Pushor Mitchell LLP strives to maintain a collegial environment that supports both the professional and personal development of its employees.Provided
Steadfast community involvement has been the touchstone of her law firm’s success, says Joni Metherell, managing partner of Pushor Mitchell LLP, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Headquartered in Kelowna, B.C., the firm provides services across the province.
“We feel very, very strongly about being part of the community and giving back, and that doesn’t mean just writing cheques for events,” says Metherell. “We encourage our staff and lawyers to be involved in volunteerism and to provide service to the community.
“Community involvement has been a huge part of our success and it’s one of the strongest tenets of the firm.”
Metherell is new to the managing partner position, as of January 2023, but not the law firm.
“I’m what you call a ‘lifer’ since I’ve been here since 1994,” she laughs.
She articled with the firm out of law school and stayed on. However, Metherell was prepared to assume more leadership roles when asked to become managing partner.
“So I am very happy to help in this role,” she says.
Metherell highlights several values that have stood the firm in good stead as it marks its half-century.
“First, we strive to provide really great service to our clients. Then, at the top, is being involved in our community. Understanding what’s happening with our clients and with Kelowna overall and doing our best to contribute positively has served our firm well,” she says.
Metherell notes that the community groups it’s involved with include the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Kelowna business association.
“We try to have a really strong presence on non-profits such as the YMCA,” she says. “I was on their board for eight years and served as chair.
“The right thing to do is to grow and be productive in your community in a way that’s not just bottom-line productive.”
Yet another of the firm’s values is supporting its people, helping them grow and advance.
“We really do invest in the people we work with, whether our partners, associates, staff or students,” says Metherell.
Abby Wight was taking a paralegal course at the local college and did an eight-week placement at Pushor Mitchell. At the end of the placement in September 2022, the firm offered her a full-time legal assistant position. She jumped at it.
“I’m just very proud to be part of a firm with a 50-year history. I think that’s really cool and the firm has such a solid reputation in the community,” says Wight.
She’s also noticed something special about the environment.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful to me as a newer person. They just create this very positive workplace environment where anyone feels comfortable to ask for the help they need,” she says.
Wight particularly values the firm’s mentorship program.
“My favourite part of the firm has been working alongside my mentor. I feel I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from her,” says Wight. “She’s helped me through the transition of getting out of school and getting into a full-time job.”
Wight is also the new fundraising secretary for Pushor Mitchell. Currently she is seeking donations for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association.
Metherell adds that the firm supports a plethora of programs, from opera to Indigenous entrepreneurships to BrainTrust Canada.
“We try to bring the best service, in the best way possible to serve our clients and the community.”
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