When Casey Dorey completed 7 years with our firm we asked him 7 questions about his growth from a Legal Assistant to a Lawyer. His metamorphosis unravels an understated story of grit and determination.
1. If you had to describe your journey with Bergeron Clifford in one word, what would it be?
Rewarding
2. How do you approach your clients?
I treat every client the way I would want to be treated by my lawyer. It’s important to have a good rapport with clients. Our relationships are formed during a person’s most vulnerable time so building that rapport in order to make the client feel comfortable is critical. At the same time, I want to leave my clients with the comfort of knowing that I will fight for them. That’s how I approach each client.
3. How was your initial experience with the firm, how have you grown since?
My experience in becoming a lawyer is different than most. I was initially hired as a legal assistant in 2012 and transitioned into a Paralegal/Law Clerk role shortly thereafter. I had always wanted to be a lawyer but when I settled in my initial role, I felt comfortable and stable. It wasn’t until I was driving with Ted Bergeron to a client meeting in Ottawa that my journey to become a lawyer took shape. In the cab of his blue and grey F-150, Ted asked me if I had written the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) yet to which I replied “no”. By the end of the day, I was signed up to write the LSAT. Now, I’m in my third year as a lawyer. My experience with this firm has always been incredible and the support around me has helped me grow.
4. Why did you pursue injury law?
To be honest, I didn’t know what area of law I wanted to work in when I started applying for jobs as a Paralegal in 2012. However, when I started working in this field and had the opportunity to speak with and help clients who have been through a traumatic time in their life, I knew I wanted to help. Helping a client get back on their feet is extremely rewarding.
5. What is the best advice you’ve received so far?
Ted Bergeron and Chris Clifford have always stressed the importance of a good work/life balance. You’ll enjoy your work more if you’re able to create efficiencies. It will also allow you the energy to enjoy home life and activities outside of the office.
6. What’s your advice to young aspiring lawyers?
Start practicing your advocacy skills as early as you can in law school. Sign up for moot court. Get involved. These skills are important if you want to practice in the field of injury law so work on them early. You’ll feel more comfortable in front of a Judge – I promise.
7. What do you find most exciting about the future of injury law?
That’s one of the beauties of injury law – it’s always evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has really shifted the way we do things. We’re doing more ZOOM mediations, pre-trials and client meetings than we ever have before. It took some time getting used to and while there are some downsides, it is certainly more efficient. As far as substance in the law is concerned, I’m interested to see how self-driving vehicles will shape and shift the injury law landscape.
To know more about Casey, please visit https://www.bergeronclifford.com/our_lawyers/casey-dorey/
