“What are the two things you need for success? The first, hard work, and the second, integrity... everything else is learned through practice.”
Daniel Hohnstein has always been passionate about creating a better world; and what better vehicle to use than the wheels of justice to facilitate such a change? From a young age, Daniel thought about the world’s most vulnerable populations. He would ponder the complex question “why do I have these amazing opportunities, while others are suffering, being persecuted, or starving?” This question motivated Daniel to use his advantages to make the world a better place for those who did not have those same opportunities. He sought an occupation that would give him the power to drive the change he wanted to see in the world, leading him into international trade law.
At the age of sixteen, Daniel curiously searched for the career that would ignite the spark that lived within.
Motivated to contribute to world change, Daniel first wanted to travel after university to expand his worldview. He traveled to the place of origin for the English language — England, of course! He spent five years teaching English which brought him pure joy. While teaching, he often wondered about the effects of globalization that could not only leave people behind but could also lead to harmful effects if not properly regulated. Therefore, he sought the power of a law degree to become involved in the process and, hopefully, help to manage these issues.
Daniel therefore departed from his wonderful teaching position to pursue his passion through law and, in particular, international trade law. After returning to Canada for law school, he ventured into his articles at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (“BLG”). Daniel was enticed to apply to BLG based on their experience in international trade law. However, his decision to choose BLG came from their honesty about the realities of the legal profession during the interview process. With this decision, he officially embarked on his legal journey to seek answers to the complex questions that started this adventure.
“It is rare for people to be asked the question which puts them squarely in front of themselves.” -John Proctor, The Crucible
Daniel always had these questions burning in the back of his mind, and was now engaging in professional mechanisms that would help him to seek the answers, He immersed himself within BLG. Daniel’s colleagues encouraged him not only in the law, but also to audition for the annual Lawyer Play with the Great Canadian Theatre Company (“GCTC”) due to his previous experience in theatre.
The GCTC hosts an annual "lawyer play" in Ottawa, which is an important fundraiser where professional directors, stage managers, set designers, costume designers, sound and lighting engineers, and a production team work with a cast of legal professionals to put on a polished stage play. The night before the auditions in 2011, when Daniel was articling with BLG, he contemplated canceling his audition. He was concerned that he would be wasting everyone’s time, given that he was new to Ottawa and that he would be going up against well-known senior lawyers. He decided to sleep on it. Daniel woke up the next morning with the determination to give the audition 100%, thinking that it would be a great way to meet people and start to make himself known in the Ottawa community. A couple of weeks later, Daniel received a call from the GCTC offering the lead role of John Proctor for the production of the Crucible. Stunned, Daniel consulted his line manager at BLG who encouraged him to take the part. Daniel has been an active member of the GCTC’s lawyer play ever since, participating in various productions. He eventually joined the lawyer play committee and currently holds the role of co-chair. For those interested in theatre, Daniel recommends reaching out to your local professional theatre and volunteering. Currently, theatre is his primary outlet for dramatic flair, humor, and high emotions that are not common in the world of trade law, which requires high levels of professionalism and friendly diplomacy to best serve clients’ interests.
The act of “beating fists on the table” and screaming “gross injustice” is often only applicable to litigators on television (such as on Suits).
Daniel is currently a partner at Tereposky & DeRose LLP, a boutique firm specializing in international trade and investment matters that focus on international trade and continues to have an excellent working relationship with BLG. Being a partner has not reduced his workload, and he continues to be busier than ever. While Daniel starts off every day with a plan, every day is a blind corner, and everything can change with an email for an urgent matter. His practice, although extremely intellectually challenging, is rewarding. Many of the problems that his firm takes on are novel and have never been dealt with before. While these problems require out-of-the-box thinking, such creativity must be sophisticatedly integrated with well-established legal principles. How does one navigate the legal sphere of laws, regulations, rules, rights and obligations while thinking creatively? Moreover, how could one not?
“Draw on the threads that hang in the realms of your knowledge and experiences and tie them together to create a resolution for your client.”
For those interested in pursuing the world of international trade law, Daniel recommends searching out opportunities and getting involved. If you are unsure about trade law but have an interest in litigation, those skills are readily transferrable (and welcome assets) in international trade law. His advice is to be patient, vigilant, and hard-working. Although the opportunities may seem limited, they are out there to be found. Practice and preparation, like in everything, will enable success, and the benefit of being new to a profession is that you learn more by engaging in the field you are interested in. Nothing can deny that “experience is the greatest teacher”.
The balance between a person’s professional career in law and their life can sometimes be chaotic. However, COVID has allowed Daniel to be present at home for moments that the legal world can sometimes require a lawyer to sacrifice. While Daniel has been successful in various endeavours, he is still working toward the answers to his initial question. He was given an opportunity to contribute to “a world saved through international trade, properly regulated.” This remains a lifetime goal — perhaps more of a journey than a destination. Daniel continues to embody his passions of making a difference through his hard work and integrity. He continued to work, through his immersion within international trade law, towards his dream of being a part of the long-term solution. Daniel is a living proof that if you work hard, you can achieve your dreams, all while enjoying your hobbies and being surrounded by your loving family.