SABA Spotlight Series – Ira Parghi

Ira Parghi is a partner at INQ Law (https://www.inq.law/iraparghi ) with over 20 years of experience practicing information law and health law.

Ira joined the board of SABA in 2022. She is a volunteer member of the Canadian Blood Services Research Ethics Board and a Chair of the University of Toronto Tribunal. She previously served on the boards of directors of the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO) and the Gerstein Crisis Centre.

Ira was born and raised in Kamloops, BC and moved to Toronto for law school. Her parents are from Gujarat, India.

1. What drew you to the legal profession and particularly to information and health law?  

Honestly, it was partly by process of elimination: I didn’t want to be a doctor or an engineer, so in my world that left me with only a few options. But I also felt a “pull” towards the law: I was interested in doing something analytical and with the potential to have a real impact on public policy and on people’s lives.

As a junior lawyer, I wanted a high-volume litigation practice where I could manage files on my own and get on my feet. A health law position came along, I gave it a try, and I loved it. And I often say, half jokingly, that this is the closest to practicing medicine that I will ever get.

Information law was something for which I was just in the right place at the right time. Ontario had just enacted a patient privacy statute and it made sense for me, as a junior associate, to become expert in it. Then I moved to the US and took on a job as a Corporate Privacy Officer at a large health system, and my privacy work took on a life of its own. And now I get to “ride the wave” of a lot of hot issues like big data, digital health, and artificial intelligence. I could not have predicted any of that when I started out.

2. If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?
I don’t know! Maybe a teacher. But that is tough, tough work. I think I would be looking for a way to monetize my knowledge of 80s song lyrics.

3. What do you enjoy about being part of the SABA Toronto board?
I know I will sound old when I say this. When I started in private practice, there were very few South Asian lawyers around. I am amazed by how far we have come in a relatively short time. But I have no illusions about how much remains to be done. Serving on the SABA Toronto board is an opportunity for me to try to give back, to support and mentor junior colleagues, to connect with the community and support pro bono initiatives, and to help raise the visibility of South Asian and other visible minority members of the bar. SABA Toronto members and my fellow directors are amazing: engaged, really committed, and doing amazing things professionally and outside of work. I love seeing what they are doing and learning from it.

4. What’s your favourite South Asian snack?
It’s hard to pick just one. I would say…  an ice cold Limca and pav bhaji with a side of pani puri accompanied by aloo tiki and a chaser of uttapam.

5. What’s the best advice you have received? 

To maintain a sense of humour about things. And to avoid rushing to judgment. Life is complicated. People are complicated. We should give each other the same grace we would want for ourselves.

SABA Spotlight Series – Amrita Mann

Amrita Mann is a partner in the Dispute Resolution Group at Simmons da Silva LLP and exclusively practices commercial and civil litigation, with a focus on shareholder disputes, real estate litigation and construction litigation.

Amrita is a second generation Canadian and, although born in Canada, grew up in Punjab, India, where she went to middle school and high school before returning to Canada. Having grown up in India, Amrita is not only fluent in Punjabi and Hindi but also reads and writes both languages flawlessly, which is huge asset to her practice in the Peel region where she represents a number of South Asian businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs.

When she’s not busy litigating, Amrita spends her time with her two children (a 2.5 year old and a 5 month old) and her chickens at her farmhouse in Caledon Village. Amrita is an avid fan of Indian music, Bollywood movies and cricket. Interestingly, Amrita was the captain and wicket-keeper of her high school cricket team.  In her spare time, Amrita is passionate about travel and fitness, especially kickboxing.

Amrita joined SABA Toronto as a member in 2013 and the Board of Directors in 2021.

1. What drew you to the legal profession and particularly to litigation?  
On a personal level, I was drawn to litigation because it involves lifelong learning. In order to properly represent a client, I need to understand his or her business, family dynamics, and/or financial situation. I may need to learn the details of a specific transaction, or how a particular machine or process works, or events or strategy behind a particular decision, in order to be able to explain it later to a judge or jury. In some ways, it’s like staying in school (which I enjoyed) but being paid for it. The diverse nature of my litigation practice constantly keeps me on my toes.

2. Who are some people who have helped guide you in your career?
My mother taught me by example that hard work can never be replaced. She fought every imaginable odd during very tough times to find a way to raise me and my two siblings and to make sure we received the best education available. She knew what she wanted, and that was to ensure that her children got every opportunity possible. So I have always been determined not to let her down and to always be looking to do more. Staying hungry is my mission.

3. If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?
Either a politician at the regional/municipal level or a lobbyist with a grassroots movement or organization.

4. What’s your favourite memory from being part of the SABA board?
Its difficult to pick one. The galas are always fun and filled with many great memories. On a personal level, on behalf of SABA I helped with organizing a Diwali and a Gurpurab food drive in partnership with the Seva Food Bank last year where volunteers from both organizations attended at local grocery stores in the Brampton and Mississauga area and encouraged customers to donate food items to those experiencing or at risk of poverty. It was extremely humbling yet rewarding to be able to serve and  partake in the mission to provide equitable access to safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food to people in need.

5. What’s your favourite South Asian snack? 

I have a few favorites but I can never resist a plate of chaat papri.

6. What’s the best advice you have received?

Listen more than you speak. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. The most successful litigators are not always the loudest or the most boisterous; they are the most curious, the most detail-oriented, the best prepared, and the most willing to outwork the opposing side.

SABA Spotlight Series – Davin Michael Garg

Davin Michael Garg is Crown Counsel with Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General at the Crown Law Office — Criminal, where he conducts criminal trials and appeals at all levels of court. His specialties include Charter litigation under sections 9 and 10, impaired driving prosecutions, and white-collar and corruption cases. He practices in English and French. He is also a coordinator of the office’s articling student program, which includes developing inclusive recruitment strategies.

Davin first got involved in SABA by volunteering in the mentor match program, and he joined the SABA board in 2021. He has since organized multiple social events, including the SABA pub nights, the joint social with CABL and FACL, and the recent event in Peel. He is currently organizing a criminal law evening jointly with The Advocates Society, set for the end of April 2023.

Davin’s family hails from Agra, India. He looks forward to returning soon with his two-year old son, who is already an expert at counting to five in Hindi. Davin was born in Vancouver, where he completed his undergraduate degree in business at Simon Fraser University and his law degree at the University of British Columbia.  

What drew you to criminal law? 

The ability to contribute to the pursuit of justice in a tangible and immediate fashion. I previously worked with CTV News in Vancouver, and I was assigned to cover a story at the local courthouse. I was taken by how everyone in the courtroom had an important role to play, and how much the case mattered to everyone involved. The courtroom setting also speaks to me. I appreciate how each party gets a chance to be heard, and not just the loudest or most powerful voices.

What do you enjoy about being part of the SABA board? 

It’s incredible the people that I’ve met, both my fellow directors and the other people that I’ve met through SABA projects. I joined the board to contribute my perspectives, but I didn’t appreciate how much being on the board would also broaden my horizons. My favourite part of our recent Peel social was connecting with new and prospective members and encouraging them to experience all the ways that SABA can enrich their practice of law.

What’s your favourite South Asian snack? 

I will say mangos because I have fond memories of my dad espousing their virtues. I remember as a little kid we’d go out in search of the perfect, ripe mango. We were looking for the red, rosy hues, with skin just tender enough to the touch. We’d return home, and he’d peel the skin to prepare the perfect slice. It was the only fruit that he didn’t add salt or spices to before eating.

What are some moments in your career that you are proud of? 

I’m certainly proud of the cases that I’ve argued, especially the ones that involve a jurisprudential issue or where the stakes are high. But the moments that stand out for me are when I feel like I’ve made a difference or helped someone. As Crown Counsel, we do not measure success on a file by winning or losing. It’s about doing what is right and putting the best case forward.

Do you have advice for young lawyers?

Get deep into the forest, but don’t lose the forest for the trees. What I mean is that success as a lawyer requires passion for the craft and relentless consumption of whatever is relevant to your case, including the facts and the law. But you can’t lose sight of the reality that your ultimate audience, such as a court, requires you to distill all that complexity into something that is manageable. It can be tough for lawyers to find the balance between the details and the bigger picture.

Kelvin’s family came from Berbice, Guyana. His cricket loving parents quickly became fans of baseball, a sport that most resembled it when they came to Canada. Kelvin is an avid a fan of both sports.

Kelvin is a Federal Crown Counsel with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and worked on high profile criminal cases including drug, organized crime, terrorism and wiretap prosecutions in Toronto. Kelvin is on the PPSC Student Committee and has a sincere commitment to mentorship, equity, diversity and inclusion in the office.  Kelvin joined SABA after being called to the Bar and previously served on the board from 2017-2018.  

What drew you to become a crown prosecutor? Did you imagine doing anything else? 

After being a prosecutor in my grade 7 mock trial, I was inspired to pursue a path in criminal law. I hoped to become a professional baseball player but realized that was unlikely being from Scarborough (still holding out hope the Jays will discover me one day!).

What do you enjoy about being part of the SABA board? 

Working with like-minded and passionate individuals who tirelessly advocate for important issues while providing mentorship to future South Asian lawyers.

What’s your favourite South Asian snack? 

Samosas with extra dipping sauce.

What do you like to do during your down time to relax? 

Learning to cook, listening to podcasts/audiobooks and playing or watching sports.

What’s something unique you have learned about the practice of law that you can share with other lawyers?

Law is a very people oriented practice. Be mindful of your reputation and always be respectful, kind and empathic.

SABA Spotlight Series – Arun Krishnamurti

Arun Krishnamurti is an experienced technology lawyer with a track record of practical, business-oriented legal advice. After having worked at a leading law firm, and now in-house at Google Canada, Arun’s well versed in analyzing and responding to complex (and frequently cross-border) legal issues, including product launches, cloud services and other outsourcing agreements, consumer protection and many other commercial and regulatory topics. In addition to SABA, Arun currently sits on the board of Can Tech, and remains actively involved in his communities, taking active roles in mentoring, as well as supporting diversity and equity seeking groups. 

Arun has been named to Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 and as a Rising Star by the South Asian Bar Association of North America.

1. What drew you to become a technology lawyer? Did you imagine doing anything else? 

It was something I sort of fell into.  I have always been interested in technology, and when I was an articling student I found myself involved in a couple of deals where I just loved the work. Being involved in ambitious, interesting projects with lofty goals and cutting edge technology really sparked something in me.

2. What do you enjoy about being part of the SABA board? 

It’s a group of such talented people. Lots of passionate, dedicated folks involved.  I loved making these connections, and finding a community of folks I could relate to. For me it was a lot about getting involved with and helping build this community (both the organization, and the broader South Asian bar).

3. What’s your favourite South Asian snack? 

I will forever love gulab jamun.  If I had to go savoury, then murukku.

4. What do you like to do during your down time to relax?  It’s mostly family-focused right now.  Spending time with my kids and friends.  Wherever I can fit in a trip (especially pre-pandemic), travel was always one of my favourite ways to spend free time.

5. What’s something unique you have learned about the practice of law that you can share with other lawyers?

Much of your legal career is based around exposure.  You have to put yourself in as many places as possible to get that “right place, right time” moment.  It can be uncomfortable, but it’s the best way to find your path.