I had to look up that reference, truth be told, what with English being my 4th of now 5 languages and my biblical knowledge somehow managing to surpass nonexistent – like what I know or think I know is inevitably, well, just wrong. Sometimes with terrifying and occasionally hysterical results….

But as it turns out, perhaps fortuitously, it is just what I mean here now.

As this Labour Day Monday means winding down some of the break I did manage to take this summer to focus on longer term projects, I am taking a minute to take stock.

Blessed with my family, wonderful spouse and two amazing children, now young adults. Off to start and continue their post-secondary education toward what I hope and expect will be fulfilling careers and beautiful lives.

Our firm Anita Szigeti Advocates has its full complement of 7 staff. We’ve managed to retain and maintain fabulous new lawyers and articling students as well as support staff who continue to go above and beyond for our vulnerable clients.

Little WiCCD, which I started in 2022 is not so little any more! It is now nearly 500 women strong and continues its remarkable journey of success. It is beloved by colleagues drawing on us for support and encouragment, education and advocacy – all in an effort to keep women in criminal defence.

I’m eternally grateful for the immense contribution of the incomparable Maya Shukairy, who does the lion’s share of the heavy lifting by constantly creating new, invaluable content and nurturing an indispensable community for our members. WiCCD has already surpassed my wildest hopes for its contribution to the administration of justice in the myriad ways it has improved the lives of women and gender diverse criminal defence lawyers and law students across Canada.

This fall I will be taking part in teaching full courses or guest lecturing at no fewer than four law schools in various areas of law and practice.

Our Consent and Capacity Guide (2024) has just been published in print.

Our Halsbury’s on Mental Health Law (2023) Edition will be published in October.

Our Law and Mental Health in Canada: Cases and Materials (2022/2023) is going to be the required text at many law schools in various mental health law courses, both at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels. All across Canada!

Finally this fall and next spring will be spent in the wonderfully rewarding task of co-Editing and co-authoring a surprise we hope to unveil next summer / fall.

I’ve been so fortunate to work so regularly with such great friends and colleagues in litigation, writing, editing, publishing and teaching throughout my career.

This next chapter is exciting and energizing.

Looking forward to academic term 2023/2024!

Thank you to all who read this blog and follow me on various social media platforms, and to everyone in our real lives who continue to support and encourage me, our firm, our bar, to stay the course and lead!