Jill Fraser on Her First Year at the Helm of Aird & Berlis
In May 2024, Jill Fraser stepped into a new chapter of her illustrious career when she was appointed as the managing partner of Aird & Berlis, a prestigious full-service law firm based in Toronto. With over 25 years of experience in legal practice, Fraser succeeded Steven Zakem, who had led the firm since 2015.
Fraser’s journey to the helm of Aird & Berlis is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and leadership qualities. A long-standing member of the firm’s Executive Committee and a senior partner in the Financial Services Group, she brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role.
Reflecting on her first year as managing partner, Fraser emphasized the firm’s core values of excellence, integrity, and client service. She highlighted the strong foundation built by her predecessor and expressed optimism about the firm’s future. “My experience working alongside Steven Zakem on the Executive Committee for the past eight years has been invaluable,” she noted. “It prepared me to take on this role and continue building on the firm’s reputation for excellence.”
Fraser’s practice focuses on corporate and commercial lending transactions, including syndicated credit facilities, secured loans, project financings, acquisition financings, and asset-based lending. She has also developed expertise in asset and equipment finance, structuring complex lease financing facilities and private securitizations.
Known for her hands-on leadership and accessibility, Fraser has been a dedicated mentor to associates and junior partners. She often shares her experiences as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, inspiring the next generation of legal professionals.
As she looks ahead, Fraser remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation at Aird & Berlis. Her leadership and expertise position the firm for continued success in an ever-evolving legal landscape.
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Jill Fraser on Her First Year at the Helm of Aird & Berlis
Fraser’s expertise extends beyond general financial services law, as she has developed a specialized focus on asset and equipment finance. Her work in this area includes structuring and documenting bulk lease financing facilities and private securitizations, which have become integral to her practice. This niche expertise has allowed her to provide tailored solutions for clients navigating complex financial transactions.
Her client base is diverse, representing both borrowers from various industries and a wide range of lenders, including domestic and international banks, life insurance companies, asset-based lenders, and investment funds. This broad exposure has equipped her with a unique understanding of the financial landscape, enabling her to navigate intricate legal and financial challenges with precision.
As a leader, Fraser is known for her direct accessibility and hands-on approach. She has fostered an environment of open communication at Aird & Berlis, encouraging collaboration across practice groups. Her leadership style has been instrumental in maintaining the firm’s strong position in the legal market, ensuring that the firm remains agile and responsive to client needs.
Fraser’s commitment to mentorship has also been a hallmark of her tenure. She has been an active advocate for the development of junior lawyers, particularly women, in a historically male-dominated profession. By sharing her experiences and insights, she has inspired many to pursue leadership roles and strive for excellence in their legal careers.
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Conclusion
Jill Fraser’s first year as managing partner of Aird & Berlis has been marked by continued success and a steadfast commitment to the firm’s core values of excellence, integrity, and client service. With over 25 years of experience in corporate and commercial lending, Fraser has brought a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her role, building on the strong foundation established by her predecessor, Steven Zakem.
Fraser’s specialized expertise in asset and equipment finance, coupled with her hands-on leadership style, has fostered an environment of collaboration and innovation at the firm. Her dedication to mentorship, particularly for women in law, has inspired the next generation of legal professionals. As she looks ahead, Fraser remains focused on maintaining Aird & Berlis’s reputation as a leading full-service law firm, navigating the evolving legal landscape with precision and vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Jill Fraser’s main achievements in her first year as managing partner?
Jill Fraser focused on maintaining the firm’s core values of excellence, integrity, and client service while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. She also continued to build on the strong foundation established by her predecessor, Steven Zakem.
What is Jill Fraser’s leadership style?
Jill Fraser is known for her direct accessibility and hands-on approach. She encourages open communication and collaboration across practice groups, ensuring the firm remains agile and responsive to client needs.
What areas of law does Jill Fraser specialize in?
Jill Fraser specializes in corporate and commercial lending transactions, including syndicated credit facilities, secured loans, project financings, acquisition financings, and asset-based lending. She also has expertise in asset and equipment finance, structuring complex lease financing facilities and private securitizations.
How has Jill Fraser supported the development of junior lawyers?
Fraser has been an active advocate for the development of junior lawyers, particularly women, in a traditionally male-dominated profession. She shares her experiences and insights, inspiring many to pursue leadership roles and strive for excellence in their legal careers.
What is the future outlook for Aird & Berlis under Jill Fraser’s leadership?
Under Jill Fraser’s leadership, Aird & Berlis is well-positioned for continued success. She remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, ensuring the firm remains a leading full-service law firm in an ever-evolving legal landscape.
