 Evguenia Iskra, University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business
We recently ran an online webinar on the topic of non-competition and non-solicitation clauses in the employment context. Presented by Evguenia Iskra, this lunchtime training provided practical insights for Alberta’s business law practitioners. Now available as an on-demand program, this presentation helps practitioners draft enforceable non-compete and non-solicitation provisions as well as provides practical insights into assessing their validity during contract review. But that’s not all that Evguenia has done for LESA this year! She also contributed to the brand-new Alberta Employment Law Practice Manual (now available) and the downloadable paper written together with Aaron K.A. Peterkin, Fundamentals of Employment Law in Alberta.
Evguenia is a tenured Associate Professor, at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, where she teaches business law to undergraduate and graduate students. She holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Laws from the University of Vienna and is currently completing her Doctorate with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before entering academia, she practiced at a leading western Canadian law firm primarily in commercial litigation and employment law. When asked about herself, Evguenia notes that she is an avid traveler and that she would self-describe as a lifelong learner.
Read on for a Q&A about her career, how she prefers to keep on top of continuing legal education, and what inspired her to practice law.
What inspired you to practice law?
I have always enjoyed solving problems and learning people’s stories, and the law offers both. When I entered law school, I wanted to help people navigate challenging situations and find practical solutions, particularly for newcomers to Canada. As an immigrant myself, I was concerned with access to legal information for the newcomer population. That continues to inspire me today, although my work has evolved. As a professor, I now focus on helping students understand how legal issues arise, how they can be prevented, and how to work effectively with lawyers when legal problems do occur.
Why do you volunteer for organizations such as LESA?
Volunteering with organizations such as LESA is a meaningful way to give back to the legal community. I have benefited from the knowledge and mentorship of others throughout my career, and I value the opportunity to contribute in return. I believe LESA plays an important role in supporting lawyers’ ongoing learning and professional development, and I am grateful to be part of that work in whatever way I can.
What do you like most about volunteering?
What I enjoy most about volunteering with LESA is the opportunity to connect with the legal community and to continue learning in the process. Volunteering creates space for collaboration, reflection, and shared professional growth. Every experience offers something new.
What would you say to a newly called lawyer if they asked you for career advice?
I would encourage a newly called lawyer to stay curious and continue learning, always. The practice of law requires technical skill, but it also requires judgment, empathy, resilience, and the desire to keep learning. Don’t be afraid to ask thoughtful questions after taking some time to figure the answers on your own through old school research and reading and do not be afraid to admit what you do not yet know.
The skills you have learned in law school and will hone over the years are transferable across many different roles. Your career path may begin in a law firm, but it can certainly lead you into interesting and unexpected directions. Regardless of the path you take, stay adaptable to change, avoid becoming too comfortable, try to align your choices with your values, and be mindful of your reputation, which will be built not only on the quality of your work but also on how you treat people.
How can LESA’s programs support a growing law practice?
LESA’s programs can support a growing law practice by providing practical, reliable, and current information that lawyers can apply directly in their work. As a practice grows, lawyers must continue developing both their legal knowledge and their professional judgment. LESA’s programming helps practitioners stay informed, deepen their expertise, and build confidence in new or evolving areas of practice.
Do you prefer to attend LESA programs in-person or online, or both? How come?
I see value in both formats. In the past, I have especially enjoyed LESA’s half-day and full-day in-person programs because they allow participants to truly immerse themselves in the material and connect with colleagues. At the same time, online and on-demand programming offers important flexibility. It is especially helpful when you need reliable information and want to access it at a time that works with your schedule. Both formats serve important needs.
We are grateful to Evguenia for her time and for sharing her expertise and experiences with us.
