My name is Wura Dasylva, and I am the current Board Chair of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce and a partner at Miller Thomson LLP. My legal practice includes working with business owners through various stages of the business lifecycle – starting a business, growing the business by way of raising capital, expanding the business through partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other means; and finally the transition of the business to new owners or the next generation through succession planning. 

The Robson Hall Experience

Having studied and practiced law in Nigeria, moving to Canada for a fully-funded thesis-based master’s program at the University of Manitoba was exactly what I needed to advance my career. Not only did the scholarships eliminate financial stress, they also enhanced my competitiveness when I got into the job market. My experience at Robson Hall set me up for success in my career and other life ventures. I recall engaging in intellectually stimulating discussions in class and writing papers (and eventually, my thesis) which were often critiqued by my professors – all of which challenged by biases, sharpened my critical thinking skills and enhanced my writing style and soft skills. 

The pursuit of an LLM at Robson Hall with a research focus on mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) and alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) was a pivotal step in my journey as a legal professional. As I reflect on how the University of Manitoba shaped my career, especially through the guidance of my advisor, Dr. Jennifer Schulz, my other professors and the staff at the Faculty of Law, the International Centre and the Career Services Office, I couldn’t be more grateful that I chose Robson Hall or, to put it better, Robson Hall chose me. From conference opportunities to resume tips, the University of Manitoba gave me all the tools that I needed to succeed as an international student in a new country (and school).

Choosing Corporate Law

Wura Dasylva [LLM/17] is now a partner at the Miller Thomson Regina office, specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions and Alternative dispute resolution.

M&A is at the heart of corporate law, governing how businesses grow, consolidate, and navigate complex financial and regulatory landscapes. At the same time, ADR plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts efficiently outside the courtroom, making it a useful tool in corporate transactions. Corporate transactions often involve negotiations, potential disputes, and regulatory challenges that require both legal expertise and problem-solving skills. By blending these two research areas, my LLM program set me on the path to becoming a savvy M&A lawyer, capable of handling high-stakes corporate matters while mitigating risks and facilitating negotiations that aid seamless transactions.

As a foreign-trained lawyer, understanding the nuances of the Canadian legal system was essential. Robson Hall also gave me a strong foundation in this regard through various academic resources. After completing my LLM, I joined the Regina office of Miller Thomson, a national law firm with over 500 lawyers in 10 cities across Canada, bringing with me a unique combination of corporate law experience and strong academic background. As many would know, success in the legal profession, especially for an immigrant, requires knowledge, strategy, mentorship, hard work and resilience — but with the right foundation (which Robson Hall gave me), the possibilities are endless.

Community involvement

My role as Chair of the Regina Chamber of Commerce allows me to participate in business and policy decisions. Again, I have Robson Hall to thank for helping me to find my interest in Chamber of Commerce advocacy work which stemmed from my International Business and Trade Law class at Robson Hall, providing me with foundational knowledge on trade policies and agreements.

Having been a recipient of scholarships and excellent mentorship and support from Robson Hall, I am now paying it forward. In addition to serving as the Chair of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, I mentor law students in various Canadian law schools through the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers / Black Law Students Association (CABL/BLSA) formal mentorship program. I have also acted as principal to articling students at my firm, in addition to mentoring other international students and foreign-trained lawyers. 

Until next time,

Wura Dasylva
Partner
MILLER THOMSON LLP

For the past decade, students at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law have had the opportunity to pursue part of their legal education in French. However, only since the Fall of 2022 have first-year law students been able to take French law courses that would apply toward obtaining the Access to Justice in French Concentration (A2JF Concentration) designation upon graduation. It is an important milestone to recognize our first official cohort of students who have graduated with this concentration. 

Students in the A2JF Concentration must complete at least 26 of the 92 credits required for the JD degree in bilingual courses – that is, approximately 1/3 of their law courses are completed in French. This innovative program addresses the access to justice need of increasing the number of lawyers in Manitoba and Canada who have the linguistic skills to provide legal services in French.

Left to right: Seth Lozinski [JD/24], Alexander Bastin [JD/25], Maia Bacchus [JD/25], Brent Tichon [JD/25], and Bradley Légaré [JD/24]

Dr. Lorna Turnbull, professor and director of the A2JF Concentration commented, “The graduation of this first cohort of students who have completed the Concentration represents the culmination of years of work by colleagues, members of the community and of course the students themselves, built upon the vision first shared by members of our community with our former colleague, now Justice Gerald Heckman, well over a decade ago.”

We had a celebratory lunch on June 5, 2025 at Promenade Brasserie in Saint-Boniface to recognize the new graduates of the A2JF Concentration and former students who will soon be called to the Manitoba Bar. The celebratory lunch also provided an opportunity to thank the members of the Franco-Manitoban legal community who have supported our students and the A2JF Concentration as instructors, guest lecturers, coaches and judges of the Laskin and Bastarache moots.

We wish to thank Justice Canada’s Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Fund for their generous support. We also wish to thank our students, the University of Manitoba, the Faculty of Law, the francophone legal community, l’Association des juristes d’expression française du Manitoba (AJEFM), Infojustice Manitoba, l’Université de Saint-Boniface, the Law Society of Manitoba, and the Manitoba Bar Association for their support of the A2JF Concentration. We wish to recognize Dr. Lorna Turnbull, director of the A2JF Concentration and Justice Gerald Heckman of the Federal Court of Appeal, former co-director of the A2JF Concentration, for their vision and instrumental work in creating this concentration at the Faculty of Law.

Dr. Turnbull noted, “With their vision, and support, as well as the funding provided by Justice Canada and Canadian Heritage, our community will have better access to justice. Our dedicated alumni who have taken courses in French over the years leading up to the formal approval of the Concentration demonstrate what a difference we can make. I look forward to following these students to see where they will make a difference.”

Félicitations et un grand merci à tous pour votre soutien continu! We look forward to the continued expansion of the A2JF Concentration and seeing the impact that our graduates will have in improving access to justice in French.

—

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.

I was involved in assisting with the administration of the competition, and I heard praise from many people, including judges, coaches, and fellow competitors, about their performances.

The pair of Heather Peterson and Erin Kyriakopoulos, who competed in the English stream, even received the award for “Best Process Management”, which goes to the team that best demonstrates skills in time management, preparation, adaptability, and self-reflection. Erin explained, “I feel privileged to have had Heather Peterson for my partner in the process, whose dynamism and ability to turn a phrase I deeply admire.” 

Heather Peterson and Erin Kyriakopoulos, received the award for “Best Process Management” (English stream) which goes to the team that best demonstrates skills in time management, preparation, adaptability, and self-reflection.

A Bit More About the CNNC

Nine years ago, the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law hosted the inaugural national negotiation competition at Robson Hall, which has been run annually since then.  The size of the competition has been growing each year, both in terms of total teams participating and number of law schools represented. 

The 2025 competition was hosted by the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, in collaboration with the Windsor Law Centre for Cities. The competition was generously sponsored by the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and the Law.

This year’s competition theme was “Negotiating Housing”, and the competition problem involved negotiations between a municipality and a First Nation over the construction of infrastructure and affordable housing on a greenfield site.  The writing of the problem was a truly collaborative effort, with input from Professors from the University of Manitoba, the University of New Brunswick, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of Windsor.

This year, the competition involved three rounds of negotiation taking place over two days, with each round building on the last. Issues to be negotiated included the building of infrastructure; the purchase and supply of power from a hydroelectric power plant on the reserve; the construction of affordable housing units; the allocation of the housing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people; the use/development of various recreational spaces; and most importantly, the reconciliation of the relationship between the municipality and the First Nation. For every round, each team possessed confidential details about client circumstances and settlement preferences.  The first two rounds were bi-party, with the last round involving a more complex four-party negotiation. Heather Peterson had the following observations about the problem: “The fact pattern for this year’s CNNC was very dense and multifaceted with a daunting four-party negotiation for the final round. I was very pleased to see that the theme included extremely important and topical challenges around housing, conservancy, and reconciliation.”

 All of the negotiating took place under the scrutiny of judges, who scored each team’s negotiation skills.  At the end of each session, the judges provided detailed feedback to each team about what they did well, and potential areas for improvement. 

The competition has always had an educational component, and this year was no exception.  There was a pre-competition symposium involving two panels.  The first panel focused on challenges and breakthroughs in how housing problems have been framed, debated and addressed.  The second panel involved an examination of the successes and challenges of housing in Indigenous communities. Yvan Larocque, Clinical Counsel here at the University of Manitoba and well-respected Indigenous business lawyer, was one of the speakers on the second panel, and discussed his experiences advising and representing Indigenous communities with economic development generally, and housing specifically. He was also one of the judges for the French stream of the competition.

Panelists left to right: Professor Dan Brant and Yvan Larocque.

French Stream 

This was the third year that the CNNC ran a parallel French stream, and this year saw the most teams ever participating in that stream. Teams competed in French using a translated version of the same problems as in the English stream.

The University of Manitoba Faculty of Law once again continued its participation in the French stream with skillful negotiators. Maia Bacchus and Tess Poulton, students in the Access to Justice in French Concentration, were excellent representatives of Robson Hall. Students in this Concentration pursue part of their legal studies in French by completing at least 26 credits of bilingual courses, including the French Negotiation course (Négociation juridique).

Andrea Doyle commented,

“I am pleased with how Maia and Tess demonstrated their excellent negotiation skills and strategies as well as their ability to represent clients in French at this year’s CNNC. They worked hard and impressed the judges with their preparation, complementary negotiating styles and insightful questions.

“Preparation for the CNNC was a team effort. Support was provided by our students who participated in the English stream (Erin, Heather, Larissa and Kirsten) and their coaches, Andrew Torbiak and Heather Wadsworth. Chris Dick of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada and Kennedy Pinette of MLT Aikins, both graduates of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law, provided valuable advice and feedback to Tess and Maia.

“We appreciate the CNNC organizing committee’s work in continuing to expand the French stream providing students an important opportunity to apply their negotiation skills in French. We wish to thank Justice Canada, the Faculty of Law and members of the Franco-Manitoban legal community for supporting the Access to Justice in French Concentration. We also wish to acknowledge and thank the Faculty of Law and the Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and the Law for their support of our negotiation teams.”

Student Experiences

The student competitors had an opportunity to reflect about their experiences after the competition concluded. All agreed that the competition was an invaluable experience, one they would highly recommend to their fellow law students.

The students emphasized the valuable professional skills acquired from the competition. “This experience has highlighted for me the importance of making space for collaboration and creativity in legal work,” said Erin. “I am confident that the skills I have honed and lessons I have learned through participating in CNNC will serve me in my future legal career.”

Kirsten described her acquisition of skills as follows: “The CNNC was a highlight of law school. Thanks to our fantastic coaches, we were able to further develop our negotiating skills that we will take into practice. The weekend was an exhilarating few days filled with collegiality, collaboration, and friendly competition. I feel truly blessed to have been able to participate!”

Regarding the impact of the competition on her skill-building, Larissa explained, “Collaborating with my partner and coaches to develop strategies for representing our clients’ interests not only enhanced my legal skills but also strengthened my ability to communicate, think critically, and adapt under pressure—skills that will serve me well as a lawyer and in everyday life. Applying these skills in a competitive setting was both challenging and rewarding.”

Heather Peterson found the final round particularly valuable, stating,  “The four-party negotiation was invigorating and infused with so much kindness and goodwill; I think it was excellent practice for the realities of legal practice where multiple interests and communities must figure out a way to equitably share resources.” 

The students also viewed the competition as an opportunity to network with and learn from law students from other schools. Heather Peterson explained, “It was absolutely awe-inspiring to negotiate with exceptionally talented law students from across Canada. The ways in which different teams incorporated environmentalism and aspects of truth and reconciliation were profound, and I was so excited to be a part of it.”

“It was inspiring to engage with law students from across the country. The level of professionalism and talent demonstrated by the other competitors underscored the strength of the next generation of Canadian lawyers.” – Larissa Einarson, 3L

All of the coaches were filled with praise for the students’ performances.  For example, coach Andrew Torbiak said, “The weekend of the CNNC is the culmination of months of practice, preparation and improvement. I couldn’t be more proud of Kirsten, Larissa, Erin and Heather, this year’s English competition representatives from Robson Hall, for the time and effort that they put into this competition.

“When I was a student negotiator, the fact patterns we dealt with typically involved simple, everyday contractual arrangements, or dealt with the aftermath of some outrageous or unrealistic incident between the parties. This year, the team grappled with scenarios involving access to clean drinking water and affordable housing, and building relationships between government and Indigenous peoples, all in the context of Reconciliation.

“Our students approached this subject matter with sensitivity and respect for the interests of their client and represented their school and province admirably. I’d like to thank each of them for being such a pleasure to work with.”

The admiration went both ways, as all of the students mentioned the extreme gratitude they felt for the invaluable mentorship of the coaches. 

Tréchelle Bunn (2L) was recognized for her many achievements and initiatives including establishing the Reconciliation Run half-marathon, being elected as a youth chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization and receiving a Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Award.

The Honourable Murray Sinclair, C.C., O.M., M.S.C., K.C. [LLB/79] was posthumously recognized for his legacy of dedicating his life to giving a voice to First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Manitoba and across Canada.

Chimwemwe Undi [BA/16; JD/20],Winnipeg’s Poet Laureate, was included as a Winnipeg 150 medal recipient, and a John Hirsch Emerging Writer Award winner whose debut full-length poetry collection titled Scientific Marvel won the 2024 Governor General’s Literary Award for poetry.

Corporate lawyer Genevieve Mushaluk [JD/16] was the first Manitoban to participate on the TV show Survivor. She made it into the top 5 of season 47 before exiting in fifth place.

Good evening everyone,

I am truly honoured to stand before you tonight representing the Robson Hall Class of 2024. When I was chosen as Valedictorian, I could not have been more thrilled – then I realized I actually had to write a speech. The daunting task of capturing three tumultuous, yet rewarding, years of law school in just a few minutes seemed impossible.

Naturally, I turned to a highly academic and respected source for inspiration – the movie Legally Blonde. For those who may not know, the story follows Elle Woods, a sorority girl who attends Harvard Law School. At first, Elle is a fish completely out of water, questioning her place among classmates who seem to have credentials much beyond her. This feeling resonates with many of us, bringing to mind the all-too-familiar term “imposter syndrome” – a phrase I have heard more in these past three years than in my entire life combined. “Am I supposed to be here? Am I as capable as my incredibly intelligent, charismatic, and driven peers?”

I wanted to share a personal story with you. Not many people know that after my first-year of law school, I faced significant mental health challenges and seriously considered not continuing with my studies. The weight of the workload, the constant self doubt, and the mounting pressure to measure up made me question whether I could continue in this profession. I vividly remember a conversation I had with Rosa about what it would look like to take some time off or even discontinue my studies altogether.

Standing here today, I cannot fully express how grateful I feel to have reached this milestone. I owe so much to the incredible people in this room who believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. What makes this graduating class so special is our unwavering support for one another through both the good times and the bad. As we prepare to enter a challenging and demanding profession, it’s natural to feel hesitant about the uncertainties that lie ahead. However, if our time here has taught us anything, it’s that we are strong enough to overcome obstacles. So, to my fellow graduates, if you find yourself doubting, as I have, whether you belong here, remember this: you are resilient, capable, and deserving of every success that comes your way. Most importantly, you are never alone. Together, we are about to step into the world armed with more than just a degree, but with a wealth of  shared challenges and triumphs that have prepared us for whatever the future holds.

As we reflect on our journey from anxious first-year students to confident soon-to-be graduates, it’s amazing to see how much we’ve changed and grown. For all the graduates here, I encourage you to take a moment and think back to our first day, where torts were merely desserts and the bar was a place to be visited on a Saturday night. It’s September 3^rd, 2021, and you’re sitting at your computer eagerly awaiting our online Zoom orientation. How overwhelmed we felt as we juggled syllabus after syllabus, met our professors, and yes, got our first assignment. We arrived as individuals with diverse aspirations and backgrounds, and we’ve become a cohesive group of skilled professionals.

Let me share some of the highlights that define our graduating class:

• We navigated the challenges of both online and in-person learning. While confined to those little boxes on the Zoom screen, we mastered the art of muting and unmuting at just the right moments and making sure our top half looks impeccable while secretly wearing pajama pants. When we finally transitioned back to the classroom, it was a another adjustment – with the help of free coffee from the common room, we had to relearn how to engage face-to face and manage the dynamics of a physical classroom environment. This unique blend of experiences not only tested our adaptability, but also strengthened our resilience, preparing us to handle any professional challenge with flexibility and grace.
• We didn’t just study; we excelled. Publishing legal articles, winning legal writing awards, and proving our tenacity and spirit in competitions, from negotiations to moot courts. Don’t just take it from me – Team Manitoba has literally won the “Spirit of the Laskin” award for two consecutive years. Not to mention, our law games team can now proudly add “Talent Cup Champions” to their resumes and the Robson Hall Jets hockey team has remained undefeated at the Cross Border Classic hockey tournament.
• We wholeheartedly embraced opportunities to hone our practical skills through our dedicated involvement in clinics, externships, and clerkships. These invaluable experiences, such as assisting with the process of law creation and reform, working with judges in the courtroom, and representing real clients who might otherwise lack access to legal support, allowed us to step beyond the classroom and apply our knowledge in meaningful, impactful ways.
• Under our leadership, clubs and committees at Robson Hall thrived. Our graduating class has spearheaded impactful conferences, planned extensive networking events, and organized social activities that further knitted our community together. The Social Committee did such a great job planning last years Carbolic Smoke Ball that the Forty Garry hotel might not let us back again! Thanks to the Business Law Group, Robson Hall now offers students the opportunity to participate in The Art Braid Business Law Case Competition, which has been a huge success for two years. The Communications Committee took on the daunting task of revamping our social media accounts and created an entirely new website. Members of our own Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association have been elected to the National level, showcasing our leadership on a broader scale. These achievements are by no means exhaustive, but they reflect the dedication and collaborative spirit of our class, leaving a lasting legacy for future students at Robson Hall.
• Above all, we’ve learned the importance of trusting ourselves. We’ve built confidence in our legal instincts and analytical skills, understanding that our worth extends far beyond the accolades we accumulate. The true measure of our value lies in the resilience we’ve developed and the integrity we bring to every challenge. While our achievements may open doors, it is our recognition that each person’s well-being is just as important as their professional growth that makes our class unique.

If I could highlight one final thing about the Robson Hall class of 2024, it is our commitment  to showing up. We’ve shown up to every Carbolic, Med-Law, bomber game, law banquet, wine and cheese; even during a global pandemic. We show up academically. I remember talking to lawyers who would be impressed that our cohort is “so involved”, which is just another word for major keeners.

Above all, we show up for each other. Our time at Robson Hall has been more than just lectures and exams; it’s been about forging lasting friendships, sharing both laughter and tears, and embracing every moment. Beyond simply being classmates, we’ve become a community of friends who support each other through difficult times and celebrate each others successes. This is what truly defines our graduating class – we stand together, ready to take on the world.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without a league of extraordinary people who have made this day a reality.

To our friends and family – you’ve listened to endless rants and talked us off many ledges. Your love, encouragement, and sacrifice have been the backbone of our law school experience. We owe you more thanks than can be covered by our future lawyer salaries, and we are forever grateful for your unwavering support. A mi familia, gracias y los quiero mucho.

Thank you to our esteemed faculty and staff. Your dedication has made us more knowledgeable, thoughtful, and yes, even more opinionated. Because of you, Robson Hall has been more than a school; it’s been our community. Here, professors are not just educators, they are mentors and advocates for our success. Robson Hall has prepared us to be excellent lawyers; but it has also taught us the value of hard work, of compassion, and of building something greater together.

And finally, to the extraordinary Class of 2024. What a ride it’s been! From our first Zoom call where we nervously adjusted our screens, to this moment. Whether our paths take us to the corridors of the Supreme Court, the boardrooms of major corporations, or even on a spaceship to Mars with Elon Musk, I am forever grateful to have shared this journey with you.

Although our time at Robson Hall is ending, I am confident that our impact on this profession is just beginning. Let’s embrace this new chapter and show the world the power of showing up — not just as lawyers, but as unwavering supporters and compassionate friends. Here’s to us and our future, may it be as bright and ambitious as the class that stands ready to embrace it. 

Thank you.

Szilagyi joined the Faculty of Law in 2021, and brings to the University of Manitoba, an unprecedented research focus on Law and Technology. She studies the intersection of technology law and legal theory with artificial intelligence, focusing on transdisciplinary research, combining her educational backgrounds in engineering and law with her experience in legal practice. Szilagyi holds a BSc in Engineering, as well as JD, LLM, and PhD degrees in law. Recent research projects include smart agriculture; social robotics; science fiction and the law; ethical frameworks for automated mobility; and conceptualizing the impacts of generative AI on the law. At Robson Hall, she teaches Property Law, and an upper-year seminar of her own design titled Law, Technology, and the Future.

Szilagyi received several independent nominations from students for The Barney Sneiderman Award, and those nominations came with multiple excellent letters of support. The selection committee notes that one student wrote:  “Dr. Szilagyi is nothing short of an exceptional educator. She is dedicated to exceptional pedagogy and diversity of curricula, encouraging students’ curiosity, and enriching and elevating students to their full potential.” Another stated, “On a personal note, Dr. Szilagyi made me love the law. I came to law school for the sole purpose of graduating, practicing and getting on with my life.  As a result of Dr. Szilagyi’s instruction, I now look forward to a career filled with studying, learning, and expanding my understanding of the law and all of its histories, philosophies and intricacies.”

Upon receiving the award, Szilagyi shared some thoughts on teaching that demonstrate how her own love for the law translates to her students: “Teaching law students is a fantastic job,” she explained. “I love meeting students at the very beginning of their legal careers and coasting on their wave of enthusiasm as they discover law’s possibilities and prevailing stories for the first time.

“As legal educators, we have an unparalleled opportunity to help shape the next generation of legal thought. I particularly appreciate the chance to explore emerging societal issues with students through the lens of law and technology. In my classes, we discuss novel technological issues ripped from the headlines, combined with philosophy and legal theory. I hope my students enter their careers with an understanding of how law, policy, and regulation intersect with technological development.

“While it was wonderful to be recognized with this award, the real honour is that my students took the time and energy to nominate me. I am grateful for the recognition!” – Dr. Katie Szilagyi

Slonosky is a practicing professional instructor and supervising lawyer on the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic management team. He brings to the Faculty of Law, years of practice experience as well as a deep commitment to experiential learning and professionalism that ensures the best possible training for Manitoba’s future generation of business lawyers. A graduate of the UM Faculty of Law himself, Slonosky holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree (1976), and an LLB (1979), as well as an MSc in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He practiced law for nearly 40 years as an in-house corporate lawyer before joining the business clinical team at the Faculty of Law in 2021.

One of Slonosky’s nominators for the Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence for Sessional Instructors noted that his  “contributions to student development extend far beyond the classroom. Through my work, I’ve had the opportunity to develop skills in networking, public speaking, and representing our clinics in media interviews.”

Another letter of support mentioned, “his dedication to public service through the profession is unparalleled, and his work with students will undoubtedly instill these same values in future generations of lawyers.” 

Upon receiving the award, Slonosky thanked the Dean, the Faculty, and law students for the recognition. “It is a unique and  rewarding opportunity to be able to contribute to educating students participating in the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic and the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts. With these clinics, we have created a learning environment that emulates a teaching law firm where students gain opportunities to experience actual legal practice with live-clients. Here, they develop practical skills and knowledge not acquired in other courses that are relevant in practice, so they are prepared, confident and will be superior performers during their articling year and future legal careers.” 

“The real award is being able to help students to become the best lawyers of tomorrow and serve pro bono clients who cannot afford legal assistance remotely across all of Manitoba today!” – Nick Slonosky

According to Slonosky, the clinical experiences he works to provide for students, are “all about personal growth, learning, acquiring knowledge where every student and all our clients are on their own unique journey towards success.”

Slonosky shared that in the past year, the clinics’ 22 externship students had a record-setting number of clients and performed a record number of pro bono hours. “We all learned a great deal together while helping others who cannot afford legal services,” he said.

The Faculty of Law is very proud of these two excellent instructors.

A memorial service for Professor Nemiroff will be held tomorrow, Friday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Please read The Free Press Passages notice.

Nemiroff held a BSc (McGill), BA (Sir George Williams / Concordia), BCL (McGill), and an LLB and LLM from Dalhousie. He was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1972 and in the same year, was awarded the University of Manitoba’s Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 1975, he was a visiting professor at the University of Melbourne, and taught at the University of Calgary in 1977.

Good at mathematics and physics, he nearly became a meteorologist, but ended up in law “because there were more spaces,” than applicants at the time, as he intimated to Dr. Bryan Schwartz in an interview for the Manitoba Law Journal 39:1 (136-190) regarding “The Great Transition in Legal Education.”

Nemiroff practiced Insurance Law in Quebec initially, but after completing his LLM on waiver, election and estoppel in the law of insurance, decided to pursue an academic career. Hired by late Dean of Law Cliff Edwards who was snapping up every LLM he could find for Manitoba’s law school, he taught Insurance Law and Negotiable Instruments, which he said he found “interesting and challenging and quirky.” Later, he also taught Contracts.

In Nemiroff’s interview with the MLJ, the editor notes that despite University policy that a professor can only win the Stanton Award for Teaching Excellence once in their career, Nemiroff’s students in his last year of teaching (2007 – 2008) asked the University to bend this policy, writing:

      Gerry Nemiroff is somewhat legendary at Robson Hall…

      A good law professor doesn’t just tell you what the state of the law is, or how the law has developed. They teach you how to find the law and more importantly they teach you how to use the law….

       …It wasn’t until my third and final year of law school that I learned how to properly read and understand a case. It was in Gerry’s [sic] Nemiroff’s Insurance Law class where I began to understand how to argue the law. (MLJ 39:1, p. 154)

The Faculty of Law extends condolences to Gerry’s family, friends and former colleagues and students for the loss of this legendary scholar and teacher.

Please learn more about Professor Gerald Nemiroff’s legacy in the Manitoba Law Journal.

Professor Darcy MacPherson had been teaching law at Robson Hall for two years in 2004, and fresh memories of his own experience clerking at the Nova Scotia courts in Halifax while a law student at Dalhousie, inspired him to approach Dean Harvey Secter, [BComm/67, LLB/92], about starting a similar program in Manitoba. Secter took the matter to The Honourable Justice Freda M. Steel who led the Manitoba Court of Appeal’s participation in the program.

Today, with Justice Steel’s retirement, The Honourable Justices Christopher Mainella and David Kroft are responsible for the program, while Elizabeth McCandless, the Faculty of Law’s Director of Clinics, oversees the Clerkship Program as one of the Externships now offered by the law school. MacPherson is still involved as a lead supervising faculty member of the Clerkship Program.

Since 2004, 68 student clerks have successfully completed the program. In 2009 – 2010, the number of clerks accepted into the program annually was increased from two to four. In 2020, the course was converted from three to six credit hours, and starting in 2024, it has been turned into an Externship lasting from September to April, garnering 12 credit hours.

At the May 10^th event, remarks were given by event host, The Honourable Chief Justice Marianne Rivoalen, Justice Mainella, Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, and MacPherson, who reminisced on how the idea of starting a clerkship program at Robson Hall became a reality.

  The Honourable Marianne Rivoalen, Chief Justice of the Manitoba Court of Appeal. Photo by Mike Latschislaw.

“The judiciary has long played a part in legal education well before the common law was taught in universities,” said Justice Mainella in his address to the alumni attending the event. “The Court of Appeal views the coordination of the clerkship program with Robson Hall as essential to the development of high caliber lawyers on which our system of justice relies.”

The Honourable Justice Christopher J. Mainella, Manitoba Court of Appeal. Photo by Mike Latschislaw.

Justice Mainella highlighted the theme of tradition, but also shared news of the future of the program: “I am excited to say that the clerkship program will evolve this coming fall to become a double credit externship. Law students will continue to do legal research for the Court of Appeal and also assist individual judges in their day-to-day work.

“Justice Kroft and I who are responsible for the clerkship program, together with Melanie Bueckert, a researcher with the Court, would like to thank Dean Jochelson, Professor MacPherson and all of the faculty and staff at Robson Hall on behalf of all the members of the Court of Appeal for making this expansion of the clerkship program possible. We are all looking forward to it.”

Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba. Photo by Mike Latschislaw.

“Celebrating 20 years of unparalleled partnership between the Manitoba Court of Appeal and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law, we reflect on the profound impact our clerkship program has had on shaping the legal minds of tomorrow,” said Jochelson. “This collaboration has provided our students with invaluable hands-on experience and a peek behind the curtain of the administration of justice. Here’s to two decades of mutual growth, learning, and excellence in legal education.”

Said MacPherson:  “This took a lot of people saying ‘Yes’ to get it started, and a wonderful level of commitment from the Court to continue its success.  But, it is also important to remember that the quality of the students who have come to the Court, and their ability to contribute to the work of the Court and to learn from some of the best legal minds in the Province that makes this all work.”

Bueckert, in conversation with the recently retired Honourable Justice Freda Steel and the Faculty of Law, joked about being “hard done by” since she graduated from the Faculty of Law in 2003, missing out on participating in the Clerkship Program by one year. Hired by the Court in 2006, she has acted in the capacity of supervising lawyer of the student clerks since 2007, initially with Justice Steel, and now with Justices Mainella and Kroft who have taken over from Steel as Supervising judges of the program.

Professor Darcy MacPherson, who initiated the program in 2006, was inspired by his own experiences clerking while in law school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photo by Mike Latschislaw.

Bueckert gives new students an orientation seminar on how to do research, and together with Justice Mainella, reviews all the cases scheduled for the year and decides which would be appropriate for students to assist with. “I don’t know if we could actually do the program without Melanie,” said Justice Steel, “because afterwards she checks their research so that the judges know they can rely on the research and write their reasons.”

Justice Steel’s interest and dedication to the clerkship program stems from her experience in law school taking part in what was called “The Lawyering Program” taught by Professor Jack London and Hymie Weinstein. “It was the only course I ever had in law school that showed me some aspect of the real practice of law,” said Steel, who graduated from Robson Hall in 1975 before obtaining an LLM from Harvard Law School. “When I came back to be a professor at the Faculty of Law, […] I taught a course called intensive family law, which is a course where, in addition to teaching family law, the students actually worked on real cases, under the supervision of family law lawyers.”

“When I was given the opportunity to supervise third-year students in this context, I grabbed it, because I understood how valuable a program like this could be not only for the students, but for the judges as well. Because the interaction between us gives them a window into what judging is really like and how judges make decisions. Having these young, eager students, asking us questions is just wonderful.” – The Honourable Justice Freda Steel

Former UM Chancellor Harvey Secter, O.M., C.M., LL.D. [BComm/67, LLB/92], was Dean of Law from 1999 to 2008 and instrumental in starting the collaborative clerkship program with the Manitoba Court of Appeal. Photo by Mike Latschislaw.

Steel confirmed that the program was “the brainchild of Professor Darcy MacPherson who had experienced something like it in the Maritimes where he came from.” Steel recalled that MacPherson had suggested the idea to Dean Harvey Secter, of starting something similar in Manitoba. “I guess they trusted me to be able to develop this program for the Court of Appeal,” said Steel, who was appointed to the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench in 1995 and to the Manitoba Court of Appeal in 2000.

Where are they now?

Clerkship Program alumni attending the lunch were asked to share a photo and brief biography as well as respond to a short survey including questions regarding their biggest career highlight and providing a message for the creators of the Clerkship Program. Responses were impressive with careers ranging from alumni serving as counsel or partners at large Canadian law firms to Crown Attorneys, lecturers or instructors in law, or sole practitioners.

Of the 32 who provided feedback, 10 went on to clerk further after graduation at Federal or other provincial courts across Canada, and at least seven went on to complete graduate studies in law, including one who is currently a lecturer in law in the UK and completing a PhD in Law. Six were Gold Medalists in law in their class.

Some had career highlights ranging from taking a client to see the Backstreet Boys to just plain appearing in the Manitoba Court of Appeal as counsel – and finding the experience enjoyable.

Messages for the Creators of the Clerkship program were immensely positive, including the following:

“Thank you for creating a program that gives students practical experience and insight from the top jurists in the Province. It was an unparalleled experience.” – Terra Welsh [LLB/2007], Partner, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP

“Keep it going. This is a phenomenal opportunity to understand the dynamics of decision making, observe models of advocacy and discuss their efficacy, and connect to potential lifelong mentors.” – Meaghan Daniel [LLB/2008], Meaghan Daniel, Barrister & Solicitor

“My MBCA clerkship was a highlight of my time at Robson Hall. I continue to be so grateful for the opportunity – not just to work on interesting cases and develop my research and analysis skills, but the thoughtful way the program gave us ‘behind the scenes’ access to the judges and staff at the court. It was an invaluable learning experience.” – Dayna Steinfeld [JD/2012], Partner and Winnipeg Lead Lawyer, RavenLaw LLP

“The clerkship program exposed me to how a court actually works to think through legal analysis and produce judgments, which was an important and indelible experience that factored into how I approached the practice and academic study of law. Thank you for making this enriching experience possible.” – Joshua Shaw [JD/2015], Lecturer in Law, University of Kent (Canterbury, UK)

“The Manitoba Court of Appeal clerkship program is invaluable to future legal practitioners. Getting a look at the inner workings of the court and having the opportunity to engage with the judges and assist in the appeal process is an incredible experience. This is particularly so for individuals that are in an early stage of their career. This is the type of program that should be fostered.” – Matthew Norlund [JD/2018], Associate, Taylor McCaffrey

“[The] program was excellent. It was the highlight of my law school experience. It provided unparalleled behind-the-scenes litigation training and taught me the importance of clear, concise written and oral advocacy. The judges and staff were incredibly generous with their time, offering helpful mentorship and practice tips and making me feel as though my research contributions and my opinions were valued and considered. Overall, I could not recommend the clerkship program highly enough to law students.” – Carter Liebzeit [JD/2019], Associate, MLT Aikins LLP

Some choice highlights and memories were shared anonymously including the following gems:

“When I was called to the bar, Justice Hamilton wrote me the nicest letter that anyone has ever written to me. Including my husband.”

“A big thank you to Justice MacInnes for teaching me to never sit in a judge’s office chair (even if Chief Justice Scott expressly gave you permission…)”

As of 2020, the Manitoba Court of Appeal and the Faculty of Law agreed to expand the amount of credit hours to six up from three, with spots available for four third-year law students. “They don’t mind how much work they have to do for the six credit hours,” said Bueckert, describing the work students get assigned.

“[N]ot only do they learn how to do research, but they begin to understand how the judicial system works, what’s important, what’s not important, how judges come to decisions, and therefore, as a lawyer, what would be most persuasive when they appear in front of us,” said Steel. “So, it shows them a slice of what the judicial system is like, which I think is very valuable. Not many lawyers get that.”

One catch to getting into the Clerkship Program is that students in the top 25 per cent GPA are given preference.

Starting in the fall of 2024, the Clerkship Program will officially be offered as an Externship at the Faculty of Law and will be worth 12 credit hours. Applications for Externships typically open in the last week of May, and close in the first week of June.

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!”