 
Growing up in a low income neighbourhood meant that schools were low on resources, and that students were less exposed to different career paths that they could choose from. If it were not for LAWS, I would not have been able to realize my true passion for the law, nor would I have the same opportunities to branch out, network and receive that same support system that I did – which eventually helped me get to law school.
Did you meet any mentors or role models that inspired you along the way? 
While I worked at the Law Commission of Ontario as a LAWS summer student, and then subsequently while pursuing my undergraduate degree, I encountered various mentors – many of whom I still keep in touch with today. To name a few, Patricia Hughes, Laura Caruso, Amanda Rodrigues, Nye Thomas, and Ryan Fritsch. As a student who was considering joining the legal field, I learned a lot of life lessons, and was told to never give up and to continue on my path. They had more faith in me than I did at the time – and for that, I am very grateful.
What advice would you give to students who are considering signing up for LAWS? 
Join LAWS! Even if you are unsure whether or not you want to pursue being a lawyer, it is a great opportunity to network with those in the legal field and to figure the potential options you could choose from.
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