When I was young, the boxing gym was where I learned everything that school never taught me. I learned how to focus. I learned how to respect myself and others. I learned how to get back up after taking a hit. That mindset has shaped how I approach leadership and HR today.
At Cochrane Sinclair LLP, we are not trying to be a conventional law firm. We are trying to build something deeper. A workplace where people feel seen, respected, and part of something with purpose. That doesn’t start with branding or benefits. It starts with how we treat each other day to day.
Creating space for real connection
We believe that people work better when they feel connected to the mission and to each other. From the moment someone joins our team, we focus on building trust and clarity. We don’t throw people into the deep end. We introduce them to the culture, the work, and the purpose behind it.
Onboarding is personal. Team leads take time to get to know new staff. People are encouraged to ask questions and share ideas early on. These simple steps make a big difference. They create belonging, not just compliance.
Supporting people where they are
Working in law, especially on Indigenous files, can be emotionally demanding. People are often carrying more than just a caseload. They’re carrying community stories, generational pain, and real-world impact.
That’s why our operational mindset is rooted in care. We don’t always have formal policies that cover every scenario, but we do respond when people ask for support. Whether it’s adjusting workloads during personal challenges or supporting time off to attend an event in community, we try to meet people where they’re at.
This is a work in progress, but it’s something we take seriously.
Learning through experience, not just theory
We’ve learned that the best way to understand Indigenous culture and context is not from a slide deck. It’s from showing up.
Our staff regularly travel to Nations across the country. These visits are not symbolic. They’re part of how we build trust with clients and deepen our understanding of the work. Being present in community helps our people grow, both professionally and personally.
Some of our staff have said these moments were more impactful than anything they’ve read or watched. When you hear from community leaders firsthand or walk into a gathering where your role is to listen, not lead, it changes you. That’s the kind of learning we want to make space for.
Building a team that lasts
At Cochrane Sinclair LLP, we know that our strength comes from our people. We’re not just looking to grow in numbers. We’re looking to grow in integrity.
Just like in the gym, we’re focused on the fundamentals. Building consistency. Creating clarity. Supporting recovery. Celebrating effort, not just outcomes.
We are still learning. We are still building. But we are grounded in something real. Respect for the people who show up here every day, and for the communities we’re working to serve.
This is what it means to create a workplace rooted in culture. Not one built on buzzwords, but one built on trust.
