Nandishi Bekah

For me, becoming a family lawyer was inevitable. I remember telling people from a young age that I was going to be a lawyer when I grew up. It was my parents’ dream. Having immigrated here at a young age, and in the face of financial adversity, I worked hard to make our dreams come true. I value the preservation of the family nucleus and the importance to ensuring the welfare of children in any family law matter, as it aligns so well with my own personal values. I find it humbling and a privilege when clients share with me with their most intimate familial problems, and trust in my ability to help them.After studying Political Science at the University of Toronto, I chose to complete law school abroad in England after receiving a scholarship and wanting a new experience. This experience opened my eyes to my rather sheltered upbringing where I learned about resilience, dedication, discipline and integrity. I carry these qualities with me everyday in my practice and in my relationships, both personally and professionally. Since my call to the Ontario Bar in 2015, I have been fortunate to work in various areas of law, starting off my career in Insurance Defence, to opening up my own firm specializing in Family Law and Wills and Estates, and then working as General Counsel for both a privately owned company and then Legal Aid Saskatchewan. I have, in my experience, been exposed to a myriad of people and situations, which have sharpened my ability to problem solve effectively, negotiate tactfully, advocate honestly, and listen graciously. I take pride in my ability to understand opposing perspectives and be able to diffuse high conflict situations.I have advocated for my clients at all levels of court in Ontario and while going to court is sometimes necessary, I am an avid believer in alternative methods to dispute resolution. My Masters in Law, specializing in Alternative Dispute Resolution reinforces my philosophy and practice to conflict resolution outside of the litigation process. I engage with my clients with the utmost respect and integrity, while ensuring that my professional demeanor is approachable, accessible and kind.I have been featured on CTV National, Global TV, SIRIUS XM Radio for my expertise on media worthy, controversial and relevant legal issues and I regularly contributor to the Lawyer’s Daily newspaper. I have been nominated for the top 25 most influential lawyers in Canada and have been recognized by my peers for noteworthy training modules relevant to the current practice of law that all lawyers should know in order to best serve our clients in today’s society. My passion for the law and education for those coming into the legal system, anywhere from clients to judges, drives me to continue creating relevant modules to break social barriers and enable us to be socially relevant and client centric advocates.In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am a foodie at heart and love to cook. I am an enthusiast about exploring the world and sharing in their culinary experiences. I have also been a competitive ballet dancer for over 17 years.