ANDREA CANFIELD | 33 PARTNER, CORPORATE GROUP

Stoel Rives Llp

Hometown: Eagle River

Current City: Anchorage

Education: J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, 2014, Digest Editor, Virginia Journal of International Law and Community Service Chair, Black Law Students Association; MBA, Delaware State University, 2011, cum laude; Bachelor of Arts in political science, Delaware State University, 2010, summa cum laude and Editor, Hornet Newspaper

Community Work: Scheduled Guest Speaker, 20th Annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Subcontractor’s Conferences presented by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Civil Rights Office, March 2-3, 2023; Lead corporate attorney on pro bono team, R;pple Suicide Prevention, 2022-present; Member, Legal Mentor Network, 2023; Member, Subcommittee on Elders and Children, Alaska WINGS (Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders), 2021-present; Member, ABA Free Legal Answers Program, American Bar Association, 2021-present; President-Elect, Board of Directors, Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis Inc. (AWAIC), January 2022-present, Member, 2020-present; Volunteer Attorney, Main Street Relief Project, a COVID-19 relief program, 2020-2022; Member, University of Alaska Anchorage Legal Studies Program Advisory Committee, 2019-present; Volunteer coach, Alaska Arctic Heat, competitive girls softball organization, 2015-present

Family: My family is the foundation I have built my life on. My husband Jake is an incredibly supportive partner and my 4-year-old son is my joy and constant inspiration. My parents, Carl and Michelle, have always believed in my abilities and potential to succeed and make a difference in the world. My family encourages me in my career and community ambitions and is committed to providing an essential support system that helps me achieve my goals.

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: Seward: It’s a beautiful town with a great vibe. It’s become a favorite vacation spot and I love to go kayaking and fishing there. My family also loves the Alaska SeaLife Center - we enjoy visiting the marine life and supporting its important conservation and rehabilitation work.

Name the person you respect and why: There are too many people I respect to choose only one individual. In general, I respect a person who demonstrates characteristics I seek to emulate and who embodies goals I want to achieve in career and in life. Someone who has a strong character I admire and is family-focused, driven and rooted in their faith.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: Reading. I’m an eclectic reader and often have a few books I’m engaged with at the same time. I recently read a book of poetry - Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur - which I have been recommending to my friends.

What was your first job?: My first “real job” was as a lawyer, when I became an associate at Stoel Rives in 2014. Everything before my time at Stoel now feels like a lot of friends and family humoring me.

What has been your most rewarding community service?: My role with AWAIC is most rewarding for me because the impact of the organization’s programs is so immediate and life-changing for the mostly women and children who benefit from its services. The largest domestic violence safe shelter in Alaska, AWAIC provides vital services to families affected by domestic violence and its prevention programs in schools and the community are designed to stop the violence before it starts. I was inspired to join the AWAIC Board in 2020 after I heard powerful first-hand accounts from domestic violence survivors whose lives were saved by the wonderful and dedicated people at AWAIC.

In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?: Becoming a partner, at age 31, in the first year I was eligible. I worked very hard to build my legal practice and earn the respect of my clients, colleagues and firm management. My promotion to the partnership is the culmination of my early career ambitions and demonstrates the value Stoel places in me as a lawyer and future firm leader. I’m proud to be the first associate attorney promoted to partner in Stoel’s Anchorage office, which opened in 2010, and now, in my second year as partner, I am still the youngest partner at the firm.

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance?: It’s hard! But I live by my calendar. I try to be conscious of my schedule and how often I have time allotted for family, fun, work and rest. Yes, I schedule it all. I am also fortunate that my husband is an invaluable partner who helps me blend work and life together.