Richmond Review · Page 3
Friday, February 27, 2015
Alex Ozols criminal defence lawyer Age: 27, High school: Charles E. London
A
lex Ozols had his career path figured out when he was just five years old.
W
elcome to our seventh annual 30 Under 30 edition of The Richmond Review. It’s a special edition where we profile 30 Richmondites who are under the age of 30 who are doing interesting things.
He was telling everyone who would listen that he planned to become a lawyer and live in California. Today, at the age of 27, that’s precisely what he’s doing, as a criminal defence lawyer in San Diego who is quickly making a name for himself. He recently filmed a flashy and dramatic promotional video for his firm—Ozols Law Firm (www.thesandiegocriminallawyer.com)— complete with actors in a courtroom, a despondent family in need of help, and Ozols stepping off a helicopter to come to the rescue, superhero-style. Ozols and his older brother were raised by a single father and he said that’s made him strong, independent and competitive. Armed with a psychology degree from the University of B.C., he enjoys fighting for the rights of his clients in Southern California, where “criminal defence is a booming industry,” he said. His job is full of pressure, but he loves it, he said, recalling a recent case where he was representing a man caught smuggling 27 kilo-
grams of methamphetamine across the Mexican border into San Diego. He received a four-year term, though he could have received a lot more, and outside the courtroom, the man’s little daughter approached Ozols and hugged him to say thanks for all he’d done. “I don’t think she realized that she wouldn’t see her dad for a long time.” Who is your inspiration? “I would have to say my inspiration is other successful lawyers in general. In my career I always strive to be the best and I feel like I learn something new every single day. Whether it is just a small court hearing or a trial that goes on for months, I always have inspirational people in the courtroom that I can learn from at any second of any day.” What are you most proud of? “I would have to say I am most proud of the awards that I have won. In the last two years I have been named to: •Top 100 Trial Lawyers & Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers in California •Super Lawyers (Rising Star) 2015 •San Diego’s Top Attorney Semi-Finalist 2014 & San Diego’s Top Outstanding Young Attorney List •Emerging Generation Award Winner •Featured in Attorney Journal
Alex Ozols is a criminal defence lawyer in San Diego.
Magazine in 2014 and 2015.” What is your advice for others? “My advice for others would be hard work pays off, period. People always say to me, “well isn’t it hard to be a lawyer”, “didn’t you have to go to school a lot for something like that”? My re-
sponse is always “yes”, but if you want something bad enough you have to work for it. There are no excuses and anyone can achieve their dreams. To be a success, all you need to do is just work harder and smarter than the person next to you.” —Martin van den Hemel
Courtney Vorster hockey
Philip Scrubb basketball
Age: 14 High school: South Delta
Age: 22 High school: Vancouver College
A
ne of Philip Scrubb’s earliest sport-related memories is playing basketball with his older brother Thomas in the family’s garage, where his parents had set up a small hoop.
O
lready widely considered one of the best female hockey players in B.C., if not Canada in her age group, Courtney Vorster continues to build up an-impressive resume.
Still only in Grade 9 at South Delta Secondary, which she attends because of the school’s hockey academy, the Richmond teen was recently selected the top defenceman at the Burnaby Minor Winter Classic Bantam AAA boys’ tournament as a member of the Seafair Islanders. It should be noted that Vorster won the award in an environment where many (male) players are vying for selection in the upcoming Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. Additionally, the defender was recently invited to the Team BC female training camp as a double under-age player, suiting up among players 17 and 18 years old. Inspiration? “My parents because they have worked so hard in their lives to get to the top of their professions. They have also made a huge sacrifice like moving to Canada so that my brothers and I could live in a good place, have good opportunities and be happy.” Most proud of? “I always work as hard as I can, and this shows by the awards that I have received. The ones that mean the most to me are being chosen for this newspaper article and when I won two awards at
Courtney Vorster is a top hockey prospect.
the Bantam Boys AAA Burnaby Christmas tournament this year. These awards were for the most outstanding defenceman in the tournament and being picked for the tournament all-star team.” Advice? “One piece of advice I have for others is that you should always try your absolute hardest and never give up no matter what. Even if something doesn’t go your way it doesn’t mean that you should give up because you think nothing else is going to happen in your career. You should work harder than ever, so that you can achieve the next level and get to have an even better experience.” —Don Fennell
Today, he’s in his fifth and final year at Carleton University, where he plays side by side with his brother (featured in last year’s 30 Under 30) for the men’s basketball team, with the playoffs looming this weekend. He’s won the Mike Moser Memorial Trophy three times, which is given to the most outstanding male basketball player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport. Scrubb developed a love for basketball at a young age, no doubt in part to his parents’ passion for athletics. His dad played at the University of Victoria, while his mom played for Bishop’s University in Quebec. He played other sports too while growing up in Steveston and attending Diefenbaker Elementary, including football, soccer, competitive swimming and even baseball. His drive comes from his desire to be good, he said. Initially, he played because it was fun. He then wanted to get better, and knew he needed to work harder to get there. When he then saw success, that drove him to work even harder. With his career at Carleton coming to a close, Scrubb plans to pursue his dream of playing professionally, whether that’s south of the border or in Europe. Inspiration? “My Dad because he has been my mentor in terms of basketball and life when
Philip Scrubb.
I was growing up. He has coached me in about every sport and I try to make him proud every day. And Michael Jordan: I grew up watching him play and he was the ultimate source of motivation due to his success, talent and competitiveness. Most proud of? “I’m proud of my work ethic on and off the court because that is how I want to people to see me as a representation of my family.” Advice? “Find something you are passionate about and try to be the best you can be.” —Martin van den Hemel