Fireside Chat with Tracey Primmer
- Prudence
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
April 17, 2026
Welcome to this month’s Fireside Chat! Take a moment to pour yourself something warm and comforting, maybe coffee or tea, or whatever feels right today. Find a cozy spot, whether you are tucked inside or enjoying the early signs of Spring, imagine us gathered together in an easy, welcoming circle of conversation.
Today’s esteemed guest, Tracey Primmer, brings the kind of presence that feels like chicken soup for the heart: steadying, soothing, and quietly transformative, the kind of voice that invites you to exhale and simply be.
As our conversation unfolded, I realized there are conversations that anchor you, and conversations that lift you. Sitting down with Tracey, an accomplished VP and General Counsel, felt like both. Her wisdom carried a calm, clear-eyed steadiness, and her words did not rush. They unfolded slowly, as if we were tucked into a quiet corner of a café where time stretches just enough for truth to settle in. Every sentence carried something to unpack, something to hold onto.
Listening to her is like peeking through a crystal ball, catching glimpses of what lies ahead, not just in our careers, but in the seasons of parenting that feel impossibly far away and yet somehow already approaching. For those of us still in the thick of early childhood chaos, her reflections offer both reassurance and a gentle nudge toward perspective. I found myself listening not just with curiosity, but with a kind of longing: wanting to understand what lies ahead, wanting to do right by my kids, wanting to build a life that feels whole. It softened something in me and made the road ahead feel a little less solitary.
I hope this Fireside Chat gives you a moment to breathe as we step into the weekend, to feel seen, to reflect, and to share in the warmth of Tracey’s wisdom. May it spark our own stories, our own insights, and maybe even a little more gentleness toward ourselves.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Part 1 - Introduction
Hi, my name is... Tracey Primmer.
Year of call to the Bar: 2001 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 2003 in Ontario.
Type of practice, your role, and where: I am VP and GC, Client Solutions at Co-operators Group Limited.
How many children do you have? One teenager, age 16.
What do you do for self-care or stress relief? I’m a firm believer that movement is medicine. I feel much more balanced and able to manage stress when I am consistently active. A restorative yoga class on Sunday nights sets me up for the week.
What would you do for work if you weren’t in the legal profession? I would love to complete yoga teacher training and have my own studio. Or buy a heritage property back home and run a B&B.
Part 2 - The first “Dual 10” Challenge: within the first 10 years post-license
Equilawbrium: Did you have a master plan for your career path? What was the driving force behind your career decisions? What are the important things to consider as you are figuring out your career path?
Tracey: I didn’t really have a master plan for my career—at least not in a traditional sense. As the first in my family to attend law school, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect or where the journey would lead. While many classmates were gearing up for careers on Bay Street or Wall Street, I was heading back to Newfoundland, which will always be home and was the only place I ever wanted to live. My main priority back then was simply to pay off my student loans as quickly as possible! Looking back, my path unfolded gradually rather than following a set blueprint.
After law school, I articled and worked at a full-service firm on the East Coast. It was a very hands-on experience, and I was exposed to many different practice areas. Eventually, a job opportunity led my husband and me to Ottawa, where I worked in government for a while, but I soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. From there, I moved into an in-house role in the insurance industry while preparing for the Ontario bar exams, thinking I’d return to private practice. That in-house experience turned out to be surprisingly rewarding—it was just as fast-paced as firm life, but without the same pressures. I especially appreciated working closely with the business side and found a level of mentorship that I hadn’t experienced before. Adaptability has played a big part in my journey. I ended up moving several more times—Toronto, Paris, and back again—none of which I had anticipated when starting out. It’s interesting how career paths can take unexpected turns, and I’ve found that being open to new experiences has made the journey more fulfilling. I can only share what’s been helpful for me: being thoughtful and deliberate about choices and considering more than just financial factors. The people you work with and the work environment matter just as much, if not more, and shouldn’t be underestimated. Taking risks and being willing to try something new has opened up doors I hadn’t expected. At the same time, it’s okay to acknowledge when something isn’t working and to seek out support. There are often more champions around you than you might realize. Working with a coach later in my career was also a positive step—one I found valuable and wished I had tried earlier.
Equilawbrium: Please list one soft skill that contributed to where are you now and suggestions on how to cultivate it.
Tracey: I’m a good listener. For many years I felt at a disadvantage as an introvert, but I’ve since embraced it. I may not be the loudest voice in the room, but you won’t find a better listener. As lawyers we are often primed for the quick retort that may sound clever but does not get to the real issue. Good listening leads to better problem solving.
Equilawbrium: Please list one hard skill that contributed to where are you now and suggestions on how to cultivate it.
Tracey: You have to know your material and prepare. I made sure to know my files inside and out. There is no substitution for preparation, and you simply have to put in the time. That helps to build credibility with your business partners and senior management. That said, you have to sound less like a lawyer when working in-house – you need to be able to make your point quickly, simply and succinctly, or you will lose your audience.
Part 3 - The second “Dual 10” Challenge: have kids in their first 10 formative years
Equilawbrium: How did you juggle work/life responsibilities? Is it possible to have a family life and a work life simultaneously and harmoniously?
Tracey: While it gets easier as kids get older, there is no perfect balance. When people used to ask how I did it all, I would answer, jokingly, “Very poorly!” but that is how I often felt. Make sure you are sharing responsibilities evenly (that may look different from one day or week to the next) and outsource the things you don’t like (in my case, grocery shopping). Ask for what you need - don’t expect your partner to be a mind reader! I also took advice to heart about not overscheduling activities. We always stuck to 1-2 weekend and 1-2 weeknight activities. That has worked well for us as a family and has allowed us to explore lots of sports and interests but only commit to those that turned out to be real passions and still have good down time together.
Equilawbrium: Having walked the walk, what is the one parenting tip or trick that you wish you’d known?
Tracey: I don’t remember where I read or heard this, but it was something along the lines of making sure you give your children, “the best of you, not the rest of you.” In other words, whenever you are with them, be fully present. Don’t let work be so all-consuming that you are depleted and have nothing left to give at the end of the day. Everyone says this and it's true: they grow up so quickly and need you less or at least need you in different ways. Try to slow it down and cherish it all. Chances are, that email you feel compelled to send can wait until the morning.
Equilawbrium: What is your fondest memory of your kids at this age?
Tracey: It’s tough to pick just one, but reading together at bedtime has to be at the top of the list. I miss it so much.
Part 4 - Achieving Equilawbrium: how to survive & rise from the “Dual 10” Challenges
"It’s about giving the 'best of you, not the rest of you.' A small investment of time makes you feel more human." - Tracey Primmer
Equilawbrium: What was your biggest challenge going through the Dual 10 phase? Any advice for our readers who are living and breathing this phase and trying to survive and excel?
Tracey: My experience was different in that I was already working for ten years when I started a family. I felt established and secure at work and wasn’t concerned about the impact of a maternity leave. Because we lived away from our extended families, I felt a bit of an extra challenge in not having those backups on call that so many of my friends and colleagues seemed to have. The biggest challenge was probably feeling guilty – about not doing more at work or not doing more at home and feeling torn no matter what I did. A lot of that was self-imposed as I had the benefit of working for very supportive and progressive organizations. Sometimes, unfortunately, it takes a major life event to help recalibrate your priorities – a spouse’s illness, losing a parent, a global pandemic. Work will always be there, but your children will grow up faster than you can fathom.
Equilawbrium: What is your take-home message for our readers who are trying to find their “equilawbrium”?
Tracey: It may seem counterintuitive, but taking a little bit of time to do something just for you will pay big dividends. Again, it’s about giving the “best of you, not the rest of you.” A small investment of time makes you feel more human.
Equilawbrium: What is the one-word encouragement/support that you would want us to remember?
Tracey: Cherish.
<<End of Fireside Chat with Tracey Primmer>>
**A MILLION THANKS TO TRACEY!!**
Disclaimer: Any views, information, and personal opinions expressed by the authors or guests are entirely their own and do not reflect or represent those of their employers or clients.
