I received one of the very kindest invitations of my career as the first panelist at an event for the Law and Business Association’s Good Lawyer Project – it was really sweet and touching to be called a “Good Lawyer”.

I have to confess it’s truly humbling to be selected, by people I don’t know – accomplished students who surveyed the profession – nearly 60 thousand strong in Ontario alone, and decided to reach out to me, of all people, for this remarkable panel.

Not that I don’t think of myself as a good lawyer, in the sense that I am skilled but here the implication is that I am doing good. I must admit I don’t stop to think about that very often, if at all.

I do the work I do because I love it, care about my clients and recognize that it is important work. But I don’t necessarily think of it as altruistic or “good” – the value I place on the work is rights-based. Doesn’t mean it’s not of value or benefit – I just reflexively shy away from any idea that hints at beneficence.

Also, there are certainly plenty of people out there who would not perceive the work I do as “good” work. But it is. Even while many find it irritating, vexing, annoying, “trouble-making”, etc. Actually, the more people resent the work I do and/or how well I do it, perhaps the more that underscores its value as well as its importance.

In any event, I am truly grateful to be selected to participate in this innovative and important event and program. It’s also nice to be recognized by my alma mater. I only ever attended the University of Toronto both for my undergrad (which I did not complete) and my law degree (which I did).

You can register for the event here:

Register for The Good Lawyer Panel

Here is the program description:

The Good Lawyer Project

The Good Lawyer Project

Register for access to a new LBA event: The Good Lawyer Project 2024. Get ready to meet lawyers who have centered their careers around advocacy in sectors including human rights, LGBTQ2S+, and mental health awarenes. 

Date: Tuesday – April 2, 2024 

Time: 3-5PM 

Location: IC Atrium (Ground Floor Space in the Instructional Centre)

Join us for a law panel on inspiring advocacy and learn to discover yours. Register for access to a networking session with the legal professionals! We look forward to seeing you at our event!

Information about me on the Good Lawyer Panel here:

Anita Szigeti – Panelist

and here

Anita’s Short Bio

I was very moved and remain humbled to be invited – so kindly – to participate in the U of T’s Law and Business Association’s “The Good Lawyer Project” this coming Tuesday. You know what? Lawyers in mental health justice get very little love. We tend to get more than our share of hate, but love? Not so much. So this is really special. I am certainly not alone worthy of recognition – but it’s nice to receive regardless. I strongly endorse the idea that social justice lawyering has significant impact that is generally under-valued, unrewarded, mainly thankless and few can afford to do it. I am grateful for the rewarding career I have had, continue to enjoy and now to my alma mater for including me in this unique presentation. And I will be speaking for my bar, who are genuinely decent, committed, GOOD LAWYERS.