184 THE ADVOCATE
VOL. 80 PART 2 MARCH 2022
the lead in dismantling systems of institutionalized racism in society and
that lawyers have a crucial role to play in providing access to justice.
Several other recurring themes resonate in Daleen’s view of legal education.
She notes that even as the technology of law evolves (such that it is
important to learn how to conduct a court case online and store information
safely), universally there also remains the need for lawyers to read and
write effectively. Drawing on her own experience in teaching practical writing
skills, she looks for opportunities beyond those ordinarily found at universities
to expose students to professional legal writing. Among other
endeavours, Daleen is hoping to involve the bar in letting students try their
hand at preparing specific, formal legal documents ranging from letters to
factums. She is consulting as widely as possible on the prospect of out-ofclassroom
learning and writing workshops, and possibly developing a
guidebook. A self-described “worker bee” who rolls up her sleeves and
believes in building up the strengths of her team, Daleen is also very conscious
of the importance of listening, including to views on where the legal
profession in British Columbia is going.
Not only is Daleen delighted to be in Kamloops, but her family is enjoying
the city as well. After practising law for 25 years, her husband has
retired from practice, and is now restoring classic cars. He has already
restored a 1972 Cadillac and is working on a 1968 Austin-Healey. The couple’s
daughter has adapted quickly to life in Kamloops, embracing skiing
and ballet lessons. She loves the fact she can go outside to walk the dog and
engage in other activities more independently in Canada than in South
Africa.
Not that Daleen has much time to spend on hobbies these days, but her
own include walking the dog, reading, baking, a bit of sewing (she is even
starting quilting lessons) and gardening. Weekends are spent on Zoom calls,
keeping in touch with family members around the world, including her
mother and sisters, her cousin in Sweden and some of the 44 first cousins
that her husband has in Ireland!
We wish all the best to Daleen in her important role.