Why I chose to start my legal career at BD&P

We strive to foster a culture where individual differences and talents are accepted and encouraged, and where everyone at BD&P can be their true authentic selves in the workplace. We believe this culture is key to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, something Alexandra Mueller, one of our Diversity and Inclusion Committee members, knows about firsthand:

"I spent a long time figuring myself out. Picking apart who I am from the image of me that everyone had put together in my absence. A lot of my years have been taken up with dealing with a physical disability and the mental and social fallout that comes with that, so as a young woman, this ready-made identity seemed easiest to work with, if not the most genuine. It took years to sort through the comments about how short or long my hair should be, how appropriate it was to hug my female friends in public, and how being “one of the guys” was an unattractive move.

After I finished university I took a job outside Calgary. I had the freedom to grapple with myself in a way I hadn’t had the space to before, and I ultimately came to the realization that this canned identity was a far cry from my authentic self. The punchline is that I ended up claiming the pansexual label for myself, and I haven’t looked back.

When I returned to Calgary I decided become a legal assistant. When the time came to find a job, I connected with BD&P. I got off the elevator for the interview and I immediately felt like I had come home. When I had the chance to speak with some of my future colleagues, it became clear to me that this was a firm where anyone could come as they are and belong. Two and a half years later, I still believe this to be true and I am proud to now be playing a part in BD&P’s diversity and inclusion journey."