SPOTLIGHT: Juliana C. Canevascini

What woman in the legal or business community inspires you and why?

Melinda Gates. I find her dedication to a variety of philanthropic endeavors inspiring, especially her gender equality initiatives throughout the world.

If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Agatha Christie. As an avid reader, I would love to talk to her about the writing process and how she developed such memorable characters. I would find it fascinating to learn about how she was able to develop such suspenseful novels that appeal to a broad audience and have withstood the test of time.

What led you to the practice of law and/or to your specific area of law?

While in college I interned with the Milwaukee Justice Center, which is a free legal clinic that provides assistance to self-represented litigants navigating the court system. The cases focused on family law issues such as custody, child support, and divorce. While I interned there, I worked with attorneys and assisted clients with filling out the necessary forms for their cases.

That was the first time I had the opportunity to see firsthand how being an attorney had the power to truly impact people’s lives in a positive way.

How is being a woman lawyer advantageous?

One advantageous aspect of being a woman attorney I have experienced is the camaraderie and support amongst other women in law. Because of shared experiences personally and professionally, the ability to turn to your female peers and mentors for advice is a great benefit.

What advice (professional or personal) would you give your younger self or the next generation of women leaders?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is okay to not know everything, and it is better to ask questions earlier than too late.