Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network. For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Bill Holder of our member firm Clark Wilson in Vancouver, Canada.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
I am engaged in the practice of business litigation with about 50% of my files involving real estate/commercial tenancy disputes and the other 50% being larger collection matters. 

Who would be your typical client? 
Real estate developers, commercial landlords/shopping centers, and international creditors.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you? 
I’ve been with my firm for just over 30 years – this experience allows me to offer efficient and practical advice.   

What has been your most challenging case? Why? 
For the past 8 years, I’ve been representing an elderly couple who are trying to obtain judicial recognition of a 999 year lease of a waterfront property in my Province’s lake district.  The legal issues are complex, but my clients are, in my opinion, in the right. It’s just one of those cases I personally feel we have to win. The law must find a way to help them. 

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer? 
I mentored a junior associate in taking her first case to trial. She was nervous, but only because she didn’t recognize the talent she possessed. I’ll always remember the look on her face when she was successful. An advocate was born, and I don’t think she ever looked back. 

What do you do when you’re not practicing law? 
I spend most of my free time enjoying life with my wife and three children.  During a rare pause in the action, I’ll hide in the modest wine cellar in the basement of our home. 

What would surprise people most about you? 
I am a sandan (third degree) black belt in the Shito-Ryu style of traditional Japanese karate. I teach at a local dojo each week where one of my sons is an advanced student. 

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
I wouldn’t point to a single ILN experience as being the most memorable – I am very grateful to have participated in a number of wonderful conferences. The most singular idea that strikes me at every ILN get together is the common bond we all share as lawyers.  I leave each conference impressed by the wonderful individuals who make up our organization. 

What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a lawyer? 
It’s a toss up between being a chef or a winery owner. 

If a movie were made of your life, who would you want to play you? 
Brad Pitt and Daniel Craig have already offered their services. 

How would you like to be remembered? 
What, I’m going somewhere?