While many lawyers are attracted to practicing in large cities such as Vancouver, here is why Chilliwack, the seventh largest city in British Columbia, or Abbotsford may be the best place to move and grow your law career.
Lower Housing Costs
One of the main benefits of moving your practice to Chilliwack or Abbotsford is the significant difference in cost of living. According to Norda Real Estate, the average cost for a single family home in Vancouver is $2.1 Million, compared to a single family home in the Fraser Valley, which is estimated to cost around $964,245.
A move to Chilliwack or Abbotsford will leave you with significantly more disposable income to put towards other areas of your life such as work, travel or family.
Lower Costs of Living
According to My Life Elsewhere, the cost of living in Vancouver is 37% more than in Chilliwack. On average, an individual will pay 46% less at restaurants and 16% less for groceries in Chilliwack compared to Vancouver.
The costs of living are even more affordable in Abbotsford with residents paying, on average, a significant 49% less for groceries.
Hands On Experience
Gain invaluable experience through active participation in Chambers Applications for Litigators and/or large commercial deals and transactions for Solicitors at Baker Newby. Here you will be provided with a practical, hands-on approach to your legal training with the opportunity to learn by doing, not just observing.
Accelerated Professional Growth
At Baker Newby, expect to fast-track your career development through early courtroom exposure, early exposure to significant cases and early exposure to major transactions. This enables you to gain experience and skills that typically take years to acquire in larger firms in the city.
Dining in Chilliwack + Abbotsford
There is an abundance of dining options in Chilliwack and Abbotsford. The cities are each filled with individual bakeries and sandwich shops to upscale restaurants and authentic international foods, that will be sure to satisfy every craving.
According to Around Chilliwack, here is a list of the best restaurants to try out and you can take a look at Tourism Abbotsford to find detailed information about the best dining experiences in Abbotsford.
Hiking in Chilliwack + Abbotsford
Located far away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, Chilliwack is an area rich with plenty of outdoor trails.
Hiking trails have picked up popularity over time but are still relatively untouched compared to those located on the North Shore. According to Vancouver Trails, some of the best hiking trails in Chilliwack include Elk Mountain, Teapot Hill and Mount Cheam.
Abbotsford has no shortage of trails either, offering its own version of the Grouse Grind called the Abby Grind. According to Vancouver Trails, Abbotsford has some of the most scenic hikes such as Downes Bowl Trail, Sumas Mountain and Ledgeview Trail – each offers a great view of the Fraser Valley.
Golfing in Chilliwack + Beyond
Outside of the workplace, there are many activities to enjoy such as golf. Chilliwack is home to eight full-sized golf courses, along with a driving range, a mini golf course and family-friendly putting greens.
A short drive away, Abbotsford is the home to two world-class golf courses, the Ledgeview and the Fraser Glen, as well as a smaller 9-hole course, the Valley Golf Centre.
Beyond Chilliwack and Abbotsford, lies one of the ‘best kept secrets’ in British Columbia golf. The Harrison Resort’s Golf Course offers a full-length 9-hole PGA-rated course that spans 3,376 yards. While the Sandpiper Resort Golf Course, nestled amidst the coastal mountains and set alongside the turquoise waters of the Harrison River, is a mere 30-minute drive from downtown Chilliwack.
If you are looking to grow your law career and believe the Fraser Valley best suits your professional and personal goals, then look no further than Baker Newby LLP. Baker Newby has immediate career opportunities for Estate Lawyers and Family Lawyers.
If you are interested in becoming part of an exceptional team of legal professionals, then contact us today.