Cochrane Sinclair is proud to welcome Naomi Dyrda as a newly called lawyer in Manitoba. Her path to this milestone has been anything but ordinary. Naomi brings a powerful combination of life experience, frontline social work, and deep empathy to her legal practice. Her story is one of persistence, purpose, and personal growth.
Before beginning her legal career, Naomi worked in child protection services for several years, helping families through some of their most difficult times. That work gave her an inside look at the justice system. She regularly appeared in court and collaborated with legal teams on matters involving the safety and status of children. Over time, she started to wonder if she could make an even greater difference by becoming a lawyer herself and advocating for families from within the legal system. When the pandemic hit, she decided it was time to take that leap and enrolled in law school at the University of Manitoba.
Like many students starting a new chapter, her first year of law school was filled with uncertainty and stress. Naomi admitted she found herself questioning her decision at times. Everything felt new, intense, and unfamiliar. But after completing her first year of studies, she spent the summer working with the Government of Alberta. In law school, this period is often called the "1L summer," short for "first-year law student summer." It’s the first real opportunity for many future lawyers to work in a legal setting. For Naomi, this summer changed everything. She worked alongside a group of accomplished women lawyers who challenged and inspired her. The work was interesting, the conversations were meaningful, and for the first time, she felt completely sure that she was on the right path.
Since joining Cochrane Sinclair as an articling student, Naomi has continued to find strength in the people around her, especially the women in the firm. She has received guidance and mentorship from senior lawyers, including partners who have shown her what a long and fulfilling career in law can look like. Having access to experienced lawyers who are open about the challenges and realities of legal practice has helped her feel supported and empowered.
Naomi also became a mother while preparing to enter the legal profession, and she has been open about the unique challenges that come with balancing both roles. She interviewed for her articling position just 10 days after giving birth. Her husband drove her to interviews while caring for their newborn in the car. Naomi would step out, complete her interviews, then return to feed the baby before heading to the next one. That experience showed her just how rigid and unaccommodating the system can be for new parents, especially mothers. Since starting at the firm, she has managed the balancing act of being a full-time lawyer and full-time parent, often picking up work again after her child’s bedtime. It’s not easy, and it’s not often visible to others, but it is a reality for many women in the profession.
Naomi also reflected on the ongoing importance of equity and representation in the workplace. While progress is being made across the legal profession, Cochrane Sinclair stands out as a firm that is ahead of the curve. From mentorship by senior women lawyers to a culture that supports work-life integration, the firm actively fosters an environment where women can lead, grow, and thrive. Naomi acknowledged that many women in law still face barriers, including unequal pay and limited support during critical life transitions like maternity leave. But her experience at Cochrane Sinclair has shown her what is possible when a firm truly invests in equity, not just in policy but in everyday practice. She believes that women are essential to building strong, healthy workplaces, often serving as the social anchors and community builders within a team. At Cochrane Sinclair, that value is not only recognized, it is championed.
For those who may be struggling with imposter syndrome or feeling stuck in their careers, Naomi’s advice is grounded in both self-awareness and perseverance. She encourages others to trust the effort and dedication they’ve already invested, and to welcome feedback as a tool for growth rather than criticism. Confidence, she believes, is built not only through success but through the willingness to be challenged, to learn from mistakes, and to keep showing up with curiosity and intent.
When asked what advice she would give to those considering a career in law, Naomi kept it simple. If you are curious and eager to learn, there is space for you in this profession. The legal field is vast, with many directions a career can take, and no single path looks the same. What matters most is showing up with purpose and a willingness to grow. Naomi’s journey is a reminder that law needs people with heart, perspective, and lived experience and at Cochrane Sinclair, those qualities are not only welcomed, they are shaping the future of the firm.
