A CONNECTION TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOSTERED BY FRIENDSHIP
Originally from Regina, Dave Hill opened
his legal practice in Winnipeg after spending
part of his youth in Toronto and attending
Dartmouth University.
Dave considered staying in the United States,
but circumstances, particularly the end of the
Vietnam War and immigration issues, brought
him back to Winnipeg. He initially pursued
law school but dropped out in his first year,
unhappy with the experience. Ultimately, he
was convinced to return for a second year,
though his mindset remained. In his third year,
however, his passion for litigation became the
engine for his law career.
After completing his legal education, Dave
joined Aikins MacAulay, where he honed his
skills as a litigator until 1988, when he started
his firm with Sherri Walsh, which became
known as Hill Sokalski Walsh, as it is today.
Despite not being a Jewish community
member, Dave established a Community
Impact Fund at the Jewish Foundation of
Manitoba in 2016. Since then, for eight
consecutive years, he has made an annual
contribution to his fund, showing his
commitment to supporting a community
outside his own. Why is that?
Over time, Dave developed deep
connections with the Jewish community in Winnipeg. He had played hockey and golf
against several Jewish players, forming solid
friendships. These relationships became
instrumental in his career, as individuals
like Mitchie Cohen, Joel Weinstein, Martin
Freedman, and Marshall Rothstein supported
him and sent him valuable clients, allowing his
practice to flourish. In return, he now helps
the Jewish community do so as well.
"These friends and colleagues I've made
over time truly allowed me to get to where
I am today," Hill says. "On top of that, I've
always admired the resiliency of the Jewish
Community. I can't imagine what it is like to
be part of a group of people who have been
persecuted for their entire existence."
Dave's sense of responsibility to give
back and his appreciation for the broader
community have led him to support various
causes that he sees as essential for the
community despite not being where he spends
his time. For example, Hill has volunteered for
and donated to the Winnipeg Football Club,
including sitting on their Board of Directors,
while admitting he is not a fan of CFL football.
"My mother always emphasized the
importance of giving back to those in need,"
says Hill. "It's a passion I inherited from my
mother. If you're in a position to give back,
you should."