Sunday, September 17, 2023
I articled for Giffen Pensa in 1981 and 1982 when their office was located on Waterloo Street. Mr. Pensa ( I still feel it necessary to address him that way for some reason even though his is no longer my boss) and his firm gave me a last minute articling position when I was looking for one (somehow I think the fact that we both had Italian heritage born to Italian immigrants had something to do with it, but I don't know for sure). My articling experience working with the firm and Mr. Pensa was a scary one (I called it "learning by terror") but that was only because they gave us a lot of responsibility with proper mentoring, much more than other firms (even though he made me deliver mail for one week during a postal strike!). I credit that firm and my articleing experience in part for my success later on in my practice of law. I still draw upon experiences which I had during my articling and from the mentoring I received from him. I recall how we made a point of participating in firm social events, including baseball games, Christmas parties, etc. He had such a pleasant and genuine sense of humour. He had a keen interest in mentoring and getting to know the articling students. I also recall the famous "Oyster Party" which was held for firm clients at that time, I believe it was at the Garage, a restaurant in downtown London. Later on it became so popular that they moved it to a bigger venue, the art gallery, and despite the fact that I was not hired back, I kept getting invited to this party for over 10 years after I finished my articles. It was an epic event and spoke volumes, by the people who attended, of how respected he he was in the community. I very much appreciated Mr. Pensa's taking me and the other students and associates under his wing and getting us on our way to the practice of law. It was obvious to me how well he respected he was in the community. This was way before I learned of all of his accomplishments after that, including winning the Law Society Metal. He practised law for over six decades, I am in my fourth decade now, and in a way, that inspires me to keep going. My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, associates and everyone that knew him and are mourning his loss. He was a great man, what more can you say about a person.
