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.

In 2022/23 students from the Robson Hall Rights clinic, under the supervision of [Elizabeth McCandless, Director of Clinics] undertook research for their “client” the Manitoba Eco-Network. This research was part of MbEN’s Healthy Environment, Healthy Neighbourhood (HEHN) project, which tabled a Final Report in 2023.

One of the final recommendations contained in the Final Report (available on the MbEN’s website site, with acknowledgment of the students included), was for MB to adopt Anti-SLAPP legislation. The Final Report was developed based on community feedback and the research of the students and the project team.

Mackenzie Cardinal [JD/23] who clerked at the Alberta Court of Appeal in Calgary and is now an associate at Osler, was one of the contributing student researchers when completing an externship at the Rights Clinic during his final year of law school.

One of the first students to work for the Rights Clinic, Cardinal described it as “an excellent opportunity to undertake research that would have an impact in the community.”

Cardinal explained that working on this project appealed to his interest in civil litigation. “The project gave me the opportunity to research a relativity new procedural mechanism that had been tried and tested in other jurisdictions, but had yet to be adopted in Manitoba. This was interesting for two reasons: 

1. It allowed me to analyze the Rules of Court and determine whether the current rules (e.g., 25.11) sufficiently addressed anti-SLAPP suits. 
2. The fact that anti-SLAPP legislation had already been enacted in Ontario and British Columbia put us in a beneficial position. Rather than anticipating where weak spots may arise with the legislation, we were able to turn to the existing case law and academic commentary to determine more clearly what was (and was not) working with the existing legislation. I think this allowed for more pointed recommendations.”

Students were tasked with reviewing the case law and academic commentary on anti-SLAPP legislation and provide a recommendation on whether Manitoba should adopt such legislation. 

MbEN continued to bring up this recommendation when meeting with elected officials over the past few years and it has been one of the NGO’s top law reform recommendations. 

Bill 23 was introduced in Spring 2025 and was held over by the Opposition until the fall sitting. Everything from the Bill’s 2nd reading to Royal Assent, including committee review, happened in the October, 2025. 

MbEN connected with the Department in August 2025, [we] met with the Minister of Justice in early Oct 2025 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Bill. The Minister supported our amendment, as did the Opposition, so [we] ended up with the exact version of Anti-SLAPP legislation the students identified as best practice in their research and we ultimately recommended in our report. 

The bill passed on November 6, 2025 on the last day of the session.

“As a client of the Rights Clinic, the Manitoba Eco Network found that the students’ research was useful and helpful, directly supported law reform research and advocacy, and played a role in getting the Bill actually passed,” said Fast, who is the Policy Advocacy Director for the MbEN. “There should be more opportunities for students like this and we’re an example of how this type of collaboration can be successful and lead to improving access to justice.”

Upon learning that the research the students did, directly contributed to a successful law reform initiative, Cardinal said, “It is quite a rewarding feeling to know that Justin [Vermette] [JD/23] and I contributed, even in a small way, to the passage of this legislation. Hopefully, this legislation will have a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of Manitobans, empowering them to more effectively enforce their rights through the court system.”

Cardinal added that having this opportunity as a law student in the formative stages of his legal career was very fulfilling. “As law students, it’s easy to perceive the law as some kind of immutable thing that we must simply accept as it is. However, this experience is a reminder that the law is not static and that we, as future legal professionals, can influence and shape it.” 

Founded in 1992, the goal of The Wilson Moot is to explore legal issues concerning women and minorities, and promote the education of students and the legal profession in these areas. Past topics chosen for Wilson Moot problems include Charter implications of the taxation scheme for child support payments, freedom of religion in the context of state-funded education, and a challenge to the anti-terrorism provisions of the Criminal Code.

Manitoba competed in a group of 15 teams from across Canada and Australia. The University of Toronto won, with Osgoode Hall Law School (York) placing second and Bond University (Queensland, Australia), third. A University of British Columbia student won the Peter W. Hogg Memorial Prize (Top Oralist) and Thompson Rivers University won top team facta.

Team Manitoba consisted of Avery Alexiuk (2L), Tess Poulton (2L), Maia Bacchus (3L), Kirsten Nynych (3L), who were coached by Madison Pearlman [JD/18] (Law Society of Manitoba), and Charles Murray (Manitoba Justice, Constitutional Law section). The Moot gave each student the chance to watch oral advocacy and creative problem-solving in action, and allowed them to engage in honing their own advocacy skills at the Federal Court.

“The Wilson Moot was a wonderful opportunity to practice our oral and written advocacy skills,” said Nynych. “We gained valuable feedback from our extremely dedicated coaches who also brought in several guest judges leading up to the competition. I think the Wilson moot in particular, broadened our view of how Charter claims may change as society develops and enabled us to make creative and novel arguments because of how the problem was framed.”

“This experience has affirmed how much I enjoy legal advocacy, and I’m excited to keep developing as an advocate and representing the university of Manitoba in the Laskin moot during my 3L year,” said Poulton.

In a LinkedIn post, Team Manitoba’s Avery Alexiuk reflected on this “unforgettable experience arguing complex Charter issues alongside some of the brightest legal minds from across Canada and abroad.”

“I am incredibly proud of our team for our hard work, perseverance, and commitment over the past few months,” said Alexiuk. “Our performances would not have been possible without our coaches, Charles Murray and Madison Pearlman. We are so grateful for your time, guidance and unwavering support!”

Speaking on behalf of the coaches, Pearlman said, “Coaching the Wilson Moot this year, alongside my co-coach Charles Murray, was such an exciting opportunity and a fulfilling experience. It was great to work with a passionate and committed team of students and to support them in developing and honing their advocacy skills. Mooting is an invaluable, practical learning experience for students and helps to prepare them for their future legal careers. Robson Hall’s return to the Wilson Moot this year was not only a chance for this year’s students to engage with complex Charter rights issues and social policy matters, it hopefully opened the door for future students to do the same.”

Alexiuk also thanked moot program coordinators, Professor Darcy MacPherson and Director of Clinics Elizabeth McCandless for support and resources, as well as members of the Manitoba legal community who served as guest judges at practice sessions.

Meet the Summer Team

This summer’s cohort of dedicated law students brings diverse academic backgrounds and professional experiences to the Clinics, enhancing their ability to assist clients effectively.

Rachel Buchwald (2L) BHSt

Rachel Buchwald (2L) BHSt

Rachael is a law student heading into her second-year at the University of Manitoba, holding a Bachelor of Health Studies (Distinction) with a concentration in Health Policy, Program Planning, and Evaluation. She has a growing interest in business law and is enthusiastic about contributing to an organization that supports and strengthens the Manitoba business community. Rachael has a background in the performing arts and brings extensive experience engaging with local non-profit arts organizations, which she looks forward to drawing upon in her work with the Clinic this summer.

Reece Cymbalisty (2L) BSc

Reece Cymbalisty (2L) BSc

Reece Cymbalisty began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Calgary before pursuing legal studies at the University of Manitoba. With extensive experience in the energy sector at a leading oil and gas company, Reece brings a unique combination of technical expertise and legal knowledge to the clinic. He is passionate about intellectual property law and emerging technologies and eager to help entrepreneurs protect and leverage their innovations.

“Having led projects implementing new automated drilling technology across Western Canada, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the intersection of technology and law. I’m excited to apply my technical background and legal education to help local businesses navigate intellectual property challenges and contribute to Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem,” says Reece.

Meagan Gillis (2L), B.Comm

Meagan Gillis (2L), B.Comm

Meagan holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and is eager to support the internal operations of the clinics having completed her first year of law school.

Cole Hutchison (2L)  B.Comm (Hons)

Cole Hutchison (2L)  B.Comm (Hons)

Interested in corporate law, Cole brings his finance background and leadership experience as Vice President of the Student Business Law Group to his work in the Clinics, ensuring clients receive practical, hands-on legal support.

Lee Margolis (2L) B.Comm (Hons)

Lee Margolis (2L) B.Comm (Hons)

Prior to attending Robson Hall, Lee completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) at the Asper School of Business, double majoring in Finance and Marketing. He is excited to work with clients of the L. Kerry Vickar Clinic to help them overcoming legal obstacles this summer.

Donald Plant (2L), BA

Donald Plant (2L), BA

Prior to attending law school, Donald completed a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Political Science at the University of Manitoba, before temporarily working in government. With a strong passion for both the business and arts sectors within the province, he is driven and excited to provide legal assistance to help Manitobans thrive.

“Manitoba is home to a vibrant community of incredible entrepreneurs and artists. Both the Business Law Clinic and the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts provide a unique opportunity for these entrepreneurs and artists to receive legal services and advice which may otherwise be unavailable due to certain barriers. I am looking forward to promoting further awareness of both clinics, developing my skills, while also helping various businesses and artists within the province to succeed,” says Donald. 

Emily Trottier (2L) BA

Emily Trottier (2L) BA

Emily is a second-year law student at the University of Manitoba. Prior to law school, Emily completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies, and alsoworked for the Government of Manitoba’s Public Service Commission. With her background working in the community, Emily is excited to assist artists, non-profits, and entrepreneurs. 

Supporting Manitoba’s Entrepreneurial and Creative Sectors

The Clinics continue to aim to make legal services more accessible, particularly for entrepreneurs, small businesses, start-ups, innovators and family businesses, non-profits, charities, artists, art, culture, and community organizations who do not have a lawyer and cannot afford legal assistance, navigate complex legal challenges.

At the same time. law students gain valuable practical experience in various areas of the law, including corporate, commercial, non-profit, and intellectual property working directly with clients under the supervision of experienced lawyers.

This aligns with the Faculty of Law’s goal of expanding access to justice programs so that all Manitobans can access quality legal help regardless of their socio-economic status.

The Clinics’ summer operations are made possible through generous support from The Marcel A. Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and Law, as well as the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada IP Clinics Program, and the Manitoba Law Foundation.

—

Edwin Arthur Braid, C.M., Q.C. (1934 – 2020), also known as ‘Art’, was a beloved former Dean and Professor at Robson Hall, the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law. He was also a graduate of the UM Faculty of Law, class of 1960. Art was widely respected for his kindness, intellectual rigor, and dedication to teaching, but above all, he was deeply passionate about business law. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of law students, particularly through the Art Braid Business Law Case Competition.

Robson Hall’s Business Law Group, organizers of the 2025 Art Braid Business Law Case Competition.

The Business Law Group (BLG), a student group focused on corporate and commercial law at Robson Hall, first introduced the competition two years ago as a way to offer students a practical learning experience in transactional practice. The event, which continues to be a resounding success, has led to a continued partnership with the Marcel A. Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and the Law, allowing the BLG to run the competition for its third consecutive year.

The competition was a valuable opportunity to engage students in the process of legal reasoning, a central value for Art Braid. Teams of two to four students were given a hypothetical contract and asked to identify any red flags, legal issues that could potentially render the contract void, and propose any creative or necessary changes. Students presented their solutions to a panel of judges made up of experienced lawyers from the Manitoba Bar.

Following the presentations, attendees gathered in the Northern Lights Lounge at TDS for refreshments and remarks, culminating in the announcement of the winning team.

Professor Darcy MacPherson gives a moving tribute to Art Braid.

Darcy MacPherson, a Professor at Robson Hall and Research Director at the Desautels Centre, shared heartfelt comments about Art Braid’s lasting impact on the law community. Professor MacPherson emphasized Art’s passion for corporate and commercial law and his unwavering belief in preparing students for the business world. He also highlighted Art’s commitment to pro bono work and his philosophy of giving back: “There’s something special about using your legal skills to help those in need. That was the essence of Art Braid – he freely gave his time and expertise to help others.”

The judges noted that this year’s competition was exceptionally close, with all teams displaying outstanding reasoning and presentation skills. Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Art Braid Business Law Case Competition: Jordan Wagner (3L), Eric Wagner (1L), and William Ho (1L), who triumphed over the finalists: Eric Martin (1L), Tyler Rubigny (1L), Thomas James-Davies (1L), and Alessandro Imbrogno (1L).

Jordan Wagner (3L) presents his team’s case to judges at the 3rd annual Art Braid Cup.

Feedback from the student participants was overwhelmingly positive, and the BLG is excited to continue refining the competition in the years ahead.

The BLG extends its deepest gratitude to the family and friends of Art Braid, whose ongoing support helps sustain his legacy. We also offer sincere thanks to the Marcel A. Desautels Centre for its generous funding, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman for hosting the event, Professor Darcy MacPherson for his moving tribute to Art, Dr. Laura Reimer, Program Director of the Desautels Centre, Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, and the Faculty of Law for their unwavering support. Additionally, we would like to thank the competition judges – Steven Dressler [JD/21] (MLT Aikins), Celyna Yu [JD/22] (TDS), Don MacDonald [LLB/83] (Pitblado), and Caroline Christie [BA/12 (UM), JD/16 (UND)] (Pitblado)  – for their time and expertise. Finally, our appreciation goes to the entire BLG Executive team and all the students who participated, making this year’s competition a continued success.

Without the ongoing support of these individuals and organizations, the Art Braid Business Law Case Competition would not have grown into what it has become in these three short years.

This year, the Kawaskimhon did a number of things differently. Instead of conducting negotiations between the colonial government and Indigenous people, it involved all Indigenous organizations negotiating a treaty amongst themselves. As well, table awards were given out for the first time to honour team work at each table. Manitoba’s team of Lathlin and Jackson brought home one of those table awards.

The specific problem at this year’s moot involved each team representing an Indigenous community coming together to protect the water. As Dreilich-Girard explained, each table consisted of six teams, each representing different Indigenous organizations and governments, all with the goal of protecting the Lake Winnipeg Watershed. “Throughout the negotiation, we worked to move beyond colonial legal frameworks, and opted to create a Water Treaty inspired by the Buffalo Treaty. This treaty recognized principles such as kinship, reciprocity, respect, relationships, regeneration, and responsibility. It also integrated ceremony as a way of honoring and upholding these commitments.”

“In creating the treaty, we acknowledged and recognized the ongoing work being done in community such as the great work being done at the Turtle Lodge. We emphasized the need for a Grandmothers’ Council and ensured that the treaty, along with all related documents and communications, would be available in the languages of all signatory nations. Additionally, we called for the renewal of relationships and commitments to be marked during the solstice. One of the most significant aspects of our treaty was Article #7, which spoke about the importance of future generations being included in all discussions and decisions, with an open seat at every discussion and gathering to welcome new community members and individuals who wish to join the conversation.”

Dreilich-Girard observed that “This opportunity saw us utilize what we’ve learned in the classroom while integrating ceremony and teachings.”

Kawaskimhon Team Manitoba (left to right): Coach Marc Kruse [JD/15], Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services; Mary-Charlet-Lathlin (3L); (back left) Raven Morrisseau (2L); Chloe Dreilich-Girard (2L); Janell Jackson (2L); Coach Daniel Diamond, Assistant Professor, UM Law.

Thanking her teammates, Dreilich-Girard said, “Together, we successfully mirrored the partnership our “clients” have, and navigated the negotiation process while supporting each other’s visions and goals.

The moot’s keynote speaker was Aimée Craft, a Full Professor at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Common Law, who holds the University of Ottawa Research Chair Nibi miinawaa aki inaakonigewin: Indigenous governance in relationship with land and water. Her talk highlighted the “incredible work being done by communities to protect water, including the development of a Water Treaty,” said Dreilich-Girard.

The team thanked their coaches Kruse and Diamond for their support throughout the Kawaskimhon including bringing them Thunder Bay’s iconic Persian donuts.

Finally, Dreilich-Girard extended kihchi marsii to her and Morrisseau’s table moderator, Jamie McGinnis, Manager of Legal Services, Human Rights Legal Support Centre in Thunder Bay. “Her guidance was instrumental in helping us navigate the negotiation with respect, reciprocity, kinship, relationships, regeneration, and responsibility all in mind.”

“It takes a village to coach a Moot Team,” Clarke observed, remarking on the generosity and dedication of the Manitoba legal community to help train the next generation of lawyers. From the beginning of January until the team left for Toronto, Clarke said they practiced twice a week at the Manitoba Court of Appeal in front of five panels of Crown and defence lawyers, and a panel of Provincial Court Judges. “The final practice panel was in front of three Manitoba Court of Appeal Justices, including the Chief Justice of Manitoba, The Honourable Marianne Rivoalen, herself,” said Clarke.

The Gale Cup has been Canada’s premier appellate moot on criminal and constitutional law since 1974.  The assigned moot problem for 2025 was R v Bykovets, 2024 SCC 6, focussing on Section 8 of the Charter, in particular, the privacy of IP addresses of Canadians. While Manitoba did not bring home any prizes, Clarke said, “I think I speak for everyone when I say we walked away with something much more practical than a prize – a fantastic learning experience to add to our resumes and tool kits as we prepare for articling interviews, and articling for Denise.”

In a LinkedIn post, Harris expressed pride in the team’s work. “I would like to thank my co-counsel, Derek Zaporzan, and my teammates Kaitlyn Clarke, Andrew Bergen, and Denise Sarmiento for their hard work, effort, and support throughout our preparation,” he wrote. “I’m incredibly proud of our determination, creativity, and progress over the past few months and of the advocacy skills we have honed along the way.”

Clarke and Sameer expressed deepest thanks to their coaches, Smith and Queau-Guzzi, on behalf of the team. “We are deeply grateful for your guidance, feedback, tireless effort, and unwavering dedication since our very first meeting. Your impact on our skills and professional development will extend far beyond this competition,” Harris wrote.

In addition to acknowledging the contributions of numerous lawyers and justices who took time out of their busy schedules to help with practices, the team also thanked University of Manitoba Faculty of Law moot coordinators, Professor Darcy MacPherson and Director of Clinics, Elizabeth McCandless, for their support and guidance.

Jurists of Robson Hall

In 2022, Dean Richard Jochelson created the honour “Jurist of Robson Hall,” to recognize members of the legal community for their extraordinary service and commitment to the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, be it through teaching or other contributions to Manitoba’s law school. This year’s Jurists were:

• The Honourable Marianne Rivoalen, Chief Justice of Manitoba
• The Honourable Glenn D. Joyal, Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba
• The Honourable Ryan Rolston, Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba [LLB/99]
• Andrew Torbiak [JD/15]
• Heather L. Wadsworth [JD/15]

Learn more about the Jurists of Robson Hall on the Faculty of Law website.

Faculty of Law Alumni Awards

The 2024 Faculty of Law Alumni Award recipients: The Honourable Catherine Carlson, Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba [BA/83; LLB/86], Outstanding Alumni Award; and Kevin Sharma [JD/19; LLM/22], Emerging Leader Award

At the annual Spring Reception, the Faculty of Law also presented its 2024 Alumni Awards to two accomplished UM Law graduates in the categories of Outstanding Alumni and Emerging Leader. This year’s recipients were:

• The Honourable Catherine Carlson, Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba [BA/83; LLB/86], Outstanding Alumni Award
• Kevin Sharma [JD/19; LLM/22], Emerging Leader Award

Judge Carlson was presented her award by her colleague, Judge Rolston, whose glowing introduction of the President of the American Judges Association gave valuable insights into her many contributions and achievements that make her an Outstanding Alum of the UM Faculty of Law.

Sharma was introduced by his colleague at the Manitoba Financial Services Agency, Leigh Anne Mercier [LLB/94], who perfectly encapsulated Sharma’s exceptional characteristics of always learning, helping, and giving back to community.

Learn more about these two alumni in the Faculty of Law’s announcement regarding the 2024 Alumni Reward recipients.

Clinical Learning and Supervising Awards

Director of Clinics, Elizabeth McCandless [LLB/07; LLM/20] announced two inaugural awards that celebrate excellence in clinical learning and teaching. The Wolseley Law LLP Award for Student Clinical Excellence was presented earlier this spring to third-year law student Mary-Charlet Lathlin, who completed an externship with the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre (UMCLC).

The UM Faculty of Law Clinical Supervisor Award was presented to Shasta Benaim [JD/14], a staff lawyer at Legal Help Centre, one of the Faculty’s externship placements.

Manitoba Law Foundation $4.5M grant announced

Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, and Erin Wilcott, Executive Director, Manitoba Law Foundation

Dean Jochelson invited Erin Wilcott, Executive Director of the Manitoba Law Foundation to share the news of three new transformational bursaries created out of a $4.5M grant given to the Faculty.

The bursaries were designed to address systemic barriers in legal education and to support students whose lived experiences have placed them at a disadvantage in pursuing legal education. By prioritizing need and lived experience over conventional academic metrics, these bursaries represent a bold step toward a more inclusive and representative legal profession in Manitoba. Prospective applicants include JD, MHR, LLM, and ITL students who meet the Manitoba residency requirement (as defined by Manitoba Health coverage).

The three bursaries include:

• Truth & Reconciliation Bursary
• Equity & Transformation Bursary
• Northern, Remote & Rural Access to Justice Bursary

The news of the bursaries was announced in the May 14 edition of the Free Press. Prospective applicants are invited to complete a pre-application form between now and July.

Indigenous Law Student and Artist Unveils Inspiring Mural

Indigenous Artist Jessie Canard (2L) with her newly unveiled mural titled “Turtle Island” located at Robson Hall outside the MILSA office.

The last item on the agenda was the introduction of Indigenous artist Jessie Canard (2L) who had recently completed a work of art commissioned by the Faculty of Law and the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association. Located at the foot of Robson Hall’s west stairwell in front of the MILSA office, the work is a mural titled Turtle Island, which depicts the Turtle from the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings. According to the Artist Statement, the mural’s purpose is “to brighten the space and make it feel more welcoming for all those who pass by.”

—–

Each year, the Spring Reception allows the Faculty of Law the opportunity to celebrate and thank all the practicing professional instructors, volunteers, mentors and coaches who contribute their time, knowledge and effort to educating future members of the legal profession and to helping Manitoba’s law school get the job done.

“Wolseley Law is really happy to have the opportunity to inaugurate this award,” said Gerrit Theule [JD/15], founding partner at Wolseley Law, LLP. “Clinical student participation embodies everything that I think that a modern lawyer should strive for, including furthering access to justice, taking steps towards advancing Reconciliation on behalf of the profession, and striving to continually learn ways to help members of the community.”

Reflecting on his own experience as a student at Robson Hall, he added, “I wouldn’t be the lawyer that I am today – heck Wolseley Law wouldn’t even exist – without my experience at Legal Help Centre’s clinic. These clinical opportunities offered by Robson Hall aren’t only excellent learning opportunities, they’re also critical to serving immediate access to justice needs in the province, and to forming a better legal profession in the long run.”

McCandless said, “Mary-Charlet’s exceptional advocacy, leadership, and dedication to clients through UMCLC embody the spirit and purpose of this award. Her willingness to go above and beyond – not only for her clients but also in supporting her peers – demonstrates a deep commitment to clinical excellence.”

The Director’s office also recognized the high calibre of candidates who were nominated for this award, each of whom demonstrated skill and commitment to their respective clinics. “It is wonderful to see how law students are making an impact in the community while gaining valuable practical skills,” said McCandless.

Lathlin completed an externship with the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre (UMCLC), which is run in collaboration with Legal Aid Manitoba. She received nominations for the award from both UMCLC Director, Allison Fenske, and classmate Cody Buhay.

The Faculty of Law currently offers a rich array of experiential learning opportunities to law students in all three years of study including:

• Judge Shadowing (mandatory for 1Ls)
• Introduction to Advocacy (mandatory for 2Ls)
• Negotiations
• Moot Court competitions
• Department of Justice externship
• Indigenous Community Legal Clinic
• Law Library Hub – Civil Clinic
• Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund externship
• Legal Help Centre externship
• Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic
• Manitoba Law Reform Commission externship
• Public Interest Law Centre externship
• Rights Clinic at Robson Hall
• University of Manitoba Community Law Centre
• Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts

Team members Maria Garcia Manzano (3L) who won Robson Hall’s Solomon Greenberg intramural trial advocacy competition on November 16, 2024, and co-counsel Harlan Morris (3L), were runners-up to the University of Alberta first-place team at the Western moot. Both teams went on to represent Western Canada at the Sopinka Cup, held in Ottawa, Ontario, on March 14 – 15, 2025.

Team Manitoba was coached by Laura Robinson [LLB/09] and Evan Roitenberg [LLB/91] of Wolson Roitenberg Robinson Wolson, and Adam Gingera [BA/10; JD/16] of Manitoba Justice Prosecutions Service.

The Honourable Douglas Abra [LLB/72], retired Justice of the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench (and a past winner of the MacIntyre Cup himself), presided over the trials, with a team of six assessors deciding the winners. The Honourable Ryan Rolston [LLB/99], Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba presented the prizes at the awards dinner following the competition’s conclusion.

The University of Manitoba Faculty of Law hosted the 2025 Western (MacIntyre) Cup at Robson Hall. Members of the Manitoba practicing legal community generously contributed their time and skills to act as assessors and coaches. Photo by Jenna Chemerika.

The MacIntyre Cup awards dinner coincided with the Canada-US Four Nations Cup hockey game, so in true Canadian form, Robson Hall organizers ensured the game was played on a large screen in the room, much to the relief of many Moot competitors and coaches who are also irredeemable hockey fans. It was “a very Canadian moment,” said Elizabeth McCandless [LLB/07; LLM/20], Director of Clinics at Robson Hall.

McCandless extended special thanks to Faculty of Law administrative staff person Jenna Chemerika who worked very hard to organize all logistics and details of the MacIntyre Cup to make the competition a success.

Sopinka Cup

The final leg of the Trial Advocacy competition journey for Team Manitoba was at the Sopinka Cup, which is where East meets West. The winning eight teams from four regional competitions in Canada meet in Ottawa each year. These competitions include the Western (MacIntyre) Cup, the Arnup Cup (for Ontario Universities), the Guy Guérin Cup (Quebec), and the McKelvey Cup (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia).

Garcia Manzano and Morris shared some of their experiences at the national event, where all 16 students competing were presented with plaques to commemorate reaching the national level – “a remarkable accomplishment in itself,” Garcia Manzano explained. “It was an incredible experience to compete against some of the most talented advocacy teams in the country, and we’re proud to have represented the University of Manitoba on the national stage.”

She added, “We were fortunate to be guided by outstanding coaches whose mentorship was unparalleled for both the MacIntyre and the Sopinka Cup. They pushed us to grow, challenged us constantly, and – even though they tried to convince me to pursue a career in litigation – I know the advocacy skills they taught me will serve me will in the corporate-commercial practice I plan to build.”

“Competing in the MacIntyre and Sopinka Cups were undoubtedly the highlight of my time in law school,” said Morris. “Seeing the final product after the countless hours we put into preparing for our trials was by far the most rewarding experience in my three years at Robson Hall.”

Garcia Manzano will be articling at Fillmore Riley LLP throughout the next 12 months, while Morris will article with the Crown at Manitoba Justice, Public Prosecutions.

The Sopinka Cup was established in 1999 in honour of late Supreme Court of Canada Justice John Sopinka, a long-time Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, which runs the competition. In 2018, MacIntyre Cup winners Yassir Al-Naji [JD/18] and Ben Johnson [JD/18] took second place and won “Best Closing Argument” at the Sopinka Cup. Kevin Toyne [BA/00; LLB/03] and Jennifer Malabar [LLB/03] won the Sopinka Cup in 2003.