IQALUIT (Oct 20/97) - Paul Okalik may not look like one, but he's a pioneer.

If all goes according to plan, and it has for more than seven years now, Okalik will become the first Baffin-born and raised lawyer next July.

With a degree in political science from Carleton University under his belt, and three years of law school at Ottawa University behind him, Okalik is now an articling student at Iqaluit's Crawford Law Office.

"I always wanted to go to law school," said Okalik, who was born in Pangnirtung.

"The law affects everyone, not always positively. The best I can do is try to minimize the negative effect, and try to make the laws work positively for my family and fellow Inuit."

Currently, there are only about 10 lawyers in Nunavut.

Okalik, 33, anticipates being called to the bar in July, after completing an exhaustive bar exam, for which he is studying while articling and completing his law degree.

"I did try going back to school a couple of years before going back," recalled Okalik. "But my partying took over and I just dropped the courses.

"I spent some time back home and with my elders and my family, and made a commitment that I wouldn't drink any more. I was starting a new family as well, and I thought, if I wanted to go some place, I better sober up and try to make something of my life."

The already tough grind of law school was complicated for Okalik by the need to take on a part-time job.

Okalik has spoken to students in a number of Northern communities about his experience, and the importance of education.

Asked if felt he might want to get into politics in the future, Okalik said he wasn't looking that far ahead right now.

"I'm enjoying what I'm doing now," said Okalik. "If there's potential in the future to help more Inuit that way, then possibly, but I don't anticipate it at the moment."