Watson Goepel LLP is proud to share an exciting milestone within our firm and community.On Friday, May 8, our Articling Student, Alida Malherbe, was officially called to the Bar in British Columbia, marking the beginning of her career as a lawyer in Canada.
Alida's journey to this achievement is one defined by dedication, resilience, and a profound commitment to the legal profession. Originally from rural South Africa, where she was raised on a farm, Alida developed a strong work ethic and practical approach that continues to shape her work today. After building over a decade of legal experience abroad, she made the decision to relocate to Vancouver with her family and pursue requalification in Canada, an ambitious and demanding process she approached with determination and grace.
While completing her Certificate of Qualification through the National Committee on Accreditation, Alida worked as a paralegal on the North Shore, gaining valuable perspective into the real challenges clients face when navigating complex legal systems. This experience further strengthened her client‑centered approach, one grounded in empathy, clarity, and responsiveness.
Now practicing at Watson Goepel, Alida focuses on Wills, Estates & Trusts, bringing with her not only extensive experience but also a Master's degree in Estate Law.
Alida's philosophy reflects the values we hold as a firm:
"True advocacy begins with dedicated service, continuous learning, and a genuine focus on the needs of every client."
Her journey is a powerful reminder of what it means to pursue excellence while staying grounded in community and purpose. We are incredibly proud to have Alida as part of the Watson Goepel team and look forward to seeing the continued impact she will make for our clients and our community.
Congratulations, Alida, on this remarkable achievement.