Filipino Canadian lawyers meet in Winnipeg

by Alona C. Mercado

Seated (l-r): Emily Salcedo, Caitlin Madden (Law student), Alona Mercado, Stephanie Dizon (Law student), Jonhelyn Lantin. Back Row: Nicholas Mark (articling), Daniel Cleto, Renato Mamucud, Gary Sarcida, Adriel Agpalza, Rachelle Punzalan, Athanasia Guerrero, JB Casares, Efren Cabrera, Mark Intertas, Marie Gravoso, Ingrid Ruiz, Dan Patriarca. Not in picture: Dexter Lacanilao, Nueva Mabilen, Alma Paasa, Mary Lacanilao

On Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, Atty. Alona C. Mercado hosted the first-ever gathering of Filipino Canadian lawyers, articling students and law students in Winnipeg at her firm, Mercado Trinh Law LLP. The breakfast reception commemorated Philippine Heritage Month and Philippine Independence Day.

“When I first got called to the Bar, you could count the number of Filipino Canadian lawyers on one hand. Now, there are over 30 Filipino Canadian lawyers practicing in Winnipeg,” said Atty. Mercado. She continued, “it was a long overdue gathering. A number of us senior lawyers have been tossing around the idea of getting everyone together for a long time now, but nothing ever came of it.”

After her firm decided to host the gathering, Atty. Mercado personally e-mailed every Filipino Canadian lawyer, articling student and law student in Winnipeg that they were aware of. Several lists and sources were used to gather all the names, but even with all their efforts, they knew that they would likely miss some names; and they did.

The successful event was attended by 22 lawyers, articling students and law students. It was the first time many had seen each other since the pandemic, and for many others, it was the first opportunity to meet each other in person and not simply by e-mail or over the phone.

Atty Mercado is now maintaining a list of Filipino Canadian lawyers, articling students and law students in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba. For any Filipino Canadian lawyers, articling students, law students, and those participating in the NCA process, please email acm@mercadotrinhlaw.com to be included in the list.

Atty. Alona C. Mercado is a partner at lawyer practicing in Winnipeg with the law firm of MERCADO TRINH LAW LLP. She was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1999 and the Ontario Bar in 2003. Her preferred areas of practice include estate planning and administration of wills and estates, real estate, business and commercial transactions, committees, and immigration law. Alona can be reached at (204) 594-3436, acm@mercadotrinhlaw.com, an www.mercadotrinhlaw.com

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