November 23, 2023
Dani Ann Robichaud is the trailblazer behind La Boite Juridique, a law firm that bucks tradition to provide unmatched legal support to small and medium-sized business enterprises.
It’s her dedication to upholding the essence of the small business experience that has set her apart in the legal realm, and she comes by it honestly. Growing up in the small town of Winchester, Dani Ann was immersed in the life of local businesses, including her father’s car dealership, from the very beginning. After high school, which she completed in Rigaud, QC, she came to Ottawa to study business before entering Law School–a true culture shock for the once-unilingual Robichaud.
Initially, the budding lawyer aimed to launch her career in a large corporate firm in Toronto. But life took an unexpected turn when she arrived in Quebec for a six-month articling requirement. In that pivotal year, she met her future husband, and the recession reshaped the legal landscape for new lawyers so significantly, that Dani Ann decided to lay down roots and establish her law firm in Gatineau.
It was an unusual start for a new lawyer, but Dani Ann has made a career out of prioritizing the unconventional. At La Boîte Juridique, hierarchy doesn’t stifle ideas; instead, the firm empowers every team member, and competition takes a backseat to collaboration. The firm’s philosophy centers on the client belonging to the firm, not just the lawyer. They employ a piggyback system, ensuring two specialists in each area of law, putting the client’s needs above all.
For nearly three decades, Dani Ann has been a bilingual advocate, championing small and medium-sized businesses in Ottawa/Gatineau. She’s passionate about preserving the French language in Ontario and bridging the gap between Ottawa and Gatineau.
In 2024, her firm will celebrate three decades of growth. “It’s not the firm’s size but the richness of experiences and relationships that has defined our success,” the charming, affable lawyer reflects with a smile. Her message for business owners on navigating the legal landscape? “Don’t be afraid of the boutique firms, they will be everything you are looking for, because they truly know and understand you. For smaller firms, it’s a deliberate decision to stay small. We want that one-on-one relationship with our clients. It’s intentional.”