Lydia Pilch is one of the up and coming young associates at Goldman Sloan Nash and Haber (GSNH) LLP, a well-respected corporate and commercial law firm in Toronto. Called to the Ontario Bar in 2006, Lydia’s practice focuses in the areas of corporate/commercial, real estate/leasing, information technology law, and she also acts as the firm’s Chief Privacy Officer.
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When the Innis Alumni Network caught up with Lydia in January, she was busy preparing to attend a conference held by the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) in Whistler, British Columbia. The ICSC is composed of members of the international retail real estate industry and Lydia is an active participant in their events. Later this month, she will be a roundtable co-leader at the ICSC Law Conference in Toronto.
“I’m fortunate to be a member of a firm like GSNH. The opportunities for practice development for associates are fantastic and the mentorship I’ve received has been top notch,” Lydia says. “I’ve also held an integral role in the planning and hosting of our firm’s lawyers’ social events, which has been a great way to be involved and engage with colleagues.”
As an Innis College student, Lydia pursued an undergraduate degree in Semiotics and Literature. “I really enjoyed writing throughout my undergraduate years and knew I would choose a career that emphasized draftsmanship. The negotiation and preparation of legal agreements always appealed to me.” As the future would have it, Lydia would enter law school at U of T and find just such a role with GSNH. “I take great pleasure in helping to ensure the parties’ intentions are expressed clearly and in finding language to anticipate and avoid potential disputes.”
Looking back at her university experience, Lydia recalls her first year at U of T and moving to the big city. “I grew up in a relatively rural-suburban area in northern Brampton/Caledon, and while the transition was exciting, I can see why the first year away at a large school can be disorienting.” Lydia quickly found a home base and sense of community by joining a women’s fraternity on U of T campus. “Alpha Omicron Pi was an amazing experience that really enriched my university experience. I made friends for life and really found a great personal and professional network.”
Lydia’s advice to undergrads is to study hard and be as involved as possible. “As trite as that sounds, decision-makers on graduate school admissions boards certainly weigh extracurricular involvement heavily in the admissions process.”
Outside of her legal practice, Lydia enjoys distance running, equestrian sports, skiing, boating, playing the bass guitar and staying involved in the lives of her Alpha Omicron Pi sisters and former classmates. “I’m pleased to have found such a great law firm in a great city, close to the campus and friends that made my educational experience so memorable.”
You can contact Lydia Pilch at:
e: pilch@gsnh.com | t: 416-597-3390