Beedie Luminaries — At Beedie Luminaries, mentorship is more than guidance. It’s about shaping futures, fostering resilience, and helping students unlock their potential.
Patrick Julian, a longtime mentor and senior partner at Koffman Kalef LLP’s Commercial Real Estate & Development team, embodies these principles. Patrick draws from decades of experience in law, coaching, and community engagement, and his approach to mentorship is deeply rooted in his personal journey—one shaped by adaptability, service, and a commitment to empowering others.
The Beginnings of Patrick’s Mentorship Philosophy
Patrick Julian’s path to a successful career in law was anything but straightforward. Initially pursuing actuarial science, Patrick put himself through multiple semesters and wrote numerous exams before realizing that the field lacked the human connection he yearned for in a long-term career. “I found the work somewhat isolating”, he admits. It was then that Patrick pivoted his studies to law, earning his JD from UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law, alongside his sister, Randi, who encouraged him to make the leap in the first place. Now, having built a rewarding career in Vancouver that has spanned over four decades, Patrick is not only a leader in his field, but a dedicated mentor, guiding his community and the next generation of legal professionals.
Beyond his legal career, Patrick’s life has been shaped by a deep commitment to giving back. Raised in a family where service and volunteerism were central values, he and his siblings pursued careers that reflected their shared drive to make a difference: his sister a Crown Prosecutor, his brother Peter a Member of Parliament for the NDP, and Patrick as head of the Commercial Real Estate group at Koffman Kalef LLP.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Patrick recalls how his parents guided their children not through rigid expectations but by offering possibilities. “Our parents expressed options and used their knowledge not to be judgmental but to provide guideposts we could follow,” he shares. This philosophy became the foundation of Patrick’s approach to mentorship—creating space for mentees to explore their potential and self-actualization without fear of judgment or constraint. Through his own experiences, Patrick recalls his father, a high school Principal, sitting him down to go through possible career options and future possibitlies. “If you follow curiosity, it can lead to achievement consistent with your values”, Patrick remarks.
On a personal level, Patrick has spent years coaching championship-level fastpitch, basketball, and soccer for his daughters, finding fulfillment in helping young athletes recognize their potential. Through and through, Patrick’s dedication to guiding others has left a lasting impact—one built on trust, encouragement, and the belief that growth comes from seizing opportunities and embracing change.
The Power of Pivoting and Paying it Forward
When asked about the key to success, Patrick highlights the importance of self-confidence and the ability to adapt, as learned from his very own journey. “When making decisions, make sure it’s something you truly want to do,” he advises. “And if you realize it’s not, don’t be afraid to pivot. Self-awareness and the courage to change are crucial.”
Though this lesson may seem simple, it can be challenging to put into practice. Patrick encourages mentees to embrace change, trust their instincts, and remember that personal growth often arises from unexpected paths.
“It’s about giving young people the tools they need to succeed and recognize their own potential.”
Patrick on the true meaning of mentorship
Working with Beedie Luminaries
Patrick’s relationship with Beedie Luminaries began through his friendship with Ryan Beedie, who introduced him to the scholarship program back in 2019. Having raised daughters of his own and mentoring many other students and professionals along the way, Patrick found the program’s mission deeply aligned with his personal values. “It’s not about opening doors or coddling. It’s about giving young people the tools they need to simply become aware of their own potential,” Patrick explains.
Navigating today’s world isn’t easy, especially for Gen Z, who are constantly bombarded with information, expectations, and digital noise. Patrick recognizes this challenge, emphasizing that “procrastination is a killer” in an age of endless distractions. “Deciding not to decide is to decide,” and “if you put things off, the world changes, and you may lose your opportunity”, he explains. Patrick goes on to highlight how difficult it can be for young people to separate what truly matters from all the background static. As a mentor, he sees his role as pivotal in helping mentees cut through the noise in order to focus on what’s important so they are able to make informed decisions.
It is this mindset that has helped him guide mentees through their young-adult years and into their graduate studies, and move seamlessly with them. Emily Meier, a member of the inaugural cohort of the Beedie Luminaries SHINE program, recently graduated with her BKin in 2024 and is now pursuing her Master of Science, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene at UBC. Looking back at her journey so far, Emily credits Patrick for being a guiding force through it all:
“Pat has been a constant source of support throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs. His advice, grounded in reason and empathy, helped me navigate both personal and academic challenges, especially as a varsity athlete. His openness allowed me to discuss any obstacle I faced, providing consistent support.
One of the most important lessons he taught me was self-belief. Pat held me accountable to my goals and always checked in when things went wrong. Coming from a family without a post-secondary background, it was reassuring to talk to someone who understood my struggles and assured me that everything would be okay.”
Mentorship: A Two-Way Street
However, Patrick’s impact extends beyond offering guidance; his approach to mentorship fosters a dynamic, reciprocal relationship. From speaking with his mentees, it is evident that Patrick’s mentorship has never been about just giving advice. Instead, he has been dedicated to creating an environment where growth happens on both sides. This belief in mutual learning and development resonates deeply with mentee Ivy Liao who has also had the privilege of being mentored by Patrick since 2024 as she started law school. Ivy, a National Team Athlete for Table Tennis Canada and first year student at the Allard School of Law, shares how his approach has shaped her own perspective on mentorship:
“Despite his extensive experience, he always approaches our conversations with curiosity—genuinely interested in my learnings, thoughts, and experiences, even though I’m the mentee. This quality makes me feel so valued and seen while reminding me that there’s always something to take away from different conversations. Seeing this in Pat has also inspired my mentorship style as I’ve stepped into my own mentorship roles with the Beedie Luminaries program and other extracurricular endeavors.”
“One piece of advice from Pat that has stuck with me is to ‘keep leaning forward’. It consistently reminds me to eagerly and intentionally embrace the incredible (and often challenging) opportunities I’m blessed with – and to have fun while doing it!”
Ivy Liao on Patrick’s invaluable support as a mentor
A Lasting Legacy
When asked about how he hopes his mentees will look back at his guidance in the future, Patrick emphasizes the power of positive influence. “I want to be someone who helped others move forward, someone who was supportive, understanding, and kind,” he shares. Patrick’s mentorship is not just about helping mentees succeed in their careers but also in discovering their inner drive and purpose. “This is a journey of self-discovery,” Patrick says. “If a mentor can help someone discover and develop their inner self, then the mentor/mentee has been successful.”
Patrick’s dedication to both the Beedie Luminaries students and his wider community is a shining example of the mentorship that embodies our program’s core values. Thank you, Patrick! We are so lucky to have you.
Interested in getting involved? Check out our website to learn more.
Back To Top