Jennifer Mcnaught Email and Phone Number

I am the Director of Legal Personnel and Professional Development with Blakes. Working with the partners at Blakes, I am responsible for the recruitment and development of the Firm's associates and students. My role includes overseeing the hiring, mentoring, work assignment and review processes. I also provide support, guidance, career and practice planning, and facilitate continuing legal education opportunities. Collectively, these responsibilities ensure the best possible platform for… Show more I am the Director of Legal Personnel and Professional Development with Blakes. Working with the partners at Blakes, I am responsible for the recruitment and development of the Firm's associates and students. My role includes overseeing the hiring, mentoring, work assignment and review processes. I also provide support, guidance, career and practice planning, and facilitate continuing legal education opportunities. Collectively, these responsibilities ensure the best possible platform for increasing levels of professional excellence and business advancement. Show less

After working in private business for a few years, I wanted to return to work in the legal community. I was interested in addressing some of the difficult issues faced by the legal profession. I earned my Masters degree in Education and Counselling Psychology at UBC and, in 2008, began working with the Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia (“LAP”). Through my work with LAP, I counselled many lawyers facing various work related challenges. I developed experience in dealing with the… Show more After working in private business for a few years, I wanted to return to work in the legal community. I was interested in addressing some of the difficult issues faced by the legal profession. I earned my Masters degree in Education and Counselling Psychology at UBC and, in 2008, began working with the Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia (“LAP”). Through my work with LAP, I counselled many lawyers facing various work related challenges. I developed experience in dealing with the common issues arising in private practice, especially those faced by women. In addition to working as a coach and counsellor for lawyers, I was a frequent speaker at law firms, universities and legal organizations on topics including professional development, career management and work/life integration. Show less

In 2003 I left private practice to join John Casablanas Institute. I was employed in a management capacity, focusing on enhancing the company’s profile, developing educational programs and overseeing a team responsible for attracting students to the Institute.

I practiced employment and human rights law at the Vancouver office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. I provided advice with respect to all areas of employment and human rights law including hiring, disciplining and terminating employees, structuring severance packages, dealing with harassment, disability and employment standards issues, drafting offer letters, contracts, employment policies and employee handbooks and advising on employee issues in corporate transactions. During this time I was a… Show more I practiced employment and human rights law at the Vancouver office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. I provided advice with respect to all areas of employment and human rights law including hiring, disciplining and terminating employees, structuring severance packages, dealing with harassment, disability and employment standards issues, drafting offer letters, contracts, employment policies and employee handbooks and advising on employee issues in corporate transactions. During this time I was a member of the firm’s recruitment, student and social committees and was responsible for organizing and overseeing the summer student program. I was actively involved in attracting lawyers to the firm, mentoring students and younger lawyers and contributing to the overall culture of the firm. Show less