Economics Alumni Feature: Fayme K. Hodal (BA, 2009)

Fayme K. Hodal is a life-long West Coast local; she obtained her BA in Economics from Simon Fraser University, JD from Thompson Rivers University, and is completing her LLM with a Tax Law specialization at Osgoode Hall. Fayme joined Kane Shannon Weiler LLP as a Litigator following her time practicing with national law firms, and assists both employer and employee clients with their employment related matters.

She has extensive experience working with individual, business and corporate clients throughout British Columbia and Alberta. She regularly advises on civil disputes of all varieties and prepares coverage opinions relating to private insurance disputes. Fayme also assists clients with privacy law and defamation questions.

What does a typical work day look like for you? 

As lawyers, we solve problems—we help our clients navigate often complex, and frequently uncomfortable situations. As a litigator, I analyze how the facts of my clients’ situations mesh with the current state of the law relevant to their matter, advance the strongest positions on their behalf, and advocate for them against whomever the opposing party might be, all in the interest of achieving the best outcomes possible for my clients.

How did SFU Economics influence you and/or your career?

Understanding economics can change the way a person approaches the world in which they live. Economics teaches us how to understand, among other things, the intrinsic elements of choice, valuations, and exchange.

Through SFU Economics, I developed my foundational analytical and pragmatic approach to the world; this mindset is helpful when strategizing the best course of action to achieve a desired result.

Looking back at your university experience, what is one piece of advice you would give to current students? 

Within your discipline(s), and outside the requirements, take the classes you want to take, and make those choices based on the professor teaching the class, then whether you think the subject matter interests you.  

What were your favourite courses? Any professors that made a big impact on you? 

While I was fortunate to have many excellent professors, without a doubt, Professor Boland was immensely impactful.

Anything else you would like to add? 

There is no such thing as ‘too difficult’, but there are such things as ‘over commitment’, and ‘failing to be present’.