Mobolanle (Mo’) Depo-Fajumo spent her early years in southwest Nigeria, where she developed resilience, discipline, and a deep appreciation for education. Her family instilled in her values of integrity and curiosity, principles that still guide her today. Ironically, she chose law to avoid math, only to later specialize in tax and securities law — fields where numbers are everywhere!
In Nigeria, legal education demanded sharp accuracy and, in some cases, the ability to recall case law verbatim, a practice that influenced her commitment to thorough legal research. After relocating to Canada, Mo’ pursued a postgraduate degree in tax law and completed her legal accreditation exams.
“Becoming dual-qualified after relocating from Nigeria was a transformative investment in my career. It not only opened doors to a wealth of opportunities but also provided me with the credibility and confidence to navigate the Canadian legal landscape with ease,” she explains.
Mo’ articled with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice, and then proceeded on maternity leave to care for her newborn, who arrived a week after she signed the rolls.
After her leave, Mo’ first served as the sole in-house counsel for a provincial housing corporation, where she managed legal services, handled real estate transactions, and contributed to housing policy development.
A couple of years later, with a continued commitment to professional growth, Mo’ enrolled in the Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel, which coincided with her second maternity leave. As Mo’s cohort took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fully virtual format made it easier for her to balance both professional growth and family life.
“As an in-house counsel, it’s essential to go beyond legal analysis and contribute meaningfully to business strategy, risk management, and decision-making,” Mo’ says of her decision to enrol. “I came across the curriculum for the program through a CBA email blast and felt that the program would offer me a unique opportunity to refine those skills, gain insights from industry leaders, and build a strong network of peers who face similar challenges. Happy to say, the program delivered!”
Her top takeaways from the program include:
- The emphasis on aligning legal advice with business objectives. “Understanding the business, financials and market dynamics has helped me refine my approach to providing strategic legal counsel.”
- The practical tools for influencing decision-makers, improving stakeholder communication, and positioning the legal function as a business enabler rather than just a compliance gatekeeper.
- The learnings around enterprise risk management, and how to assess and communicate risk in a way that balances legal, regulatory, and business considerations.
- The guidance on presenting legal advice concisely and persuasively to executives, ensuring that recommendations are actionable and business friendly.
- The peer-to-peer learning and networking. “Even though my cohort was fully online, the program still provided opportunities to connect with other in-house counsel from diverse industries. Engaging with my peers gave me fresh perspectives and practical insights.”
After her leave, Mo’ put her new skills to use immediately, enhancing her department's processes and fostering collaboration across different service areas. Even though Mo’ has now transitioned into securities law, her knowledge from the program remains valuable to her as in-house counsel providing legal opinions, shaping policy, and drafting legislation.
“My career has been far from linear, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” she says. “Each experience, each transition, has expanded my perspective and deepened my understanding of the law.”
Mo’ is also an active participant in the legal community. She volunteers with the CCCA and CBA at both the provincial and national levels, as well as with a few non-profit organizations. Whether serving as a board member or mentor with the CCCA and CBA, she finds these roles fulfilling professionally and personally. As part of her commitment to giving back, she also volunteers with Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan, providing legal services to those in need — “This keeps me connected to the broader legal community and allows me to apply my expertise beyond my regular practice.”
While she appreciates the growth and progress she has made, she ultimately treasures the people she has met along the way. “Coming from Nigeria, I’ve learned the immense value of building strong relationships. In both my career and personal life, the connections I’ve made and the trust I’ve built with others have proven to be just as important, if not more, than any professional accomplishment.