In Focus | Leah Schurian of Farris, Vaughan, Wills and Murphy LLP

Leah Schurian is a fun loving person who can often be found out and about exploring every beautiful aspect of British Columbia. Always the one to make you laugh, Leah has no shortage of friends around her as her positive attitude draws you in. Leah also has a serious side to her though as she works very hard at Farris, Vaughan, Wills and Murphy LLP. A high performance law firm specializing in corporate law and more keeps Leah extremely busy. Leah is passionate and professional while at work and truly cares about helping the person who needs it the most. There’s no stopping Leah once she has her mind set on something and it’s what makes her such an amazing person. Today Leah Schurian of Farris, Vaughan, Wills and Murphy LLP are In Focus.

What is your name?
Leah Schurian

What do you always find yourself saying?
“Excuse me, can I pet your dog?”

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
The Dalai Lama. I can only imagine the perspective and wisdom he would share.

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Nobel Peace Prize (haha!) Any award or recognition I truly earned would be wonderful.

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Andy Kaufman, for non-stop laughs and bizarre surprises.

Who inspires you?
My parents. They are unwaveringly supportive, selfless, honest and humble. I am very proud to model myself after them.

What are three things on your bucket list?
Complete a yoga teacher training certification.
Own a huge piece of property that would serve as a sanctuary for rescued and unwanted animals. I have a particular soft spot for senior dogs and farm animals.
Travel the world! I know that’s not very specific, but I really just want to go everywhere and see everything.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Pinch me

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I wouldn’t want to. If I had to choose, it would be tomorrow, because that would reveal the least about the future.

What are you passionate about?
Animal welfare and advocacy.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
My wedding day, of course! I was lucky enough to live out my absolute dream wedding.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Finishing law school and being called to the bar.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
The Minstrel Cafe. I love sitting outside under that beautiful tree, or inside enjoying some live music. The food is great too!

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
I don’t think I could narrow it down to one. Kelowna has so much to offer. In the summer I love hiking with my dogs and relaxing at the beach with family and friends. I really enjoy being on the water, on a kayak, canoe, boat, SUP... anything! In the winter it’s off to Big White for boarding and snowshoeing. We are so lucky to live here!

What is the name of your business/organization?
Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP

Where can people find you or your business online?
www.farris.com

What does your business/organization do?
Farris is a high performance law firm specializing in the areas of corporate commercial law, securities and corporate finance, estate planning, real estate development, litigation, labour & employment law, and family law.

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Farris has a “Farris for Students” Facebook page for law students who are interested in joining Farris as a summer or articled student.

What is your mission?
To help my clients through difficult times in their lives, and to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
Being designated Queen’s Counsel.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Our nation’s Chief Justice, Beverley McLachlin. Obviously she would have to be a forerunner to be appointed Chief Justice of Canada, but she is truly a progressive thinker and I feel that the notion of “justice” is safe in her hands. She is also a huge advocate for access to justice for disadvantaged members of our society.

How does your business/organization impact the community?
Farris has consistently supported Kelowna Minor Baseball, Ballet Kelowna, the Central Okanagan United Way, Okanagan Symphony, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, and the KGH Foundation. Recently, an agreement was signed with the University of British Columbia to establish an award in Legal Studies and Farris supports the Okanagan Bar Association Endowed Entrance Award.

If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I have no idea what we would talk about, but I doubt it would be about investing. I would probably ask them about their dogs (or other pets). If all else failed, I would try to get everyone singing “99 Bottles of Beer” to pass the time.

If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
To make more dog-friendly beaches and restaurant patios.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Many things! I have lived here my entire life (except while I was away at law school) and I’m really excited about the way Kelowna is evolving. It is unique and eclectic, and there really is something for everyone. We have thriving arts, business, technology, and agricultural communities (among others) and I’m seeing more and more collaboration between those communities which opens up endless possibilities.

What do you value most in people? friends?
Genuineness and sincerity. I really appreciate people who are just boldly themselves. Sometimes that takes a lot of courage.

What caused you to be interested in your line of work?
It was probably my fourth grade teacher at Black Mountain Elementary School, Mr. Aikins. I think he had a son that was studying to be a lawyer at the time. One day Mr. Aikins told me he thought I would make a good lawyer (I can’t remember why he said that). That really stuck with me! I also developed quite an interest in social justice during my undergraduate studies, which just reinforced what I already thought I wanted to do.

What makes you successful? Tell us about it.
My determination. Once my mind is set on doing something, there is no stopping me.

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
My associate James Smirle. We articled together at Farris and have now both joined the firm as associates.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do. We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!