Cassandra Geeta – Upholding justice and protecting the rights of individuals

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Women of colour have historically faced systemic barriers to entry and advancement in various professions, including the legal field. Discrimination, bias, and structural inequalities have limited their access to educational and professional opportunities.

The lack of women of colour in leadership positions within the legal industry has contributed to a cycle of underrepresentation. A lack of role models and mentors can make it more challenging for aspiring female professionals to envision a successful career in the field.

Luckily, our Woman Empowered smashed the ceiling on Tuesday, October 10^th, 2023, by becoming one of the first Guyanese women to be called to the Ontario Bar.

She is a first generation Guyanese Canadian with roots in 58 villages of Berbice. Her mother emigrated from Guyana to the United States in the 70’s, before settling in Canada. She is an Associate Lawyer practicing exclusively in the area of criminal defense. She joined the team of Heller Hunter Azevedo after articling for a prestigious Toronto boutique criminal litigation firm. She has assisted with successfully representing clients at all levels of court in Ontario and Canada.

Prior to law school, our Woman Empowered graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto, where she obtained a double major in Criminology and Sociology, and Ethics, Society and Law. She also received her Masters of Arts from the University of Toronto in 2018.

She earned both a Canadian and an American Juris Doctor degree from the University of Windsor, and the University of Detroit Mercy in 2022. While in law school, she volunteered as a student attorney at the 36th District Court of Michigan’s Public Defender’s office and served as Co-President of the Windsor Chapter of the First-Generation Network. She was involved in the Criminal Law Association of Windsor, and Pro-Bono Students Canada, and was also the recipient of the 2021 Brian E. McIntyre, Q.C. Memorial Award in Criminal Justice.

It was such an honour to sit down with Cassandra Geeta, and dialogue about her journey to becoming a Criminal lawyer. What I learned is that this young woman is not only determined, relentless, and driven to represent her community the best way that she can.

 “My mom immigrated from Guyana in her early teens, lived in the Bronx for a little, and then resided in Florida for a spell. Ultimately, she ended up in Canada. I was born in Brampton, Ontario, and we ended up settling in Mississauga. I had a difficult upbringing. When my mom moved to Canada, she moved because she had met my father. They ended up going through a difficult divorce, and my mom had no one here to support her. She was in a foreign land, facing a foreign justice system. All she had was her wits and courage to get through this.”

Thankfully, the universe sent them a guardian angel, a man named Vishnu Misir who was a lawyer from her mom’s extended family. “He helped my mom through some of her legal battles that she was fighting. He was one of the only family members who stood up for her and stood up for me. I can’t help but tell you that he has helped shape my destiny. He passed away a few years ago, and he didn’t get to see me where I am today. It is one of my biggest regrets to not get to see him now.

My mother and I are resilient. A lot of people don’t know what my mom and I have gotten through together. One aspect of my life that my mom enforced was school, ‘Take your education, take your book; when you have your education, no one can take it from you,’ she would tell me. 

I started to take my education very seriously in high school, and I ended up at the University of Toronto. It was here in my third year that I was introduced to a Criminology course. Justice Davies taught that class. It was practical criminal work, and I thought I might be good at this.”

Her heart became set on criminal law, and she continued her education to get her Masters.

“I graduated in 2018, and things slowed down for a year. I had to take some time for myself. One of my first jobs was working at Mercedes Benz as a concierge, and all the while I was studying for school, and writing the LSAT.

My mom’s parents passed away four, or five years ago and it was devastating for the family. They were the eldest grandparents. These are two people: the matriarch and patriarch of our family, and they didn’t get to see me reach here.

When I received the acceptance at University of Windsor, I called my mom and burst into tears. Every day since then, it has seemed like one less burden was on my shoulders. I knew I was going to have a career; I wouldn’t be struggling anymore. I got into Law School, and I was determined. I have always viewed school as a great challenge, and if I put enough effort into it, I would be able to do well. I have always done well with school.

I applied to the Dual JD program. When my mom came to this country, she lost everything, but gained me. She stayed here because of me. Having an American law degree would allow me to take my mom back to where she would be happiest.

I didn’t feel intimidated, but I realized there was so much to learn. Law school solidified for me that Criminal Law was my path. My mom really wanted me to get into other types of law; I think that people think there is something seedy about criminal law.”

It is understandable why Cassandra’s mom was trying to steer her daughter in another direction. Criminal cases involve high stakes and can have a significant impact on individuals’ lives. The outcomes of cases may determine whether a person goes to jail, faces fines, or has their reputation tarnished.

The pressure to secure favorable outcomes for clients can be intense, and dealing with criminal cases can be emotionally draining. Criminal lawyers often work with clients who are facing serious charges and may be going through difficult circumstances. The emotional toll of handling such cases, especially those involving violent crimes or tragic events, can be challenging.

Cassandra knew that the legal system was complex, and that criminal lawyers must have a deep understanding of criminal law, court procedures, and legal precedents. She understood that building a successful criminal law practice would take time.

“My first year of law school was in person, and the second two years were virtual due to the pandemic. It was difficult; it felt like a long haul.

I became Co-President of the Windsor Chapter of the First-Generation Network. It was a student association geared towards First Generation legal professionals. People don’t understand how much work it takes, so to be able to connect with other students who understood the challenges was important.

I also served as Student Attorney at 36th District Court of Michigan. It was my first real stab at practical advocacy. It prepared me for my experiences after law school, especially when it came to engaging this vulnerable population.

What you take from your studies is different from person to person. Crime is not simplistic; it can be just one wrong decision along the road. I don’t judge my clients; when they turn to someone to help them, they don’t want to hear judgments on their actions. I am empathetic to them, and they need that.

My mom inspired me to be in service to people who might need help like she did. I want to be that helping hand to someone else. Everything is a reminder of where I came from.”

Despite these difficulties, Cassandra finds the work incredibly rewarding, as she now plays a crucial role in upholding justice and protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes. The challenges in this field often come with the territory, and thankfully for our community, Cassandra is passionate about criminal law and justice. We are proud of you Cassandra; your work is needed.