Firm's first female managing partner blends longstanding excellence with ambitious future vision
This article was produced in partnership with Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP
Being unapologetically yourself is a superpower.
That’s the advice Carissa Tanzola received from a mentor early in her career, and it’s something she’s lived by ever since. As she settled into her new role as managing partner and reflects on her journey to the helm, she believes it’s a sentiment shared by Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP.
“Filion is an impressive combination of legal excellence and genuine consideration for the well-being of the individuals who make up the firm,” Tanzola explains, noting that those who led before her set a tone of professionalism and commitment to the highest standards of labour and employment law — while also making space for people to be themselves.
“That has made a lasting impression on me and has shaped the kind of leader I aspire to be,” she says. “It helps me stay grounded and authentic, even while carrying new responsibilities.”
Giving others permission to envision roles they may not have considered
With over 17 years of experience in employment and labour law, Tanzola has been with Filion, one of Canada's leading law firms practicing exclusively in the areas of labour and employment law on behalf of employers, since 2019. Filion currently has four offices (Toronto, Hamilton, London and Kitchener-Waterloo) and over 50 lawyers.
Over her tenure Tanzola has steadily built a stellar reputation with clients as a trusted advisor and expert strategist in complex and sensitive workplace issues. She keeps pace with the often-dramatic shifts in the space, including a growing awareness of mental health, perennial diversity and inclusion concerns, and rapidly advancing technologies.
From social media transforming how issues and risk are assessed to the pandemic accelerating legal complexities such as jurisdictional concerns around remote and hybrid work, Tanzola is relentless in honing her expertise. Colleagues report a leader who stands on a wealth of experience, bringing with her an innovative and passionate approach.
Tanzola’s Jan. 1 appointment also represents a historic milestone at Filion: she’s the first female to hold the role. Shortly after the firm’s internal announcement, many reached out with congratulations and added it was inspirational to see a woman in the position.
“I was ready for the challenge with equal parts anticipation and trepidation, but it took time to register the significance of being the firm’s first official female leader,” Tanzola recalls. “Those messages meant a lot and reminded me that leadership is also about giving others permission to envision themselves in roles they may not have considered before.”
Though Tanzola’s achievements make her a role model for any up-and-coming lawyer, she hopes her ascension spurs other women to accept whatever opportunities motivate them. She urges young female lawyers who aspire to move up to be visible: volunteer for things, let people know you want to take on more, seek feedback and take that feedback seriously. And when you get a seat at the table, “use it to bring others along with you.”
“You don’t need to fit a mold to lead. Don’t wait to feel ‘ready’ before putting yourself forward. Rather, focus on being yourself, lead with integrity and surround yourself with people who lift you up.”
Preserving what makes Filion exceptional
Tanzola found that supportive group at Filion, which boasts a culture where knowledge is shared freely and mentoring and development is something that’s heavily invested in. This creates consistency in service and a depth of expertise that sets Filion apart.
Noting that labour and employment law has many facets, Tanzola says the lawyers at Filion are specialists in many subsets such as construction labour law, human rights, education law, defamation, restrictive covenants, pay equity, health and safety and workers’ compensation, to name a few. There are partners who’ve spent decades honing their craft.
Committed to understanding each client’s unique workplace, pressures, and priorities, the Filion team is renowned for delivering legal advice that’s not only technically excellent, but also practical, responsive, and attuned to the times. The firm’s litigation style is also noteworthy: lawyers regularly attend hearings and courts, including appeals. Overall, it’s an agile and effective style that other firms often can’t match.
With this high-level group contributing to Filion’s four decades as a leading labour and employment firm, Tanzola says she’s not looking to change what’s clearly working. She’s all-in on stewarding the firm forward with due respect to its legacy, while making room for what’s to come.
For example, the firm is currently assessing its technology systems with an eye to increasing efficiency and making thoughtful decisions around things like the use of AI. They’re also putting “deliberate energy” into its people, not only for retention’s sake, but to invest in a workplace that those within it are proud to be part of.
“My priority has always been to preserve what makes our firm exceptional, but I’m also increasingly focused on ensuring that we are positioned for the next 40 years and beyond — and that means being intentional about how we grow, adapt to change, and support and develop our people,” Tanzola says. “A highlight for me so far has been seeing how ready and willing everyone is to embrace this mindset. It reinforces that the strength of our future really does lie in the strength of our team.”
Leading a thoughtful and intentional evolution
Tanzola is latest in a long line of leadership that sits at the juncture of the tried-and-true and possibilities of the new — and the future looks bright. Take the next generation of lawyers, who motivate her via their willingness to challenge assumptions about what it looks like to be a successful lawyer in private practice. She looks forward to witnessing the results of that shift.
“We’re going to see more collaboration, more flexibility, and a stronger emphasis on emotional intelligence and client relationships,” Tanzola predicts.
Whether it’s drafting a contract or handling complex allegations of harassment, it’s critical to never lose sight of the fact that the work impacts real lives and the viability of businesses. At the end of the day, labour and employment law is deeply human, and Tanzola is dedicated to passing on her own wisdom as she moves through her rein as managing partner.
“Be curious about the issues, the context, and the ‘why’ because in my view, that’s how you develop both legal skill and sound judgment,” she says. “At Filion, I’m excited to continue to lead thoughtful and intentional evolution.”
