SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Garth Wallbridge says it was "good fortune" after he found the newest member of his law practice in the most unlikely place – knitting class.

Garth Wallbridge, right, is excited about the newest member of his law practice after Valerie Conrad was admitted to the NWT Bar Dec. 22. - Terrence McEachern/NNSL photo

"It's really cool – the intersection between the arts and the law – that's how Valerie came to us," said Wallbridge with a laugh, shortly after Valerie Conrad was admitted to the NWT Bar by Justice Edward Richard in a short ceremony at the Yellowknife Court House Dec. 22.

Wallbridge explained that his wife, a knitting instructor, first met Conrad in one of her classes and thought that, as a member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, she'd be a perfect fit for her husband's law practice – Wallbridge Law Office. He hired Conrad first as a legal researcher three months ago until she passed the bar. Now, she'll be working as a lawyer focusing on corporate law.

Born and raised in Yellowknife, Conrad attended residential schools from 1970 to 1974 before graduating from St. Patrick High School in 1983. After working for a period with the Native Press and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network as a producer, Conrad returned to school, graduating with a B.A. in anthropology and communications from Simon Fraser University in 2002 and then from the University of Victoria with a bachelor of law degree in 2005.

Her interest in the legal profession grew into admiration after a family tragedy in 1988 required the assistance of a legal aid lawyer in Yellowknife. The "dignity and respect" her lawyer showed her family deeply impressed Conrad. It was at that point she decided she wanted to help people with their legal matters, especially those that "fall through the cracks" and don't qualify for legal aid. After being called to the British Columbia Bar in 2008, she began her law career working in anti-poverty issues for the B.C. Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Vancouver. But she admits she was homesick while living in B.C., and flew home as often as she could. "I'm really happy to be home," she explained.

Although she'll be working in corporate law, she's interested in finding ways to continue her work in anti-poverty issues, which are "very close to (her) heart." Conrad also embraces the idea of being a role model for young Dene women but also all members of the community. But she prefers to influence others by living a good, healthy and productive life. "I don't preach, I just try to lead by example," she said.

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