Mike Lickver has quite the impressive educational background. After double majoring in Philosophy and Socio-legal studies, he moved on to receive his JD from Western University and finished with receiving his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. In addition to taking a job working at a large law firm, he nurtures his passion through his own film company King Motion Pictures in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
As an Articling student I would describe my job as a baby lawyer; learning the ropes from the best and the brightest while working at a large international full-service law firm. In my spare time I grow and nurture my other baby – King Motion Pictures – a film company I recently launched with superstar director Antoine Biko from Toronto. In my other spare time (read: when humans should be sleeping) I dabble in artist management helping certain local musical talents build portfolios. Last but certainly not least, while in LA, I interned with the Jabbawockeez dance troupe and have stayed on board assisting with business development. Basically, in a nutshell, I don’t sleep.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I will answer this one in reverse. I cannot pin down the exact moment when I consciously decided to become a lawyer but, I do remember being in my guidance counsellor’s office in high school and claiming that as my intended profession (might have been to end the meeting early). I have always been competitive and I believe that being competitive academically resulted in law school.
The video company was a complete accident. I created and produced a few music videos while in law school and one thing lead to another…and here I am. People kept insisting I was the “video guy” so I decided to be the video guy. I started working at my law firm because of the people. After being ranked as one of the top 50 places to work in Canada for 10 consecutive years, it was clear that there was a great culture at the firm.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my day is interacting with successful professionals who inspire me to stay sharp, stay focused and continually better myself. The most challenging part of my job is finding the right balance between high-level thought and paying close attention to detail.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have no idea…and for me that is the exciting part. Call me in 2016.
What does success look like to you?
Preparation meeting Opportunity meeting Luck.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Creating and Producing Law School Husslin 2.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Stay classy.
Dress to impress.
Network.
Build and maintain lasting relationships.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Hoops 4 Israel is a fantastic charity that directly enhances the lives of hundreds of Ethiopian-Israelis through sports and education programs. It’s important to me because I personally know the founder, David Goodman and I have witnessed first-hand, in Israel, the types of tangible changes the foundation has created.
What to you is notable?
Anything that inspires other people to achieve their goals.
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