Name: Shawn J. Bobb
Degree & Year:  LLB 2002 
Thunderbird Sport: Soccer 2000-02
Current Profession/Employer: Lawyer, owner at BOBB Law 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bobblaw

Why did you choose to study/play at UBC?
I chose to study at UBC because it is considered one of the top law schools and soccer programs in Canada.  It is also closer to my home and family than other law schools.

Favorite T-Bird memory: 
I have many T-Bird memories.  The one that stands out the most occurred on the soccer field.  In our 2001/2002 year was considered by most to be a growing year with little expectations.  But every player was on the same page, there were no egos, and we played as one, with one mind, one spirit and one hear.  Canada West had excellent teams that year, and we made it to the Canada West finals against UVIC.  It was an exhausting game, and we managed to get up a goal.  But near the end of the game, UVIC got a penalty shot and they erupted into joy as if they had won the lottery.  We all knew up to that point we had given it our all, and that if UVIC scored, that it would be difficult to deal with their momentum if they scored.  The UVIC player lined up and took his shot; our goalie guessed right and saved the ball with his hand on the goal line.  We were so excited that we all jumped on our goalie and almost pushed him into the net as time had not expired and went on to win Canada West.  It was an insurmountable achievement and one to remember forever.  I remember prior to the game, one key player needed something to get his game back on track, so I gave him the Captain's arm band to lead us into battle; and it worked. While we went on to lose in the national finals, with such a young team that came together like we did, we surpassed all other's expectations, and believed when others did not. It was an incredible group of players.

Favorite place on campus: 
The soccer field. There was no place I would rather be than on the soccer fields of UBC whether it was training or playing in Thunderbird Stadium. Going to law school and playing soccer was not an easy balance to achieve, but when I was training with my teammates we worked together and for each other. We had many laughs and memories together. 

Did you receive financial support as a student-athlete? If so, how did this impact your experience as a T-Bird? 
I received some financial support as a student through scholarships and bursaries.  It definitely helped my experience my reducing anxiety around the expense of going to school.  I was very honored to receive this help and certainly sought to ensure I pursued my education and soccer seriously.

What was your first job after graduation? 
After I graduated law school, I was hired as an Articled Student at a Surrey law firm in 2002.  In 2003, I was called to the Bar and started practicing law with a Vancouver Law Firm litigating cases involving historical child sexual abuse.  I went on to establish my own law firm and have been practicing mainly in family law for a number of years.

What advice do you have for current student-athletes? 
Embrace the moment and your surroundings.  Your education is important, but your experience as a University Athlete will bring you ever lasting memories and friendships.  Do not lose your experience in your studies.  Your experience as a student athlete is just as important in achieving success in world.

What's the best advice you can give to a student or recent alumni to help plan a career? 
Knowledge and happiness.  Know what you like to do.  Usually, you will not know until you actually do it.  But it is never too late to take a different path.  Once you find your career path, know what options are out there.  Like the different types of jobs within your field.  You will be surprised to find many different jobs within an industry.  Also, don't be afraid to re-invent traditional definitions within your industry.  

Happiness is vital.  No one can say that their job always makes them happy.  But it should be a job that you feel good about doing.  In all aspects of your life the objective should be happiness.

Do you have a mentor?  How have they influenced you? 
In practicing law, I have had many mentors to guide me.  But my real mentors in guiding me in both law and life are my Elders and family.  Through culture and teachings I have learned so many things that apply to how I carry myself, my teachings to my children, and how I carry out my legal practice.

How and where do you find inspiration? 
I find inspiration in those that have paved the way for our younger generations through hard work, overcoming significant obstacles that I could not possibly imagine, and those that continue to struggle, stand up and fight for what they believe in.

How have you used your varsity athletic experience in your current career/life?  
I cannot say enough of how my varsity athletic experience has helped me in all aspects of my life.  I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to be in such an environment, and believe it is a great opportunity for anyone who might have the chance to experience such.  I learned how to work hard with others, find a balance between athletics and school, and established lifelong relationships.  Everything that I learned has transferred into my career and family life like overcoming adversity, team building and hard work.

Anything particular insights during this quarantine? 
How vulnerable we are as people and how dependent we are.  Through this pandemic, how vulnerable we are to drastic change particularly those things we are dependent on is remarkable and demonstrative since this all started.  The fear of the pandemic and the unknowns, have created many different emotions and responses, all of which show how vulnerable we are to change, and how dependent we are on those things that are provided to us on a daily basis but we take for granted.  

People are starting to gain insight into those things that we previously took for granted, and understanding their importance.  We need to physically touch, see and hear each other.  We need to be together.  Hopefully distancing ourselves pre-pandemic (like texting only) is a thing of the past as we look to reconnect with one another.

What are your books/movie suggestions?
I mostly read case law, statutes, and other types of legal-related sources.  As for movies, I like really stupid movies, like Liar Liar and Ace Ventura, I enjoy documentaries about human rights and indigenous issues.  But most movies I watch these days are geared towards children because that's what my children watch.  One of my favorites is Angry Birds.

What are your go-to songs and podcasts?  
I like all types of music, but definitely go to Sean Paul (Temperature) which goes with my dances moves (minus any hamstring pull).  I love the old school rap, hip hop, and love listening to native singing and drumming like our Sts'ailes songs.

Can you share any new quarantine hobbies/goals? 
When the pandemic hit and the world started shutting down, I was very stressed with "what if" and worries about life, work and family.  I chose to take the opportunity to get creative and re-invent myself.  It became my goal to rethink my law practice and how I communicate with others.

What question would you ask other T-Birds/mentors?   
What one thing do people not know about you?

What question do you wish we had asked you? 
The above question.  Most people do not know that I dropped out of school at a young age.

How can other alumni/student-athletes connect with you?  
I am pretty open to talking with alumni/student athletes who can connect with me by sending me an email or contacting my office.