“I being a young woman lawyer at times do get an impression that the male counterpart lawyer thinks that he can take me for a ride. Which necessarily doesn’t happen as I know that in such situations I have to put up my best,”
Young, elegant and eloquent! Known for going to great depths for every case that she handles. Perfect signs of a good lawyer? Sure! Farhanaz Siganporia is not only a successful lawyer but also humble about her accomplishments. One who has always dreamt to be a lawyer, Farhanaz Siganporia, Barrister, solicitor and notary public of Singanporia Law Firm has accomplishments to her credit. Farhanaz Siganporia in an exclusive interview with Rakhee shares, “From the very childhood I knew that I wanted to do Law or be a psychologist because I love dealing with people. And since I loved doing logical arguments and debates when I was in the high school, that I decided to do under graduate program in psychology and then pursue law,” says Farhanaz. While I continued the chat with Farhanaz, I was being reminded of what John C. Maxwell had said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” and wonder did John have Farhanaz in his mind!
Born and brought up in Mumbai she came to Canada when she was 17. Over the last 12 years Farhanaz has found the transition and the integration rather “easy”. Farhanaz landed in Canada with good report card from her school in Mumbai, and had to appear for a test of English and she deservedly scored brilliant in that and got straight into grade 12. Being good at studies didn’t deter her from being active at many other things. “I love performing art and I was into singing and acting during my college days. I was also involved in the community and was involved with few committees for the university and volunteered with old age home close to my house”. All this added to her credentials when she appeared for her undergraduate program in Psychology. She graduated in 2008 with a degree in law from Osgord Law School and within a short span Farhanaz has taken Singanporia law office to great heights with two offices functioning at Don Mills/Lawrence and Jane/Steeles.
Any hurdles she faced in the man’s world and that too of lawyers? “I personally didn’t face that as now there are many women in the field of law, but at times the politics of gender also plays its part. I being a young woman lawyer at times do get an impression that the male counterpart lawyer thinks that he can take me for a ride. Which necessarily doesn’t happen as I know that in such situations I have to put up my best. At times a firmer tone is all that you need,” says Farhanaz.
Singanporia Law Firm specialises in personal injury and is known for getting some landmark judgement. When asked about certain cases of personal injury being fabricated, Farhanaz doesn’t dispute that. “In all fields there are frauds and in certain cases of personal injury are false too. When somebody does make a fraudulent claim and collects undue money, the cost to the insurance company goes up and we all know that insurance companies are there to make money and they are not going to bear their loses and to counterbalance the looses they are going to increase the premium,” says Farhanaz. “Hence we all end up paying for the act of few who ended up making some fast money for themselves,” adds Farhanaz.
Modest in her speech but believes in excelling in her actions, Farhanaz has walked a mile to get the insurance rates regulated. She feels that NDP is on the right track when it comes to trying to get the insurance rates down. “I had personally gone and had a detailed discussion with the representative of the party. I highlighted that the laws are completely one sided, pro insurance companies and totally anti people and this needs to be changed,” says Farhanaz. Law in their present condition don’t seem to be encouraging, “I don’t find a logic in having an insurance policy because when you get into an accident, you have to make your payments initially yourself and later you end up paying higher premiums”.
Farhanaz’s success story has a lot to motivate the new immigrants and she has certain advice for the newcomers. “All those who want to go to the field of law need to know that they can’t practice law in Ontario till their credits from other countries are approved by Law society of Upper Canada. They should definitely apply for review of their degrees. There are additional courses available that need to be done and then the Bar Exam is a must,” says Farhanaz. She wants the new immigrants to know, “Even if you are a lawyer from another province of Canada, you still have to write the Bar Exam in order to get licence to practice in Ontario.”
Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior and bubbling to grow and accomplish greater height and Farhanaz is one of those rare few.
Q. If you were not a lawyer?
A. Would have been a Psychologist or an actress
Q. Does dramatics help when fighting a case?
A. Yes! It does!
Q. To Unwind
A. I read and love hanging out with friends
Q. Last book you read?
A. The sweetness of Tears” by Nafisa Haji
Q. Dieting or work out?
A. Biking and playing badminton
Q. Message to youth
A. Follow your dream, follow your heart.
