David Patacairk ( He/Him )

Bachelor of Humanities, Senior Legal Counsel, City of Ottawa

B.Hum Graduate 2000

What was your experience like in the program and how has your degree helped your career?

My four years in the College of the Humanities were easily the best years I ever had in education.  Being able to not only meaningfully engage with the materials, but also being surrounded by people every bit as interested in the journey is an experience I can never forget.

My time at the College was some of the best preparation for my career as a lawyer I could ever receive.  My work in human rights and labour/employment law is constantly evolving and always gives me unexpected challenges.  But my studies in Humanities prepared me to review everything with a critical eye, and equally importantly to be able to adapt pre-existing dogma into the newest situations I face.  The College was a place to hone critical thinking, which is a skill that can never be underrated.  The team I lead has an unofficial motto – we solve problems – and education the College provided helps me refine my skills in both identifying issues and providing solutions.