Lisa Haydey , JD Class of 2025 Gold Medalist in Law

What do you wish you knew/ been told before your first day of law school? 

Practicing law can be incredibly people-centered and service-driven. If you love to read, write, problem solve, and help people through difficult times, you may find your passion in law! Also, the day-to-day practice of law looks very different from the content of first-year classes: don’t let your 1L experience be the deciding factor in whether law is the right path for you.

What is your favourite memory of Robson Hall? 

Meeting some of my closest, lifelong friends at Robson Hall is a memory I’ll always treasure. From collaborating on projects to supporting each other through challenges, those shared experiences made law school truly meaningful. Listening to Professor Irvine’s lectures is a close second!

What one piece of advice would you give to a new law student or person considering going to Robson Hall? 

My advice to a new student would be to uplift your peers, advocate for and support one another, and choose teamwork over competition. The relationships and values you build in law school can carry forward into your legal practice. We have the power to begin shaping the kind of profession we want to be a part of when we graduate!

After graduation, Keelin will article at the Public Interest Law Centre, which represents groups and individuals on issues affecting the environment, human rights, Indigenous people, consumers and low-income persons.

“I am excited to contribute to the Centre’s mission of achieving law reform and systemic change in Manitoba and Canada that advances access to justice, substantive equality, reconciliation, greater access to essential services, and environmental sustainability,” said Keelin.

While in law school, Keelin had several very interesting experiences including working as a research assistant for a professor at York who studies temporary labour migration programs, with a specific focus on labour standards, safe working conditions, access to justice and meaningful pathways to permanent residency.

As well, Keelin took part in the Manitoba Court of Appeal Clerkship program which she described as, “an amazing opportunity to learn about oral and written advocacy and judicial decision-making at the highest court level in the province.”

The biggest lesson Keelin said she learned from attending UM was “To surround yourself with good people.”

She attributes her academic success to her supportive family, friends and partner.

Lastly, if she could go back in time and give herself some advice about attending university, Keelin would tell herself this: “It will be a winding path, but along the way you will learn a lot, meet great people and grow as a person. All the hard work will be worth it!”