For Meggie Opala, the journey to becoming one of Sault Ste. Marie’s top real estate and estate planning lawyers began right here at Algoma University. A 2016 graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Arts in Law & Justice program, Meggie has successfully turned her passion for the law into a thriving local practice, all while staying deeply connected to her roots. 

During her time at Algoma U, Meggie appreciated a unique benefit that larger institutions rarely offer: a tight-knit, collaborative environment.

“I really enjoyed my time as a student at Algoma University and valued the structure of the small class sizes and ability to work closely with my peers and Professors, knowing a majority of everyone on a first name basis,” Meggie recalls.

This supportive atmosphere allowed her to thrive academically while she actively served her community off-campus, volunteering with Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and working with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services.

The foundations laid during her undergrad—critical thinking, methodical problem-solving, and rigorous legal analysis—perfectly prepared her for the heavy workloads of law school. In fact, she loved Algoma’s personalized approach so much that she chose the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in Thunder Bay for its similar small class sizes and hands-on philosophy.

After earning her law degree and passing the bar, Meggie returned to the Sault, starting as an Associate Lawyer at a local firm. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to serve her hometown, she took a bold step in 2021 by founding her own practice, Opala Law.

Today, she specializes in real estate transactions (residential purchases, sales, and refinancing) and wills and estates planning. As one of the few female sole practitioners specializing in real estate in town, Meggie has quickly made a name for herself. Her firm is regularly recognized by the community through Community Votes Sault Ste. Marie.

“My proudest achievement to date is opening my own law practice and continuing to be recognized as one of the community’s top real estate lawyers,” says Meggie. “What makes this so meaningful is that it reflects the trust and confidence that clients and community members place in me. It reinforces the importance of providing exceptional service.”

Meggie’s connection to Algoma University didn’t end at graduation. In 2021, she came full circle, returning to campus as an instructor to teach a law class focused on parent-child relationships.

“By teaching this class, I was able to share my professional experience and contribute to the community that played an important role in my own growth and success,” she says.

Words of Wisdom for Future Thunderbirds dreaming of a career in law, Meggie offers two crucial pieces of advice:

• Look Beyond the Classroom: “Academic success is important, but so is gaining practical experience through volunteering, student organizations, and community involvement.”
  
• Connect with Your Faculty: “Build a good relationship with Professors. My Professors in the Law Department were exceptionally helpful when it came to applying for law school, as I really valued their opinions and expertise.”

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