One priority was to continue to expand experiential learning opportunities for law students. Another was to continue to foster Truth and Reconciliation in every aspect of our curriculum and activities. Improving classroom technology and renewing spaces in the 56-year-old Robson Hall are making students more welcome and allowing them to accomplish more in useful and practical clinical and study areas.

We also took time to celebrate those members of the legal community in Manitoba and beyond who generously give their time, trouble and effort year round to support legal education and join us in teaching the next generation of legal professionals. It takes a village and the Robson Hall family is ever grateful for their contributions.

Collected here are just a few of the stories capturing the Faculty of Law’s journey over the past 12 months.

January

Learning from teaching: Dr. Opeyemi Bello joins Faculty of Law

Master of Human Rights Symposium 2025 highlights critical areas of need for advocacy

Moot Report 2025: Team Manitoba wins 18th Annual Julius Alexander Isaac Moot

February

Honouring Advocacy: UM Faculty of Law’s Moot Courtroom named for legacy of Harry Walsh O.C., Q.C.

Breaking Bread Together event brings law students together at first multi-faith gathering

Moot Report 2025: Manitoba takes second place in MacIntyre Cup, represents Manitoba at Sopinka Cup

March

From one legendary Canadian advocate to another: The impact of Harry Walsh’s legacy was recognized this year in his namesake Moot Courtroom with a lecture by Marie Henein

Faculty of Law to host Community Presentation of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy

From Classroom to Community: A Law Student’s Journey at the Legal Help Centre

April

Faculty of Law Spring Reception honours exceptional contributions of practicing bar and bench

Faculty of Law announces 2024 Alumni Award recipients

Decision of Federal Court hearing held at law school now available

May

Expanding Access to Justice in Manitoba: L. Kerry Vickar Business Law and Manitoba Arts Clinics hire record number of summer law students to help Manitobans

Second Annual Access to Justice Forum Hosted at UM Faculty of Law

June

Convocation 2025: Oluwafisayo Stephen Ayita, LLM

Convocation 2025: Master of Human Rights student Priscila Werton Alves

Juris Doctor Class of 2025 graduates to share exceptional talents with Manitoba community

Graduation of the First Official Cohort of the Access to Justice in French Concentration

The Faculty of Law looks back at a year of moving towards Reconciliation

The 2025 Hockey Conference: In the Echoes of Reckoning June 17 – 19

July

Tenure follows promotion for Robson Hall alum Brandon Trask: Class of 2012 grad now proud to teach next generation of Manitoba lawyers

August

How an LLM program in Corporate Law and ADR at the University of Manitoba shaped my legal career (and everything else)! Wura Dasylva, Faculty of Law alum, checks in with Robson Hall

Manitoba Law Students Speak Out: Supporting the Arts Is Supporting Canada

September

Launching the New ITL Program at Robson Hall: Inaugural cohort of Internationally Trained Lawyer Program brings wealth of skills, experience

Celebrating Master of Laws students at Fall Convocation 2025

Winograd Initiative will make UM a leader in study and mitigation of hate speech and antisemitism

October

‘Determination and vision’ in leadership benefits clinical learning: How L. Kerry Vickar is making a lasting impact on law student education

Access to Justice Week 2025 looked to the future of expanding and embracing justice and inclusion

November

Law students’ research pays off as Manitoba passes Anti-SLAPP legislation

Canadian Forum for Business and Human Rights event strengthened global research network

December

Building community, fostering excellence at student awards receptions: Faculty of Law brings scholarship donors and students together at annual celebrations

Legal Clinic outreach to Northern Manitoba: Law Students Set Up Pop Up Legal Clinic at University College of the North in The Pas

Tréchelle Bunn’s extraordinary year: From advocating for Indigenous Peoples at the UN to becoming Chief of her First Nation, this law student remains unstoppable

The Clinics believe Northern Manitoba communities deserve equal access to legal help, education, economic and other opportunities. These Northern outreach trips aim to connect students and residents in the North with needed services that are too frequently out of reach or concentrated in Winnipeg, while giving law students first-hand insight into the needs, culture, and resilience of Northern Manitobans.

Pop‑Up Clinic at UCN

At the University College of the North (UCN) in The Pas, students set up a pop‑up clinic to answer questions from students, entrepreneurs, small businesses, start-ups including family businesses, non‑profits, charities, artists, creatives, arts and cultural organizations. The Clinic routinely provides information and advice to Manitobans on intellectual property, contracts, business structures and more, free of charge.

Rebecca Harris, a UCN administrator, welcomed the initiative: “It’s nice to see the supports come to the North. Having a presence here makes an impact for students to see the opportunities available.”

Third-year law student Travis Dech reflected on the experience: “Manitoba’s enterprising spirit is not bound by geography. The North has resources, opportunities and potential with well‑grounded plans to be an economic driver. I hope entrepreneurs here get the chance to be the change they want to see.”

The Pas: Gateway to the North

Located 520 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, and 25 miles east of the Saskatchewan border, at the confluence of the Pasquia River and the Saskatchewan River, The Pas has frequently been called “The Gateway to the North”. The Pas is a multi-industry northern Manitoba town that has served its surrounding region for centuries, even before Northern Manitoba became part of the Province of Manitoba in 1912, and long been a hub for trade and industry. Its roots stretch back to the 1740s, when Fort Paskoya was built by Hudson’s Bay Company traders. Today, the town’s economy includes agriculture, forestry, fishing, tourism, transportation, education, and more. Together with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, The Pas forms a tri‑community with a population of about 5,700, nearly half of whom are Indigenous. While in The Pas, the Clinics stayed at the Kikiwak Inn, owned and operated by OCN, one of Manitoba’s largest and most enterprising First Nations. The Pas is one of the three largest communities in Northern Manitoba: others being Thompson and Flin Flon.

University College of the North

UCN plays a central role in northern education, research, development of Northern Manitobans, and is guided by Indigenous and northern values. Chancellor Edwin Jebb, a member of OCN, was one of the first Indigenous graduates of the University of Manitoba. President and Vice Chancellor Doug Lauvstad has championed economic and social progress across the region, and been a passionate advocate helping northern people and addressing northern issues.

For the visiting law students, UCN provided a welcoming space to connect with local students and members of the community.

Meeting Dr. Roberta Bondar

The trip coincided with a special event: Canadian astronaut and neurologist Dr. Roberta Bondar visited The Pas for a Grand Opening of Patterns & Parallels: The Great Imperative to Survive, an exhibition featuring photographic works of Dr. Bondar,  which will be  running until March 13, 2026. The exhibition, presented in partnership between UCN,  The Pas Guest List, and The Roberta Bondar Foundation, took several years to arrange, and is the first time Dr. Bondar’s work and exhibit had been translated into three first nation languages spoken in the area: Cree, Dene, and Anisinimowin.

In a packed auditorium, Dr. Bondar spoke about the environment and endangered migratory birds and how human development threatens their survival. Her career achievements — first Canadian woman and second Canadian in space, first neurologist in orbit, recipient of the Companion of the Order of Canada, NASA Space Medal, 28 honorary doctorates, and induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame — underscored her message of perseverance. She told the audience she had to be “overqualified everywhere [she] went” to break barriers and encouraged everyone to find “parallel paths” when doors are closed, such as in her case taking flying lessons independently because women were not allowed in Air Cadets when she was a youth.

For the law students, these messages were inspiring, as was sharing a flight with Dr. Bondar both to and from The Pas, made for an unforgettable experience.

For more information about this unique exhibit by Dr. Bondar in The Pas, check out CBC Radio Manitoba interview with Gabriella Swan of The Pas Guest List, here.

The Pas Guest List and Community Art

The Clinics also thank Gabriella Swan, a cofounder of The Pas Guest List, for introductions to so many in The Pas with whom the Clinics have connected.  

The Pas Guest List is an incredible social-artistic nonprofit that organizes community events and supports local arts. Its mural project along The Pas’ Walking Path has already added vibrant 40‑foot works celebrating resilience and creativity, with plans to expand to 20 murals over the next decade.

Third-year law student Jessie Canard described visiting the murals: “I was fortunate to have the opportunity and time to check the art in the Pas. Several murals made by the community and well-known Manitoba based artists and others are featured along the trail. It was such a beautiful experience because the snow fall made the colors extra vibrant.”

 A Lifetime of Learning

Though the law students spent only a few days in The Pas, there was a lifetime of learning and lessons learned which are lasting. They gained a deeper understanding of northern culture, needs and building trust with people in the North who now also know more about their rights and how to access free legal support from the Clinics. For the Clinics, these trips also reinforce the importance of meeting people in-person which is culturally appropriate in the North where there is a both need to remove barriers and build trust face-to-face.

Acknowledgement

The Clinics are incredibly thankful for the support of Innovation, Science & Economic Development Canada through the IP Clinics Program Grant funding which enabled and made for these important in-person Northern visits possible. 

Award-winning scholar and human being

Having started law school with a BA in Criminology Bunn settled into law’s challenging academic program as a John Mitchell Scholarship recipient, later receiving the Wendy Whitecloud Bursary in Law. “Both as a law student and fellow Dakota winyan (woman), Wendy is a tremendous inspiration to me,” Bunn wrote in a LinkedIn post. “As the first Indigenous female law professor at the Faculty of Law, Wendy is a trailblazer who paved the way for me and other Indigenous women pursuing careers in law.”

In her second year of law school, Bunn received First Peoples Law LLP’s Indigenous Law Student Scholarship.

In 2024, she was recognized as a CBC Future 40 recipient, an honour celebrating Manitoba’s new generation of leaders, builders, and change-makers under 40. “This recognition is not mine alone; it is shared with my family, my nation, and all the communities and organizations I am fortunate to serve and be part of,” Bunn wrote.

At the end of the year, she was named to Ace Burpee’s Top 100 most fascinating Manitobans of 2024.

Tréchelle Bun was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024. Source: LinkedIn.

The new year started with Bunn being named the 2025 Youth – First Nations Indspire Award Laureat, shortly followed with a most distinguished award: the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada and their respective provinces. “This recognition is a collective achievement, shared with my family, community, and all those who have supported me throughout my journey,” Bunn shared on social media about the Royal recognition.

This fall, Bunn was honoured with a University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award in the Outstanding Alumni category.

She has spoken on countless panels and conferences, and gave a TEDx Fort Garry talk this past September. Most recently, she was selected to serve on Hockey Canada’s inaugural Indigenous Advisory Circle; spoke on Indspire’s National Education Gathering Youth Panel in Winnipeg; and was the keynote speaker for Sport Manitoba’s 2025 Sport Event Forum.

Truth and Reconciliation

On September 27, 2025, Bunn organized the 4^th Reconciliation Run in recognition of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30). As it happens, the distance between the former Birtle Residential School Ruins in Birtle, Manitoba to the Birdtail Sioux First Nation equals a half marathon (21.1k), inspiring the transformation of what originally started out as a walk into a run. She explained to Dean Jochelson during an episode of the Robson Radio podcast, “The Reconciliation Run kind of started as a second iteration of what my family and community were calling a healing walk. These originally started on July 1^st, 2021 and it was sparked by the 215 discoveries of unmarked graves and Kamloops. Reflecting back on that time, it was a heavy time for Indigenous peoples and communities all across Turtle Island.”

Wishing to honour Residential School Survivors in their own community, she asked her parents what they could do. Their conversation reminded her of something her grandfather, whom she calls her Unkan Donald (“Unkan” meaning “grandfather” in Dakota) had shared with her years before: that when he was at the Birtle Residential school, he wanted nothing more than to run away and go home. “That’s when the thought connected,” she said. “Why don’t we go back to the former Birtle Residential School and run and walk home in honour of my Unkan Donald and all those who never got the chance to?”

Chief Tréchelle Bunn (far right) at the 4th Reconciliation Run with classmate Josh Gandier (3L) (left), and Elizabeth McCandless, Director of Clinics, Faculty of Law (middle).

The 2025 run saw about 150 attendees including runners, walkers, volunteers and community members with participating Faculty of Law community members including Elizabeth McCandless, Director of Clinics, Bunn’s 3L classmates Logan Nadeau, Joshua Gandier, (runners) and Kaitlyn Clarke (volunteer), and The Honourable Justice Alain Huberdeau of the Court of King’s Bench, who volunteered for a second year in a row. “The weather was beautiful, and it’s always amazing to see how far participants travel each year,” said Bunn. “We had runners join us again from Vancouver, and even some virtual participants from as far away as Australia!”

Solid Leadership

Upon starting law school, Bunn had already been moving in the world as a leader in both competitive hockey as a top player and coach, and as Southern Chief’s Organization Youth Chief. During summer break, 2024, Bunn represented 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations at the 17^thSession of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva, Switzerland. As part of a contingent of SCO Chiefs, she moderated the SCO panel on Self-Determination and Indigenous Health.

Bunn has been involved locally with the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association and its activities, but last spring, she modestly posted on her LinkedIn, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Chief at Birdtail Sioux First Nation!”

Tréchelle Bunn in Geneva, Switzerland, where she moderated a panel at the 17th Session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Wait – what? Indeed, the 25-year-old second year law student had thrown her hat in the ring and ended up the successful candidate in her First Nation’s election. For the next four years, she will be in charge of overseeing the lives of many people living in the Birdtail Sioux First Nation. As UM professor and Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair wrote, she has her work cut out for her. Speaking with Chief Bunn last April after she finished exams, Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, spoke to her about what lay ahead, raised that daunting situation. Bunn responded with a positive outlook, rather than with a sense of being intimidated, saying, “Yeah, I think Niigaan said I was ambitious. I do probably come across as ambitious and in terms of taking on this role at such a young age and also managing that with everything else I have going on. But I think there’s a lot of potential to do some really great, fantastic things in my community. And I know my community is excited to enter a new era, this new chapter together alongside me. So, I think that’s really exciting.”

Bunn fully recognized the challenges she was walking into as the new chief, but chose to look forward and rise to the challenge. She assured Jochelson that her legal training thus far would certainly be helpful. “The writing skills and critical thinking skills that have really been enhanced throughout my last two years in law school will be really important for me going forward. Even negotiations in my community and having community meetings and having those important conversations and, drafting band council resolutions and stuff like that.

“I think my experience through law school has really shaped that as one of my strengths that I think communication and the ability to be an effective communicator and writer. In terms of reintegrating traditional legal systems in my community, I think that’s definitely a priority.”

Recalling her years of hockey training, she realized the skills it taught her including time management and work ethic. “I’m not scared to put my head down and go to work and to grind things out,” she said. “I kind of mentioned it earlier, but I’ve never been really one to back down from a challenge. And I do enjoy a good challenge.”

Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, records an episode of the Robson Radio podcast with Tréchelle Bunn, Chief of the Birdtail Sioux First Nation and a third-year law student at Robson Hall.

Listen to a complete conversation with Tréchelle Bunn about her extraordinary year with Dr. Richard Jochelson and Christine Mazur on the Robson Radio Podcast.

At the annual Pitblado Scholars Program reception and Student Achievement Awards reception, the community within Robson Hall comes together to recognize excellence, share gratitude, and celebrate the bright futures of Manitoba’s next generation of lawyers.

Community members like Jim and Sandra Pitblado, Max Steinkopf, David Nemy [JD/24], and the family of the late Darius Maharaj Hunter [JD/21] have all joined us this fall to meet this students who benefit from their generosity.  At these warm receptions, held annually, they gathered with law students and their very proud families for an evening dedicated to the transformative impact of community support.

The Pitblado Scholarships: Recognizing excellence and rewarding resilience

On September 26, the annual Pitblado Scholars reception welcomed the 20 student recipients of the prestigious Pitblado Scholarships. For the past 24 years, the Pitblado Scholarships have been awarded to the top students on the Faculty of Law Dean’s Honour List.

Each year, Jim and Sandra Pitblado join the celebration, and this year their daughter Diane Pitblado also attended with her family.

Before any awards are given out or names are called, the scholarship winners receive boutonnieres that match the Pitblados’ own. These adornments help donors and students find each other in a room filled with families, faculty, and community members. Striking up conversations, the Pitblados take great interest in getting to know their scholarship recipients and encouraging their career goals.

“Repeats are encouraged,” Sandra exclaimed, encouraging Dean’s Honour Roll students to keep their marks up in order to earn a second scholarship and see the Pitblado’s again at next year’s reception.

Sandra and Jim Pitblado congratulate Dean’s Honour Roll student Cori Lee. Little ones always welcome!

The 2025 Student Achievement Awards: Honouring family and legacy

In November, 40 students received scholarships, prizes, and fellowships at the 2025 Student Achievement Awards.

Max Steinkopf (Bond Capital Partners London) personally presented the Max Steinkopf Entrance Scholarship and the Maitland Steinkopf [LLB/36] Entrance Scholarship, named for his late grandfather and father, respectively. The elder Max Steinkopf, called to the Manitoba Bar in 1905, was the first Jewish lawyer on the prairies.

David Nemy [JD/2024], a recent alum of UM Law and now a practicing lawyer at Levene Tadman Golub, proudly presented the Morton H. Nemy Entrance Scholarship on behalf of his family. Nemy shared that his 102-year-old aunt Enid Nemy, who created the  scholarship in honour of her brother and David’s grandfather Morton H. Nemy, was still “kickin’ it” in Florida.

Honouring the life of her late husband Darius Maharaj Hunter [BA/18, JD/21], Delyar Khaleh shared the legacy of this young UM Law alum and presented the Darius Maharaj Hunter Memorial Scholarship to Abigail Clark.

The award was established “to empower and support law students who have demonstrated a spirit for leadership and community engagement, and a desire to carry this forward in their education and practice,” a spirit that Darius Hunter embodied fully.

UM Law: Where community lives

This year, the Faculty of Law was honoured to welcome The Honourable Matthew Weibe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba, as well as University of Manitoba representatives including President Michael Benarroch at the September event, and Vice-Provost (Academic) Diane Heibert-Murphy and Vice-Provost (Graduate Studies) Kelly Main, to these special gatherings. Representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba, the Manitoba Law Foundation, the Manitoba Bar Association, and many members of Manitoba’s legal profession attended to help celebrate the achievements of these law students.

As Manitoba’s leader in legal education for over a century, UM Law inspires and invites the legal community to come together each year to celebrate, connect, and give back.

The Faculty of Law congratulates the 2025 – 2026 Pitblado Scholarship Winners:

Ashley Allan
Yomna Eid
Larissa Einarson
Gianna Froese
Rowan Gannon
Meagan Gillis
Danica Grierson
Sameer Harris (repeat)
William Ho
Erin Kyriakopoulos
Cori Lee (repeat)
Alex Loewen
Kathryn Lyon
Dylan Nuytten
Mariana Pozdirca (repeat)
Vanessa Smith
Andrea Sutherland
Eric Vryenhoek
Eric Wagner
Mark Wilson

The Faculty of Law also congratulates the following award recipients:

Juris Doctor program awards:

Alex Brown Entrance Scholarship in Law:

• Roxanne Balmater

Max Steinkopf Entrance Scholarship:

• Caitlin McDonald
• Kiera Butterfield

Maitland Steinkopf Entrance Award:

• Nicholas Carnelley
• Tiana Klippenstein

Dean’s List Academic Award:

• Talia Taras
• Kaitlyn Clarke

Manitoba Law School Foundation Entrance Scholarship:

• Benjamin Baydock

Pitblado LLP Entrance Award:

• Joshua Ackman

Taylor McCaffrey LLP Entrance Award:

• Lindsy DeGagne
• Kya Jackson-Leclair
• Olivia Barbaro

Patricia N. and Mark G. Smerchanski Law Entrance Scholarship:

• Philopateer Rezk

D’Arcy & Deacon LLP Entrance Scholarship:

• Kate Mulligan
• Mateo Nallim

Morton H. Nemy Entrance Scholarship:

• Sarah Janzen

John Mitchell Scholarship:

• Trechelle Bunn (note – this is a 2^nd renewal of the award)

EJ McMurray Trust Fund Entrance Award:

• Talia Elfenbein
• Shakira Goulet
• Christopher Anderson

David Sowemimo Law Entrance Scholarship

• A’aia Haji Hussein

Darius Maharaj Hunter Memorial Scholarship (2024-2025 winner)

• Abigail Clarke

The Honourable John M. Scurfield Memorial Scholarship – 2024-2025 winners

• Katie McKenzie
• Chloe Dreilich-Girard
• Lori Isber

Brendan Mahatoo Scholarship – 2024-2025

• Brooklyn Kehler

Scotiabank Program for Law Students Scholarship

• Khalil Qasem

Master of Laws program awards

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship

• Paarth Tarachandani

Bernard B. Dubienski and Amy E. Dubienski Memorial Scholarship

• Megan Filyk

Adalsteinn (Steini) Fridrikson Kristjansson Graduate Fellowship

• Christiana Williams

Right Honourable Brian Dickson Graduate Fellowship

• Megan Filyk

Samuel Freedman Graduate Fellowship

• Bailey Wall

David T. Sgayias Graduate Fellowship

• Paarth Taranchandani

Trevor Anderson Fellowship

• Megan Filyk

Master of Human Rights program awards

Harvey and Sandra Secter Master of Human Rights Fellowship:

• Sydney Reid
• Sarah Rohleder
• Lina Guevara
• Morgan Snape

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship:

• Maddy Nowosad
• Marie-Chantal Plouffe

Days before the Grey Cup, Winnipeg was the gathering place for another group of people with a shared passion. On November 13-14, 2025, the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law hosted the inaugural Canadian Forum for Business and Human Rights Conference. Scholars from across the globe met first at Robson Hall for a workshop, and then at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights for a conference to share research, knowledge, and ideas about Business and Human Rights – a critical area of law that deeply affects all aspects of the economy, society, and the environment worldwide.

Conference organizer, Dr. Akinwumi Ogunranti, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba. Photo by Adam Dolman.

Yasmina Salama is a PhD candidate at the Peter Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia, Canada, who presented her paper at the workshop. Photo by Adam Dolman.

PhD candidates and post-doctoral scholars from across the globe gathered at the University of Manitoba for the opportunity to present their research to established, expert scholars in the field of Business and Human Rights. This workshop was hosted by the Canadian Forum for Business and Human Rights at Robson Hall. Photo by Adam Dolman.

Conference keynote speaker, Fernanda Hopenhaym, Business and Human Rights specialist and member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.

The conference brought together over 50 participants from Canada and beyond, including the United Kingdom and the United States. Starting with a traditional Indigenous water ceremony and Dean Richard Jochelson’s welcoming address, Fernanda Hopenhaym, a member of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address on the state of BHR in times of transition. This was followed by a plenary session and parallel panel sessions that addressed various issues, including Indigenous rights, judicial and non-judicial remedies, climate change, investment, and child labour.

“The CCIL Annual Conference was beneficial to me for several reasons,” Turnbull reflected. “It provided an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of international law and to hear directly from leading experts on topics that I would not otherwise encounter in Manitoba or at my stage as a 2L student. It also allowed me to reconnect with colleagues and form new relationships with students and practitioners working in areas of law that closely align with my interests.”

Turnbull came to law school already with an interest in international relations and foreign policy, having taken an international law course during his undergraduate political science degree at the University of Manitoba. Since then, he has looked for opportunities in international studies and was ultimately able to participate in the Queen’s International Law Program last summer, finding it a very formative experience. “While I find all areas of international law compelling, my primary career interest lies in international criminal justice,” he said. “Criminal law is my main academic interest at Robson Hall, and this area offers a meaningful opportunity to apply those interests on a global scale. As I learned through the Queen’s program, entry into the field is highly competitive, and gaining three to five years of relevant experience along with an LLM is often essential.”

Further, he said, “More broadly, my interest in international law is deeply rooted in my love of politics. As a middle power, Canada relies heavily on a rules-based international order and on free trade, and I am drawn to the role that international law plays in sustaining those systems, particularly at a time when these global principles appear to be in decline.”

At November’s conference, Turnbull gained meaningful insight into the challenges facing Canada and the international community, as well as the realities of entering a field that he noted is expected to undergo significant cutbacks in the coming years, right when he is hoping to join it. “Although some of my peers view international law as a field of limited value due to its imperfections, being surrounded by individuals committed to strengthening and improving the discipline reaffirmed for me that it remains an area of law worth engaging with,” he said, undaunted.

Rather than choosing a practice area solely based on practicality, he is determined to follow one that he is genuinely interested in. “Despite many sessions addressing issues without clear or immediate solutions, the optimism and passion of those working to improve the international sphere and the lives affected by it were deeply motivating,” he observed. “The idea of contributing to progress, even when it is incremental or appears to move backward, feels like a meaningful and worthwhile pursuit.”

Similarly, Johnson shared that as a second-year law student, he is also starting to explore what areas of legal practice interest him. “As someone who has always had a keen interest in areas like history, politics, and geography, it is exciting to learn more about an area of law that addresses truly global themes like human rights and international law of armed conflicts,” he said.

“The highlight of the conference for me was the panel that focused on international law within the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict,” said Johnson. “It was a powerful discussion that brought together a former IDF (Israel Defence Forces) member who negotiated on behalf of Israel during the Oslo Accords, a Palestinian woman who grew up in the West Bank and now works in the non-profit humanitarian space, and other international lawyers to talk about the complex legal dynamics of the conflict. It showed the overlap of the often-intense emotions associated with humanitarian crises and the technical legal components of sorting out the legality of armed conflict.”

Both Turnbull and Johnson left Ottawa having found the conference extremely rewarding and a tremendous learning opportunity.

The first moot of the 2025 – 2026 season was the renowned Solomon Greenberg trial moot competition. This year, the competition took place on November 22, 2025, at the Winnipeg Law Courts. Winner Priya Kaur Dhillon (3L) and runner-up Jasmine Yakabowich (3L) will go on to represent Manitoba at the MacIntyre (Western Canada) Cup to be hosted at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, from February 13-15, 2026.

Eight law students enrolled in the mandatory Introduction to Advocacy course in their second year are then selected to participate in the Solomon during their third and final year of law school. These students pair up and are divided into Crown and Defence teams, with their own set of lawyers to coach them, along with two volunteer law students as witnesses per team. This year’s teams were as follows:

Trial # 1

Crown Team 1: Derek Zaporzan & Nicole Dohler
Witnesses: April Li & Brittany Windsor-Brown
Coaches: Dayna Queau-Guzzi & Adam Gingera [BA/10; JD/16]

Defence Team 1: Kaitlyn Clarke & Brett Yager
Witnesses: Emily Trottier & Gilad Stitz
Coaches: Carley Mahoney [JD/16] & Caleigh Glawson [JD/19]

Trial #2

Crown Team 1: Alexander Kraus & Esther Adegbesan
Witnesses: Riley O’Hara & Maria Pepelassis
Coaches: Amy Wood, Melissa Hazelton [LLB/10], Sara Minshull

Defence Team 2: Jasmine Yakabowich & Priya Dhillon
Witnesses: Eric Matthews & Brannen McKenzie-Lefurgey
Coaches: Evan Roitenberg [LLB/91] & Laura Robinson [LLB/09]

Each group conducts a mock criminal trial where the accused is to be tried by judge and jury. Competitors argue to a jury that is composed of the witnesses, judges and coaches. The trials are assessed by volunteer provincial court judges. This year’s assessors include Judge Tim Killeen (presiding), Retired Judge Raymond Wyant, Judge Kusham Sharma and Judge David Ireland. Before the Faculty of Law’s Director of Clinics, Elizabeth McCandless [LLB/07; LLM/20] announced the winners on behalf of the judges, the Honourable Judge Wyant made note that, every year choosing a winner is difficult and this year was no exception. 

The Solomon’s fierce competition simply wouldn’t be the same without the volunteer coaches whose dedication shapes the students’ success. The winners of this year’s competition, attribute this accomplishment to the time and energy their coaches dedicated to helping them develop their advocacy skills.

Robson Hall’s Solomon Greenberg trial moot competition is a longstanding tradition, reaching back over 60 years at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law. Named in honour of a Winnipeg lawyer who was considered one of the best criminal defence lawyers in Western Canada, the moot honours the late Solomon Greenberg. Well-respected by both his clients and colleagues, he was known as a courtroom legend in his own time. Learn more about Greenberg’s life on page 133 of Norm Larsen’s book Notable People from Manitoba’s Legal History.

The conference provided a unique opportunity for the students, both members of Robson Hall’s IP & Technology Law Group executive team, to build strong relationships with legal professionals from across Canada. “Attending CAN-TECH’s 2025 fall conference was a fantastic experience to learn about some of the exciting developments taking place in this field, while also exploring some of the unique challenges within the legal profession. With AI advancement occurring at such a fast pace, it is important to stay ahead of the curve while also promoting innovation within Canada,” Plant said.

Throughout the conference, the panels featured riveting discussions leaving much room for thought and reflection.

During the “Caveats and Kill Switches: Professional Obligations in the Use of Legal AI” panel, Al Hounsell of Gowling WLG was one of the speakers. Hounsell serves as the National Director of AI, Innovation and Knowledge at Gowling WLG. During the panel, he spoke to the importance of proper training for lawyers, suggesting that in order to efficiently implement the technology into the legal practice, the training must be efficient and focused to ensure firms do not get left behind, while also maintaining client confidentiality and professional obligations.

Matthew Shogilev, of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, was a panelist during “Minor Details, Major Consequences: The Challenges of Contracting With Minors?”. During this session, Shogilev explored the disparity between the rapid pace of technological advancement and current regulations which exist to protect minors. This panel analyzed many of the challenges faced with respect to governing minors’ access to digital services, achieving age assurance, and some of the privacy concerns that come with contracting with minors.  

On day two, students attended “Autonomous by Design: Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Agentic AI”. Agentic AI—systems capable of autonomous decision-making, goal formation, and adaptive behavior—are fast becoming a frontier issue for legal and compliance professionals. This panel explored the questions around accountability, oversight, and legal personhood that existing Canadian legal frameworks have yet to fully address. Of unique focus was the fact that these systems are increasingly acting with independence, and addressed how tech lawyers can engage with the risks associated with these new systems. The students found this topic to be particularly interesting, as they are entering the legal profession at the same time that this technology is being introduced, so it is imperative to build the correct ethical guardrails now to ensure their future practice can stay grounded during the shifting legal landscape.

Maria and Donald also had the opportunity to engage with legal professionals in roundtable discussions on various topics, including data sovereignty and agentic AI. “The roundtables offered us a unique opportunity to see multiple legal viewpoints on the same issues,” Maria said. “This conference helped us understand pressing concerns in technology law from the perspectives of industry leaders, technologists, and lawyers helping clients navigate an uncertain legal landscape.”

The students are grateful for the opportunity to attend CAN-TECH’s 2025 Fall Conference, and express their deepest gratitude to all the panelists for engaging with them and discussing such important topics. We truly look forward to implementing the lessons learned throughout the conference and are confident that our experience here will guide our careers for years to come!

Celebrating Indigenous Business Achievement

This year’s banquet brought together a record 305 innovators, elders, students, and business leaders, as well as a record number of corporate sponsors, to recognize the two award recipients who embody resilience, creativity, and cultural pride in their enterprise. 100% of the proceeds from the VIBE Awards banquet directly benefit IBEP students through scholarships, bursaries, academic support, and educational opportunities.

“The VIBE Awards are about celebrating inspiring community leaders, and I think that is what resonates with people and why our fundraiser continually breaks revenue and attendance records each year,” said Riley Proulx [BComm(Hon)/19], Director of IBEP.

Award Recipients

Oliver Owen grew up in Pauingassi, experiencing the transportation obstacles that remote northern communities face first-hand. His vision led to the creation of Amik Aviation in 2008, an Aboriginal-owned and operated airline that now provides essential passenger and cargo services to First Nations across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

Cody Gonsalves started Purposeful Movements Ltd. based on the idea that movement is medicine. Through personalized coaching, fitness programs, and community workshops, Gonsalves helps individuals transform their lifestyles by building sustainable habits and fostering resilience. Of Cree Ancestry from Red Pheasant First Nation, Gonsalves utilized IBEP supports when he was an Asper student.

Advancing Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Dedicated and  committed to Reconciliation, the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic continues to foster collaborative relationships and provides supports to start-ups and entrepreneurs, including Indigenous entrepreneurs. Since Fall 2023, the Clinic has provided over 10,000 pro bono hours of legal assistance; 50% of its client-base are women entrepreneurs, 37% percent of its client-base are from rural and Northern Manitoba communities, and 18% of the Clinic’s client-base self-identify as Indigenous.

Jessie Canard (3L), a proud Anishinaabe third-year law student at the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic had the honour to take part in the Grand Entry at the VIBE Awards, and reflected on the event, saying, “I had the honour of talking with Elder Norman Meade at the VIBE Awards 2025. He shared with me how the event made his heart feel full because when he was younger, he couldn’t imagine events celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship and business taking place.  His sharing what he’s noticed over time made my heart feel full because I care about the relationship between Canadian and Indigenous peoples. I think celebrating each other can be very healing.”

“The VIBE Awards was an incredible evening of learning with inspiring speakers and great conversation with community leaders,” said Cole Hutchison [BComm(Hon)/23],  a second-year law student. 

Law students also had the opportunity to meet and speak to with Diane Roussin [BSW/96], Vice Chair of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors, an Anishinaabe community leader, current Project Director of The Winnipeg Boldness Project, and incoming Chair of The Winnipeg Foundation.

Pathway to Reconciliation is a journey that we must all walk together

As the 19th Annual VIBE Awards came to a close, it was clear that the legacy of IBEP and the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs like E. Oliver Owen and Cody Gonsalves continue to inspire.

“When we look at who Cody and Oliver are and what they’ve accomplished, it is clear that they care deeply about their communities – something they have in common with all prior recipients. We are very excited to formally announce our revised award categories and call for nominations for the 20^th VIBE Awards this coming Winter season,” said Riley Proulx.

By attending the VIBE Awards, law students with the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic left better informed, more aware, and inspired to support and assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in their mutual journeys towards success. Clinic students look forward to attending the VIBE Awards again next year to celebrate and continue to learn even more stories of Indigenous business excellence.

Miigwech!

Igniting Careers

The session was part of a week-long series, called Ignite: Your Future as An Artist, organized by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, and IdeaStart, at the University of Manitoba, highlighted collaboration across disciplines, with law students sharing their expertise directly with peers in the School of Art.

The session presented by the Law Students covered the fundamentals of intellectual property — including copyright, trademarks, and moral rights — as well as the basics of contract law, legal negotiations and corporate structure, and how these concepts apply to the creative practices of visual artists, writers, performers, and interdisciplinary creators.

The presenters emphasized that understanding IP is not only about protecting artistic work, but also recognizing its value as a professional asset. They discussed how emerging artists can use IP strategically to advance their careers, from negotiating fair collaboration terms to ensuring proper credit for their creative contributions.

“Everyone was engaged and curious. It made for a great discussion,” said Vanessa Smith, who presented alongside her classmates. “As law students, it was rewarding to see how the legal concepts we have studied could be applied to help artists navigate real-world issues. I left the session inspired by the creativity and openness of the MFA students, and reminded of why intellectual property law matters: it gives artists a foundation to share their work confidently while maintaining control.”

Throughout the session, Master of Fine Arts students raised thoughtful questions about copyright in collaborative projects, the use of reference materials, and protecting work when exhibiting or publishing online.

“[W]hat a thrill to see students teaching other students.” – Janine Charmichael, Ignite, The Centre

Janine Carmichael, Faculty Specialist in Entrepreneurship and Co-Facilitator of Ignite at The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, said “We appreciate the expertise of the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts. They shared about key themes artists need to know about. And what a thrill to see students teaching other students.”

“The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts is one of those key supports for our students who may pursue an independent art career.” – Jackie Hope, Ignite, The Centre

Echoing that sentiment, Jackie Hope, Educational Developer and Co-Facilitator of Ignite at The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, added, “It’s key for students to know there are entrepreneurial supports available. The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts is one of those key supports for our students who may pursue an independent art career.”

IP needs exist earlier and at every stage

A major theme of the presentation by the law students was the importance of IP education for artists at every stage of their careers. The Clinic’s involvement in sessions like this supports its broader mandate to provide legal education and outreach, particularly where creators might not otherwise have access to affordable guidance or information.

Nav Nain reflected, “Presenting to the MFA students was a great learning experience. It challenged us to communicate complex legal ideas in an accessible, engaging way — which is such an important skill for any future lawyer. It also showed us how vital this kind of knowledge is for artists. Many people don’t realize how often intellectual property intersects with everyday creative work, from collaborations to exhibitions.” 

Conversations continue

Three law students from the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts give a presentation to Master of Fine Arts students at the University of Manitoba.

The event demonstrated that conversations about intellectual property belong not only in law schools, but also in studios, classrooms, and community spaces where art is made and shared.

The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts extends its sincere thanks to Janine Carmichael and Jackie Hope for their warm welcome and collaboration, and to the Master of Fine Arts students who participated so enthusiastically.

As the year continues, the Clinic looks forward to continuing outreach focused on intellectual property, creative rights, and helping artists protect and promote their work.

Free legal information and resources available

The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts serve artists, creatives, and arts and cultural organizations throughout Manitoba.  The Clinic is operated by law students at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law. All services provided by law students are supervised by experienced lawyers.

For more information about free information, resources and legal assistance available from the only clinic in Manitoba that provides free legal information and services tailored specifically to artists and arts organizations check out: Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts