We know that there are acts and regulations, but have you ever wondered how they come to be? Who drafts them? How do you even become a drafter? Professor John Mark Keyes has been a lawyer, a drafter, the Past Chief Legislative Counsel of the Legislative Services Branch at the Department of Justice, and the author of Executive Legislation. In this episode (Part 1 of 2), he shares with us the world of drafting, the tips to becoming a successful drafter, and his inspiration for his book. He also tells us how to be passionate outside of the area of law and how to manage change in one’s career. Have fun and tune in for Part II of this interview to learn more about drafting! 

Highlights of the episode:

1:08 - Life outside of law

4:12 - How to balance his interests with his career

6:40 - Law school experience (overall thoughts, first year of law school)

9:13 - What would he have done differently in law school?

10:05 - Why law school?

11:42 - How did he develop his interest in drafting?

13:39 - Articling at the Ministry of the Attorney General

16:57 - Ruling out other interests

19:11 - Advice to law students who are still looking for their interests

21:09 - Transitioning from the Ministry of the Attorney General to a small law firm

27:30 - How a Drafting Program led to working at the Department of Justice

30:14 - What does a drafter do?