Are you excited about the idea of going to the CCCA’s National Conference on April 22, but feeling a bit hesitant because it is virtual and you won’t know anyone? Are you keen to meet other in-house counsel, but not really sure how to go about it? We are launching this “Rapid-Fire Round” series to help.
Here you can “meet” a CCCA Executive Committee member who will be at the Conference. Then if you have questions about them and their work with the CCCA at the national or local level, feel free to message them through the Conference platform.
Susanne Dandenault, CIC.C
General Counsel at Arctic Co-operatives Ltd / CCCA Executive Member-at-Large
Winnipeg, MB
1. Who is your hero?
My Mom was my hero and continues to be my inspiration. She was a very hard worker and family was always first for her.
2. What do you like most about your career?
I am working for people who really need my help. I finally feel like I am making a difference. Arctic Co-ops supports 32 member co-ops located in Inuit communities across Canada’s three territories.
3. What makes you laugh?
My husband and two kids—they are all comedians!
4. When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
I would like to say reading, gardening, going for bike rides and decorating cakes. But the reality is laundry, groceries and vacuuming.
5. How would your friends describe you?
Loyal, rational and funny.
6. What three books do you consider critical reading for an in-house counsel?
I don't know if these are really critical, but good to have on hand:
- Bullen & Leake & Jacob’s Canadian Precedents of Pleadings by The Right Hon Professor Sir Robin Jacob (Editor), Lord Dan Brennan QC (Editor), The Hon Mr Justice William Blair (Editor)
- Indispensable Counsel: The Chief Legal Officer in the New Reality by E. Norman Veasey and Christine T. Di Guglielmo
- The Three Signs of a Miserable Job: A Fable for Managers (And Their Employees) by Patrick M. Lencioni
7. What is the one thing you wish you had known before becoming in-house counsel?
Be approachable! Initially, employees may be hesitant to talk to you because you’re “the lawyer”.
8. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Knowledge is power—never stop learning.
Register for Conference now and meet hundreds of great members like Susanne!
Lynne Yryku is the Executive Editor of The In-House Edition.