Birthplace: Ottawa
Company: National full-service business law firm
Education: Bachelor of laws, University of Ottawa (2004)
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Local businesses face hiring obstacles due to immigration pullback, flawed screening
In his 39 years of practicing immigration law, Warren Creates (a rare Law Society Certified Specialist) has never seen an environment so challenging for employers looking to hire workers from
Charitable involvement: Help Lesotho, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra
Biggest biz achievement: Becoming a partner at McMillan. Each transaction I’ve worked on is also a great achievement on its own – whether it’s advising on a cross-border acquisition for a private equity fund or assisting a domestic corporation purchase, sell or restructure a business.
Biggest biz obstacle: Since relocating back to Ottawa from Toronto, my biggest obstacle has been establishing myself in the local Ottawa market, continuing to build a reputation in the broader Canadian and U.S. markets and meeting the tight timelines involved in M&A, while balancing being a mother of two young daughters.
Biggest influence: My parents. They immigrated to Canada from Italy and devoted their lives to providing their four daughters with every opportunity in life. They have shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me loyalty, empathy and the value of hard work. They have encouraged me to never give up on my aspirations, even when they might not seem attainable.
Biggest lesson learned: You need to surround yourself with a talented and reliable team, along with supportive mentors whom you can continuously learn from and bounce ideas off of – the practice of law is not a one-person show.
First job: Outdoor rink attendant, worker at Harvey’s
Advice I’d give the younger me: Not to worry so much all the time and be so hard on yourself – when you do your best, everything has a way of working itself out.
What’s left to do: So much! Professionally, continue to build and grow my business law practice in Ottawa, and personally, I want to raise strong, compassionate and thoughtful children who understand the value of giving back to their community.
Favourite pastimes: Photography and hiking with my husband, kids and dog.
Favourite movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Favourite song: Catch & Release by Matt Simons; and so many others depending on the setting.
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Ottawa Bluesfest
Preferred social media platforms: Linkedin, Instagram
