Drew Samuels
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Law (2016), Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a Concentration in Law (2010)
After completing his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a Concentration in Law in 2010, Drew went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Law in 2016. He is now the Director of Litigation and Administration at DuCharme, McMillen & Associates Canada Ltd., where he brings his combined expertise in law and psychology to his leadership role.
“Focus on building transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and professionalism. These skills will serve you well regardless of the career path you ultimately choose. Be open to exploring opportunities that may not have been part of your original plan, and do not be afraid to take a chance on something new.
I would also encourage students to seek out mentors, ask questions, and learn from professionals working in fields that interest them. Some of the most valuable insights come from conversations with people who have already navigated the challenges you are facing.
Looking back, my own path was not a straight line. My studies in criminology, psychology, and law led me to paralegal studies, which opened doors to litigation, leadership, professional association involvement, property management, and teaching. Each experience built upon the last and helped shape my career in ways I could not have predicted at graduation.
Most importantly, be willing to invest in continuous learning. Your first job does not have to be your forever job, and your first career choice does not have to define your entire future. Stay curious, work hard, and remain open to opportunities. You may discover a path that is even more rewarding than the one you originally envisioned.
You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out after graduation. Focus on developing strong skills, staying curious, and being open to opportunities. Some of the most rewarding parts of your career may come from paths you never expected to take. Success is often less about having a perfect plan and more about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow..”
Brief description of what I do!
I am the Director, Litigation and Administration at DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Canada, Ltd. where I provide strategic litigation expertise and legal advice on a wide range of legal issues. I am responsible for the coordination and advocacy of property tax appeals and appeared as a paralegal before the Assessment Review Board, the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Small Claims Court, and the Ontario Court of Justice. I am also an Adjunct Professor at Durham College where I teach several courses in its paralegal program, including small claims court, tribunals practice and procedure, and ethics and professional responsibility. I served as the Past President of the Durham College Alumni Association and the am currently the President of the Institute of the Municipal Assessors.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
My career path was inspired by a longstanding interest in the intersection of law, human behaviour, and problem-solving. During my studies at Carleton University, I pursued degrees in criminology and psychology, both with a focus on law, which gave me a deeper understanding of how legal systems impact individuals and organizations. As I progressed through my studies, I realized that I was drawn not only to understanding legal issues but also to finding practical solutions to complex disputes and challenges.
This interest led me to pursue paralegal studies at Durham College, where I developed the practical legal skills needed to work directly with clients and navigate legal processes. Over time, my career evolved beyond advocacy and litigation into leadership, administration, and education. Today, as Director of Litigation and Administration at DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Canada Ltd. and an adjunct professor at Durham College, I have the opportunity to combine my interests in law, leadership, mentorship, and professional development.
What continues to inspire me is the ability to help people navigate complex situations, contribute to the advancement of the profession, and share knowledge with the next generation of legal professionals.
Looking back, I was always fascinated by why people make the decisions they do and how legal systems shape outcomes. My studies in criminology, psychology, and law provided the foundation, but it was my desire to work directly with people and solve real-world problems that ultimately inspired my career. Whether through litigation, administration, or teaching, I have always been motivated by helping others find practical solutions while contributing to the growth of the professions I serve.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
My psychology education played a significant role in shaping my professional journey. While many people think of psychology as the study of mental processes and behaviour, what I found most valuable was learning how people think, make decisions, resolve conflict, and respond to challenges. Those insights have proven invaluable throughout my career.
In legal and administrative settings, success often depends on more than understanding legislation or procedure. It requires effective communication, empathy, negotiation, and the ability to understand different perspectives. My psychology background helped me develop those skills and gave me a deeper appreciation for the human element behind every dispute, workplace issue, or client matter.
The program also strengthened my critical thinking and analytical abilities. Psychology requires evaluating evidence, interpreting research, and drawing reasoned conclusions. These are all skills that translate directly to litigation, management, and teaching. Whether I am overseeing legal matters, leading a team, mentoring students, or working with clients, I regularly draw upon the principles and skills I developed during my psychology studies.
Ultimately, psychology helped me understand that behind every legal issue is a person, and that perspective has influenced how I approach both leadership and advocacy throughout my career.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
After graduation, the most valuable skills I brought into my career were critical thinking, communication, and the ability to understand and work with people from diverse backgrounds. My studies in criminology and psychology taught me how to analyze complex situations, evaluate evidence, and understand human behaviour, while my legal studies provided practical skills in advocacy, research, and problem-solving.
As I progressed in my career, I found that effective communication became one of my greatest assets. Whether dealing with clients, opposing parties, students, colleagues, or stakeholders, the ability to explain complex issues clearly and build productive relationships has been essential.
Another valuable experience was learning to adapt and continuously develop new skills. My transition from university to paralegal studies, and later into leadership, litigation management, and teaching, required me to embrace lifelong learning and remain open to new opportunities.
Perhaps most importantly, I learned the value of balancing technical knowledge with emotional intelligence. Understanding legal principles is important, but understanding people, and their motivations, concerns, and goals, has been equally critical to my success as a director, educator, and advocate.
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
A career highlight has been the opportunity to serve in leadership roles while also educating future legal professionals. Whether leading initiatives within the profession, managing litigation and administration, or teaching students, I am most proud of the positive impact I have been able to make on others and the profession as a whole.