“The Faculty of Law is fortunate to have many excellent law professors and practicing professionals; it is never easy to choose amongst them,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Schulz, chair of the teaching awards selection committee. “This year, Dr. Khoday and Ms. Fenske unanimously rose to the top. The selection committee was so impressed with both of their teaching prowess, dedication to students – in and outside of the classroom – and genuine love of teaching. They are truly very deserving recipients of their respective awards.”

Barney Sneiderman Award

The Barney Sneiderman Award honours a late beloved faculty member who taught Manitoba law students from 1969 until the year of his passing in 2006. Friends and family remember Barney as being eternally curious, confidently irreverent, and passionately interested in connecting with people from all walks of life. He was a devoted educator, in the classroom and beyond, through his writing (of academic texts and op-eds) and his speaking (on the radio and at conferences). He was a devoted husband and father to his wife and three children as well as an ardent educator. He strove for excellence in all he did and would be delighted to know that an award to recognize excellence in teaching was created in his name to foster the dedicated teachers who have followed his example with a love of learning.

Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, presents Dr. Amar Khoday with the 2025 Barney Sneiderman Award for Teaching Excellence.

Dr. Khoday joined the faculty in 2012 and is an associate editor and regular contributor to the Criminal Reports published by Thomson Reuters and is a co-author of the National Judicial Institute’s Criminal Essentials eLetter.

He earned his JD from the New England School of Law in Boston, and his LLM and Doctor of Civil Law from McGill University in Montreal.

He has won awards for both his teaching and research including the prestigious Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Humanities in 2021, and he previously won the Barney Sneiderman Award in 2020.

“I am tremendously honoured to have received this award again. This is in part due to the immense esteem many graduates and colleagues hold Barney Sneiderman,” said Khoday. “It is also gratifying that my approaches to teaching and excitement about the topics I address, resonate strongly for various people. Thank you to those who nominated me. Lastly, it is a privilege working in a faculty with so many colleagues who are thoughtful and devoted to their teaching.”

Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence for Sessional Instructors (Practising Professionals)

This award is given in recognition of professional commitment beyond the call of duty to the student experience, innovative teaching methods, development of instructional materials, coaching of students in competitions, or contributions to student development outside the classroom.

Dr. Richard Jochelson presents Allison Fenske with the 2025 Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Allison Fenske joined the Faculty of Law in 2023 as Clinical Counsel.

Caption: Dr. Richard Jochelson presents Allison Fenske with the 2025 Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence.Allison Fenske joined the Faculty of Law in 2023 as Clinical Counsel.

She is a member of the clinical practice team which includes acting as Director of the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre – a long-standing partnership with Legal Aid Manitoba providing law students with the opportunity to represent individuals who would not otherwise receive legal aid. She is also part of leading the newly formed International Human Rights Clinic. Allison has taught courses at the Faculty of Law as a sessional instructor.

Allison obtained her LLB from the University of Manitoba in 2007 and since then, her legal practice has primarily focused on human rights, administrative and constitutional law, navigating legal issues through a lens of social inclusion and advancing the rights of people and communities marginalized through state and systemic oppression.

Allison was also recognized this year at the University of Manitoba’s Student Teacher Recognition Reception (STRR) when Cody Buhay (3L) chose her as the educator who made the most impact on his post-secondary career.

“One of the Faculty’s greatest strengths is its innovative approach to experiential learning,” said Fenske. “It’s a privilege to support and empower students as they move from theory to practice, developing their legal skills and cultivating a commitment to access to justice. I am beyond honoured to receive this award, but the real reward is being a part of students’ learning journeys as they grow into formidable advocates.”

This year’s STRR reception was held on May 5, 2025 with Cody Buhay selected as the Faculty of Law’s Outstanding Student. In turn, Buhay chose his Grade 11 and 12 Math and Chemistry teacher, Sabrina NganTian-Angeles and UM Faculty of Law Clinical Counsel, Allison Fenske as teachers who had the most lasting impact on his education and life.

“Both of these teachers have taught me the same and valuable life lesson: the power of compassion,” Buhay said in his reception speech, explaining that he chose law as a career because he wanted to have a career where he could help people by using his critical thinking skills.  

He was drawn towards criminal defence law because it involved advocating for marginalized people who could not advocate for themselves. “The most important thing I’ve learned to best prepare to practice in this area of law is to have compassion for clients,” he said.

…Fenske taught me about the importance of compassion for clients when working as a lawyer. In her classroom, compassion was not just talked about. It was demonstrated.
– Cody Buhay, 3L

When he was chosen as the Faculty of Law’s most outstanding student for The Centre’s STRR event, Buhay chose NganTsen-Angeles and Fenske because they best taught him the power of compassion. In high school, Buhay shared that he was not a very good student. “I would describe myself as a bit of a trouble-maker back then. I tested patience and pushed boundaries. However, Madame NganTsen-Angeles never gave up on me. Instead of frustration, she met me with kindness and calm, day after day.”

In retrospect, he said, “I will always remember the kindness that Madame NganTsen-Angeles showed me and I will try to carry that forward to my future clients.”

STRR awards 2025 outstanding law student Cody Buhay (middle) with (left to right) Dr.  Jennifer L. Schulz, Faculty of Law Associate Dean (Academic), Sabrina NganTsen-Anderson (K-12), Allison Fenske (post-secondary) and Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, UM VP Academic.

When considering his post-secondary instructors, he realized that it was Fenske who best taught him about compassion. Fenske was his supervisor at the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre UMCLC during the summer after his second year of law school, and then taught him throughout his clinical experience course at UMCLC during his third year.

“[Allison] Fenske taught me about the importance of compassion for clients when working as a lawyer. In her classroom, compassion was not just talked about. It was demonstrated,” he said. “She taught me that being a good criminal defence lawyer means more than knowledge of the law. It means understanding your clients. Many come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. They might not trust easily or communicate clearly. Some may have things going on in their lives that prevent them from fully engaging in the legal process. Despite these challenges, these clients still deserve to be heard and understood.”

More than once, Fenske reminded him of the importance of compassion when working with specific clients. She especially reminded him to “give clients some grace and the benefit of the doubt.”

He concluded, “Both of these educators that I have spoken of tonight have taught me that compassion is not a weakness: it is a strength. And it is one I will carry with me as I pursue a career in law.”

Please watch Cody Buhay’s full speech (starting at 1:12:20) on the University of Manitoba’s YouTube Channel.

The conference began with a discussion of the impact of race and culture assessments (IRCAs) and detailed how defence attorneys can and should use these assessments to better support their racialized clients. This presentation provided an opportunity for meaningful discourse around the impact racial discrimination on many clients.

On the topic of individual vulnerabilities within clients, Legal Aid Manitoba staff lawyer Hillarie Tasche [LLM/24] shared statistics around adult sentence applications for youth offenders. Tasche spoke about the complexities of working with young people caught up in the criminal justice system and identified multiple gaps in the process and considerations for uniquely vulnerable and challenged youth.

Aliaa Al-Saadi [1L] found Tasche’s particularly informative, noting, “I really enjoyed the presentation on youth sentencing and found it incredibly insightful, particularly the issue of youth being sentenced as adults. Tasche highlighted individualized considerations that need to be understood and acknowledged throughout the process.”

The legendary Brian Greenspan spoke about the implications media and the public have on the standing presumption of innocence. Greenspan highlighted how impactful public perception can be during a trial. Many personal stories were shared of the turmoil that can ensue from media mishaps and the toll this can take on clients.

Other topics covered in this year’s conference included sentencing in drug cases, search warrants, and impeachment, alongside robust discussions of the role of the defence, the politicization of justice, and lawyering in modern times.

The open discourse and continuing education provided an excellent opportunity for law students interested in and heading into the practice of criminal law. Tanner Kornelsen [1L] was eager to attend the annual conference to get a deeper look into the profession. “The topics and speakers were informative on areas that we can’t delve into as much in class. The ‘Year in Review’ felt like a very real conversation with different criminal justice system perspectives. Overall, the event was good preparation for aspiring lawyers and an opportunity to engage with the wider professional community.”

The generous support of student attendance at the conference from both CDLAM and its member Kathy Bueti, K.C. [LLB/00] provided an eye-opening opportunity for students to explore the practice of law and reflects the faculty’s deep relationships with Manitoba’s legal community. Early participation of students in lawyers’ continuing education events introduces students to the importance of life-longing learning that is a hallmark of the legal profession.

Experiences like this are also a further complement to the valuable experiential learning opportunities available within the Faculty of Law, like the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre and student interest groups like the Criminal Law Group. Students interested in exploring further criminal law opportunities within the Faculty of Law can reach out to UMCLC Director Allison Fenske [LLB/07] and keep an eye out for upcoming events with the Criminal Law Group.

Supporting the Work: How new lawyers are being trained to overcome A2J barriers

Monday’s event, “Supporting the Work: How new lawyers are being trained to overcome A2J barriers”was presented by The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law and the Manitoba Bar Association’s Young Lawyers and Internationally Trained Lawyers sections. Panelists shared what legal supports are now becoming available for clients of diverse backgrounds including cultures, languages and faiths. Representatives from the three host organizations addressed what they are doing to train diverse lawyers who can help these diverse clients.

Panelists included Laurelle Harris, K.C., University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; Kayleigh Lafontaine, University College of the North; and Ayodeji Olunlade, Restall & Restall LLP  (Co-chair, MBA’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Section) with moderator Mercedes Ayala, Mitousis Lemieux Howard (Co-chair, MBA’s Young Lawyers’ Section).

Watch a recording of “Supporting the Work”.

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Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons

Tuesday’s webinar was on “Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons.” Geared to practicing lawyers and students, this session presented an overview as to what different organizations are doing, parole and record suspensions, resources for clients who are, or may be, incarcerated, and an overview of issues related to prison libraries and literature in provincial prisons.

Panelists included Leif Jensen, University of Manitoba Community Law Centre; Marc Kruse, Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services at the Faculty of Law; Liz McCandless, Senior Instructor and Director of Clinical Programming at the Faculty of Law; and Kirsten Wurmann, Manitoba Law Library, Manitoba Library Association. Allison Fenske, Clinical Counsel at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law and Director of the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre acted as Moderator.

Watch a recording of “Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons.”

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Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements

On Wednesday, October 30, the webinar “Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements”featured insights from both Crown and Defense perspectives. This session explored the powerful role these statements play in the justice system, highlighting some examples of how they can be used at sentencing hearings in Manitoba. Participants learned how these statements can give voice to both individual victims and affected communities.

Panelists included Kathrine Basarab, Manitoba Justice, Public Prosecutions; Caleigh Glawson, a criminal defence lawyer with Brodsky Amy & Gould; and Monique St. Germain, Canadian Centre for Child Protection Inc.

Watch a recording of “Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements”.

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Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation

The final webinar took place on Thursday, October 31, and featured “Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation.” The panel members represented three different provisions of family legal services and hailed from the Community Legal Education Association, Family Resolution Services and Legal Aid Manitoba. They provided an explanation of the different pathways through the separation process and options available to avoid or at least reduce the conflict and stress of a traditional lawyer / court dispute.   This webinar was of interest to the general public to learn what is involved in the separation process and what alternatives might suit a particular situation.

Panelists included Nina Holatova, Community Legal Education Association; Michael Williams, Manitoba Justice, Family Resolution Services; Peter Kingsley, KC, Executive Director, Legal Aid Manitoba.

Watch a recording of “Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation.”

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The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law is home to Manitoba’s Access to Justice Hub, which is an extension of the Director of Access to Justice and Community Engagement’s office at the Faculty of Law. The Hub’s blogspace is a central location for existing participants in the A2J network to connect to their community. 

The International Human Rights Clinic at the UM Faculty of Law opened this fall.

Fenske shared that through a combination of clinical projects and academic learning, “students are immersed in human rights work. By engaging with mechanisms that protect and promote human rights at the international, regional, and domestic levels, students gain hands-on experience while also developing practical skills in strategic advocacy, focusing on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges.”

For the 2024-2025 academic year, students in the IHRC can participate in one of four initial projects that align with the IHRC mission to advance human rights through collaborative research, experiential learning, advocacy and litigation.

Second-year law student Tréchelle Bunn is working on an IHRC project in partnership with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO). The project focuses on advocating for the rights and interests of the 33 First Nations in southern Manitoba that SCO represents.

A key part of Bunn’s project with SCO through the IHRC involved preparing for and participating in the United Nations Second intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council on concrete ways to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the Council. The Second Intersessional Meeting was held from October 17 to 18 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Left to right: Chief Kurvis Anderson (Pinaymootang First Nation), Tréchelle Bunn (2L), Peter MacDougall (Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva), Grand Chief Jerry Daniels [BA (Economics)/08] (Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc.), and Chief Wayne Desjarlais (Ebb and Flow First Nation).

During the meeting, Bunn delivered four key interventions before the Human Rights Council on behalf of SCO, offering specific recommendations on how the Council can enhance Indigenous Peoples’ participation in its work. In one intervention, Bunn emphasized the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ involvement in the work of the Human Rights Council and all UN mechanisms, stating, “There should be no forum where UN bodies and entities are discussing the rights of Indigenous Peoples without the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples.”

In addition to advocating at the Second Intersessional Meeting, Bunn attended the 89^th Session of the United Nation’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Bunn also had the opportunity to attend a reception at the Permanent Mission of Canada in Geneva, where she connected with Canada’s CEDAW Delegation and Peter MacDougall, the new Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN Office at Geneva.

Reflecting on her experience, Bunn shared, “It was inspiring to be among Indigenous leaders from around the globe, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a human rights advocate. I am so grateful to SCO and for the opportunity to be part of the IHRC, where I can combine my passion for advocating for my community and all Indigenous Peoples with the chance to build a solid foundation in human rights law through the seminar portion of the course.”

Through experiences like Bunn’s, the IHRC is building meaningful partnerships with community organizations and showcasing its commitment to providing law students with the education and hands-on experience essential for a future in human rights law and advocacy.

Leverick was based at the Legal Aid Manitoba Northern Area Office in Thompson, MB, working under the supervision of staff lawyer Ian McAmmond and Supervising Attorney, Mario Santos. At Robson Hall, Leverick reported back to Allison Fenske [LLB/2007], the Faculty of Law’s Clinical Counsel and Director of the University of Manitoba’s Community Law Centre (aka the Legal Aid Clinic, or UMCLC).

Fenske, who previously worked as a lawyer at Legal Aid’s Public Interest Law Centre, said, “UMCLC is pleased to support the Northern Externship. Thompson is a dynamic place where students can build important legal skills while also contributing to increasing access to justice for Northern communities. There is no shortage of incredible opportunities to be had when students look beyond Winnipeg’s perimeter.”

Upon returning to Winnipeg to finish law school, Leverick kindly shared his summer experiences, and some stunning photos of Northern Manitoba.

How did you learn about this externship opportunity and what motivated you to apply for it?

I learned about this externship opportunity from Mike Walker, the former supervisor of the UMCLC law clinic. Both Mike and the current UMCLC supervisor, Allison Fenske, encouraged me to take on this opportunity as my understanding is it was the first time this was offered at Robson Hall. I already have a keen interest in criminal law from my time at UMCLC and the opportunity to work up north would have been an amazing experience to see how the law works in the farthest-reaching corners of the province. I also previously worked up north and was excited to go back to a place I had fond memories of. The externship, combined with a research paper, counts as 15 credits as well which is an entire semester of law school where you get to apply your legal knowledge in a courtroom!

Where were you based and in which communities did you work? Did you have to travel around – and how (planes, trains, automobiles, boat)?

I was based out of the Thompson Legal Aid office. The Thompson Court serves around 15 circuit communities. Most of these communities are far away from Thompson, with only two being circuits to which you drive to. I had the opportunity to attend court in Nelson House, Norway House, Split Lake, Shamattawa, and Churchill. Some circuits, we drove to, like Nelson House and Split Lake. Others, the court party would all fly together on a tiny plane like to Churchill and Shamattawa! Often, court would be held in a facility that was available like the Legion or the band hall. It was definitely the most interesting commute to work I’ve had in awhile!

Brandon Leverick, 3L, commuting to work during his summer job: an externship with the Legal Aid Manitoba Thompson office.

What sort of tasks were you given to do?

Every day, you could find me assisting duty counsel in the Thompson Court House with bails and remands. Sometimes, I would assist people who wanted to resolve their matters with a disposition. The lawyers who supervised me also got me involved with some files where I drafted motions and wrote research memoranda. While I was on circuit, I often assisted with first appearances where I took Legal Aid applications and, if individuals wanted to resolve, assisted them as duty counsel.

I also learned a lot about the realities of the north and access to justice issues Indigenous peoples face on a daily basis. This, for me, further grounded why law schools need courses such as Indigenous Methodologies and Perspectives. – Brandon Leverick, 3L

What do you think you learned by the end compared to what you knew when you started?

I learned so much about the bail process. Applying the legal tests on what grounds someone can be denied for bail and devising appropriate bail plans to address these concerns was something I had no experience with before the summer. I also learned a lot about the realities of the north and access to justice issues Indigenous peoples face on a daily basis. This, for me, further grounded why law schools need courses such as Indigenous Methodologies and Perspectives. I also learned a lot of problem-solving skills. I think the justice system as a whole is doing what they can with little resources, but this is especially evident in the north. The lawyers who work up there really go above and beyond to do what they can with what they have, and then some more, because they really do care about their community.

A glimpse of Pisew Falls on the Grass River, second highest waterfall in Manitoba, 74km south of Thompson. Photo by Brandon Leverick, 3L.

Are there any courses you recommend students take before embarking on this externship?

I highly recommend students consider volunteering for the UMCLC law clinic if they are thinking about taking on this externship. I would also recommend they take courses in criminal law, such as Criminal Justice, Family Law, and Indigeneity and Charter Issues in Criminal Law. Ultimately, I think extracurricular volunteering where you can practice your interviewing, writing, research, and issue-spotting skills will be best preparation for the Northern Externship. I would highly recommend anyone who wants practical experience to consider this opportunity!

The UMCLC is part of a long-standing partnership between Legal Aid Manitoba (LAM) and the University of Manitoba. In 2022, the UMCLC and LAM reaffirmed their commitment to increasing access to justice in Manitoba by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining plans for expanding UMCLC services, including the establishment of a Prison Law Clinic.

The newly established UMCLC Prison Law Clinic offers a wide range of legal services to incarcerated individuals at Stony Mountain Institution, and other federal correctional settings within Manitoba. These services include representation in both institutional grievances and disciplinary proceedings, matters arising under the Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations and Corrections and Conditional Release Act, and other legal services addressing incarcerated persons’ conditions of confinement.

The clinic also aims to respond to the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples within Canada’s prison system, an issue that is particularly acute in Manitoba. Through engagement with Indigenous Peoples, representative organizations and governments, Allison Fenske, UMCLC Director and Supervising Attorney of the Prison Law Clinic, worked to ensure that the clinic’s design and delivery would be responsive to the priorities and needs of Indigenous people incarcerated at Stony Mountain Institution.

In addition to Fenske, the Prison Law Clinic team is comprised of Leif Jensen, Prison Law Staff Lawyer, Chanelle Lajoie, Prison Law Articling Student and Tréchelle Bunn (1L), Prison Law Summer Student. In September, the clinic will welcome a new cohort of law students to a clinic externship. 

Bunn, who has just completed her first year at the Faculty of Law, was eager to join the UMCLC Prison Law Clinic.

“The overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s prison system and working to combat this issue has been the driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in law,” said Bunn. “Being able to gain first-hand experience working in a diverse legal area such as prison law and assist in addressing a critical gap in access to justice is both vital and meaningful.”

The establishment of the Prison Law Clinic also aligns with the goals of the University of Manitoba’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029, particularly under the theme of “Empowering Learners,” as the clinic “provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with one of the most marginalized groups within the legal system, strengthening and empowering their sense of social responsibility in addressing systemic law reform issues within the carceral system,” said Fenske. “Prison law also incorporates a unique mix of criminal, civil, administrative, and human rights law, so students are immersed into diverse legal areas with the intention of stimulating interest and expertise in prison law.”

The UMCLC and the Prison Law Clinic are made possible with the generous support of the Manitoba Law Foundation. The project was also partially funded by UM’s the Strategic Initiatives Support Fund. The Prison Law Clinic is currently operating as a one-year pilot program, but based on anticipated success, the clinic hopes to expand to include provincial prisons in the future. 

Through ongoing efforts such as the Prison Law Clinic, UMCLC, and LAM continue to make meaningful strides in promoting access to justice and upholding the rights of all individuals across Manitoba, including those who are incarcerated.

On November 15, 2023, the case Yatar v. TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, 2022 ONCA 446 (CanLII), was appealed before the Supreme Court of Canada. Faculty of Law clinical counsel Allison Fenske [LLB/2007] had been involved in the case as part of her work for Legal Aid Manitoba’s Public Interest Law Centre, which had been retained to intervene on behalf of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg and the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. Appearing with fellow PILC lawyer Natalie Copps [LLB/2019], Fenske delivered the oral submissions to the Court.

Another intervenor party in the case, the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) has provided a comprehensive, plain-language summary of the case on its website in the September 18, 2023 article “Social Assistance recipients need meaningful access to judicial review: Upcoming Supreme Court Case”.

In summary, Ms. Yatar was injured in a car accident. Initially, her insurer paid accident benefits but later denied all benefits. Ms. Yatar applied to the Licencing Appeal Tribunal to dispute the insurer’s denial. The Tribunal found that her application was late and statute-barred based on a two-year limitation period. Ms. Yatar commenced an appeal and a judicial review application together before the Divisional Court. The legislation contains a right of appeal on questions of law only.

This case is important before the SCC because it raises questions about access to judicial review of administrative tribunal decisions, and whether judicial review would only be available in “rare cases” where legislation contains a limited right of appeal.

According to Fenske, “Our clients were concerned about how this decision might affect social assistance recipients in Manitoba, who can appeal government decisions about their benefits to the Social Services Appeal Board (SSAB), but then have a very limited statutory appeal of these SSAB decisions – they can only appeal to the Manitoba Court of Appeal, with leave, on questions of law. Our clients wanted to ensure that the needs of marginalized and vulnerable litigants were considered by the Court.”

Through her work as clinical counsel at Robson Hall, Fenske realised her work on the case could yield a hands-on opportunity for Rights Clinic students Raven Richards (3L) and Tori Zillman (3L) to help with. While the PILC lawyers had already filed their written materials, the oral hearing still needed to be prepared. This included a need to review all written submissions of all parties and intervenors of whom there were 13, (Appellant, two Respondents, and 10 other intervenors) plus the replies of the Appellant and Respondents). Oral submissions also needed to be prepared.

“Being able to help out, even in a small way, was an invaluable opportunity as I now have a foundational understanding about what intervening at the Supreme Court of Canada entails, and will be able to recall this experience if my work calls for it in the future.”  – Raven Richards (3L)

“The students helped prepare summaries of the intervenor submissions and how their arguments interacted without our clients’ argument,” Fenske explained. “They were invited to attend legal team meetings to discuss strategy, and were also included in a moot that we arranged – my practice with appellate matters to run a moot of the argument – in this case before a couple retired Manitoba Court of Appeal judges and the rest of the legal team.”

“I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to have had some level of involvement with this file,” said Richards, a third-year law student working with the Rights Clinic. “This practical learning experience showed me and my colleague, Tori, just how much effort, preparation, and collaboration is involved in the intervening process. Being able to help out, even in a small way, was an invaluable opportunity as I now have a foundational understanding about what intervening at the Supreme Court of Canada entails, and will be able to recall this experience if my work calls for it in the future.” 

At the time that the Supreme Court hearing arose, Fenske said the Rights Clinic students were working on a project regarding court interventions. “It was great timing to have an intervention before the SCC during their Rights Clinic course,” she said. “They provided important insights around the arguments that would be made before the SCC, fresh perspectives on our clients’ argument, and were a welcome addition to the legal team.”

In the meantime, the parties await Canada’s highest court’s decision on the matter, which is expected in the New Year. “Our arguments were well received by the court and our clients are looking forward to the SCC’s decision in the matter,” said Fenske.

A graduate of the Robson Hall, Fenske was called to the bar in 2008. After beginning her legal career with Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, she joined Legal Aid Manitoba’s Public Interest Law Centre in 2015 and has represented residential school survivors, First Nations organizations, and equity-deserving groups. She taught courses on women and the law and the Canadian legal system at the University of Winnipeg and gender and the law at the University of Manitoba. In 2013, she received the Manitoba Bar Association Pro Bono Award, which is awarded to lawyers or firms for the donation of professional services towards the enhancement of access of public interest legal services in Manitoba. In 2016, Fenske was commended by the Clerk of the Executive Council for her work on behalf of patients seeking medical assistance in dying for which she also received the Manitoba Bar Association Access to Justice Award.

Fenske has appeared before all levels of courts in Manitoba, the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as numerous provincial and federal administrative tribunals. She has served, and continues to serve as a presiding member of the Housing Cooperatives Appeal Tribunals.

For Fenske, taking on the position of a clinical instructor at Robson Hall is a sort of homecoming. As a student here, she was a Solomon Greenberg finalist and top oralist (2^nd) at the Wilson Moot. “These experiential learning opportunities were foundational in developing my skills as a litigator,” she explained.

In addition to court work, Fenske has co-authored publications in the areas of access to justice and public interest litigation including “Justice Starts Here: A one-stop approach for achieving greater justice in Manitoba,” Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2017 and “Wheels of Justice: Reflections from the Public Interest Law Centre of Legal Aid Manitoba,” published in the book Public Interest Litigation in Canada, edited by Cheryl Milne and Kent Roach, 2019 (LexisNexis: Toronto) and Supreme Court Law Review, 90:2.

“I have focused my advocacy work on navigating legal issues through an intersectional feminist and social inclusion lens on behalf of people and communities marginalized through state and systemic oppression,” said Fenske, describing the path she has taken since leaving Robson Hall.

Having focused her legal practice in public law (including in the areas of human rights, constitutional and Aboriginal law), and administrative law, Fenske brings much-needed focus to teach students how to litigate in these areas. Her experience working for Legal Aid Manitoba makes her a perfect fit to be returning to the Manitoba Law Foundation-supported UMCLC. The University of Manitoba’s Strategic Initiatives Support Fund’s investment in the forthcoming international human rights clinic is also in good hands as Fenske gets settled at Robson Hall.