Family Studies Program Fueled Path to Legal Success
When Arifa Serter, BA’13, was exploring undergraduate programs, she already knew law school was in her future. But it was her deep interest in understanding families — shaped by her own personal experiences — that led her to enrol in the Family Studies & Human Development program at Western University.
That decision would go on to shape not just her academic path, but her entire approach to practicing law.
Now an insurance litigation lawyer and partner at Harrison Pensa, Serter says her undergraduate education gave her a unique perspective to view legal issues: one grounded in empathy, interpersonal understanding and the complexities of family life.
Arifa Serter, Harrison Pensa
Growing up in a household that fostered children and actively volunteered with the Children’s Aid Society, Serter gained early insight into the challenges many families in London face.
“I remember going to court with my entire family when my younger adopted brother was just 3 or 4 years old,” said Serter. “He had been a part of our family since he was a newborn, and we were in court to officially adopt him. The judge granting the adoption was a very emotional moment for me and my family.”
That experience had a lasting impression on Serter. It sparked her interest in studying families, which ultimately influenced her choice of undergraduate program.
While students typically chose political science or criminology to prepare for a career in law, Serter chose Family Studies & Human Development, a program at Brescia University College – now part of Western’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
“I felt this was an opportunity to study families and interpersonal relationships,” said Serter. “Understanding families, interpersonal relations and people skills are always going to be needed in life, whether you're a lawyer, a police officer, a doctor or another profession.”
Western’s Family Studies & Human Development program offers students a deep understanding of Canadian family structures, the impact of laws and policies on families, and the complexities of child development. It also equips students with the skills to engage with diverse family backgrounds, covering topics such as parenting, women’s health, fatherhood, youth sexual health, housing, gender-based violence and the well-being of vulnerable populations.
Serter credits the program with setting her up for success while helping her approach law differently.
“Being emotional, kind and empathetic in the legal world is not very common. I really try to take what I learned from Family Studies and apply it to my practice.”
As an insurance lawyer, Serter defends insurers against a wide range of claims, including property damage, construction disputes, fires, floods, fraud and car accidents. A key part of her work is connecting with people.
“I work with families almost every single day – whether it’s a fire claim, a car accident or other types of cases. What I learned from the Family Studies program is to take a holistic approach when I work with people. I try to understand their background so I can help them.”
Her ability to connect with clients is helping her succeed. Serter was recognized this year as one to watch in Canada for her work in insurance law. She credits her undergraduate experience as one of the factors that contributed to her success.
“There are always two sides to every story, and as a lawyer, you need to understand and argue both. Having the ability to see things from multiple perspectives is a key part of becoming a great lawyer.”
