Gobhina Nagarajah, Associate Lawyer
“I am an Associate Lawyer here at Manning Bradbury, an active community member, and a human rights activist. I chose a career in law because I am passionate about helping people to understand their rights and to effectively navigate complex legal issues. To sum it up: being able to advocate for people through their legal process and helping underserved populations is highly motivating for me personally.”
Why did you pursue a career in Law?
“It’s just always what I wanted to do. My uncle was a lawyer and I think I got it into my head as a kid that this is what I was going to do too. I did an undergraduate degree in Geology and came back to law. Until you’re committing to your client to help them in whatever matter, and then you get into the work – I don’t think any lawyer really ‘gets it’ until then.”
What do you enjoy most about your day to day here?
“The people. Of course, my interactions with clients, but also the people here. I met Judy in 2004 and look back at that as a very chance encounter that led to us working together at the same firm in adjacent offices in Toronto. Now that we are partners at our own firm back at home in St. John’s, I’m still dumbfounded sometimes. That level of trust and comfort means we never have to worry about what each other is thinking or where our values are – we know.”
What made you want to come home after living away?
“Certainly, I think it’s very true of many people from Newfoundland that no matter where you go, you’re still from here and this is still home. I think it takes some people longer than others to answer the call to return home. The lifestyle, quality of life, connection, and sense of community here are all second to none. I believe we have a shared experience and context for how we relate to each other.”
What career accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of?
“Breaking out on our own. There’s certainly an element of being in the right place at the right time and while it’s a challenge, it’s far more rewarding to be doing this work on our own terms – and that that aligns with our clients wishes so well. I had a promising career after 5 years at a firm in Toronto and that was tough to walk away from. I just reached a point where coming back to St. John’s and pursuing my goals here was what I wanted.”
What makes this place as a firm of choice, unique?
“It’s not just a business, it really is Manning and Bradbury. Our relationship and friendship is central to everything that we do here. We do the work. We’ve been together for many years and will be for years to come. This is not a corporation, we’re two people who work hard with our team for our clients everyday.”
Why should clients choose Manning Bradbury?
“Success and failure in most legal matters hinges on preparation, attention to detail, and confidence – those are our core strengths. Our confidence is derived from our competence.”
What do you do in your spare time?
“The separation of professional life and home life is important for us all. Outside of the office, my love of animals and nature keeps me busy and I love to cook. Spending time with my family and friends in my hometown is so important to me, as is staying in touch with my national connections – inside and outside of business.”
What does "Home For Good" mean to you?
“There’s a level of satisfaction that you derive from doing good work and seeing positive outcomes. We’ve worked across the country for years; learning from the best and experiencing so much so one day we could pay it forward to the people of our own province. Home for good means two things. We have returned to stay – with value that will go justly into our relationships.”