Good evening, everyone.

Jordan Wagner, Valedictorian, Juris Doctor Class of 2025.

My name is Jordan Wagner, and it is an honour and a privilege to stand here tonight before you as your Valedictorian for the Law Class of 2025.

Unlike Mike Ross from Suits, we actually made it through law school. We didn’t fake it. Although if you saw our 3L final exams, that might still be up for debate.

I want to begin by expressing heartfelt thanks to our professors, faculty, families, and friends. Your support over the past three years has meant everything, and without it, none of us would be here tonight.

And to my classmates: oh, what a ride it’s been!

I want to take you back to that first day of law school back in September 2022. We were all packed into the Moot Court Room, not yet thinking about convocation or graduation dinners; those felt like light years away. Most of us were still wondering whether our outfits actually counted as business casual or if we’d already failed our first ungraded test.

Many of us, including myself, had this mix of excitement for starting a new chapter in our lives, paired with the realization that this was going to take a lot of work and that we’d have to make plenty of sacrifices.

And what we’ve seen over the past three years is that both of those feelings turned out to be true.

There have been moments along the way that brought out excitement in all of us, whether that was winning a high-stakes curling match on a Friday evening at the St. Vital Curling Club, doing well on an important exam that we poured countless hours into, going down to Grand Forks to cheer on our Robson Hall Jets and see yet another impressive championship, or just simply spending time with fellow classmates and seeing that relationship evolve into lifelong friendships.

But at the same time, there were moments when we were overwhelmed, studying for a 100% final exam or finishing a 7,500-word paper and submitting it at 11:59pm while quietly hoping there would be another grading snafu.

But when things felt like too much, we kept going. Not because it always felt possible but because it was necessary. Necessary because we came to law school with a purpose: To improve access to justice. To help the little guy. To fix what’s broken in the justice system. Each of us came here for something bigger than ourselves, and that’s what kept us pushing forward when things got tough.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with some of our transfer students about how their experience at the University of Manitoba compared to their previous law schools. The message was clear: what sets Robson Hall apart is the strength of its community.

Over the past three years, through every high and low, we’ve been surrounded by people who genuinely want to see us succeed. It’s unlike anything I had experienced before in my academic career, whether it was classmates sharing outlines and notes to make sure that we were ready for exams, or faculty members like Lisa Griffin and Trina McFadyen helping us get our ducks in a row from day one, the support has been constant. That sense of community has carried us from the beginning, and it’s one of the things I know we’ll remember and miss the most.

And that community extends beyond Winnipeg.

Whenever I meet lawyers from other provinces and mention that I go to Robson Hall, a smile appears. That reaction speaks volumes, whether they went here themselves, grew up in Winnipeg, or know a proud alum. That shared connection reflects the pride and enduring sense of belonging that this school fosters in everyone who passes through its halls. They know what it’s like to trudge through the winter roads to make a downtown networking event after a long day of contract and constitutional law. They’ve heard Lord John Irvine reflect on case law from centuries ago. And they share the immense pride that comes with being a graduate of this school.

If we look back to 1L, life moved fast, and we had to keep up. With seven courses per semester on our plates, we were constantly juggling readings and deadlines. As final exams rolled around, things got even more intense. Not only were we managing a busy exam schedule, but we also had to dodge the notoriously aggressive Canadian geese patrolling the front of Robson Hall like they were campus security. And through it all, we had Lord Irvine calmly delivering his lectures in full spring uniform: farm overalls and rain boots – only at Robson Hall. We were fortunate to have people like Lily Deardorff, who was always there to support us and ensure that our time at law school was as enriching and rewarding as possible.

And then came 2L. We started to find our paths. We chose classes that reflected who we wanted to become as future lawyers. Some of us leaned into criminal law. Others leaned into business, family, or Indigenous law. We heard names like Baker and Vavilov on repeat, but we also got the chance to see ourselves as future lawyers after conducting our own trials in Oral Advocacy.

By 3L, we were hitting our stride. Some of our classmates studied abroad in Sweden, the Netherlands, and England. Others stayed close to home and took part in legal clinics, where we saw firsthand how the law touches the lives of everyday Manitobans.

And we competed. And we won.

From a first-place showing at the Isaac Moot to success at the Gale, the Wilson, the Laskin, the Fox, the MacIntyre, the Sopinka, you name it, we proved that when it counted, we delivered on the national scale.

And then, something we thought might never happen, we were finally let back into the Fort Garry Hotel for our last Carbolic. We dressed to the nines, danced like no one was watching, and thanks to our incredible social committee, made memories that will last far beyond that night in March.

But this journey wouldn’t have been possible without the people around us.

To our professors: thank you for your patience, your thoughtful challenges, and your unwavering commitment to shaping us into critical thinkers and compassionate advocates. Thank you for treating us like future professionals, even before we felt like we were.

To Dean Jochelson, Associate Dean Schultz, and the entire Robson Hall team: thank you for guiding us through uncertain times. Your flexibility and steady leadership kept us moving forward, and we appreciate that.

To our families: thank you for being our foundation. For the late-night pep talks, the check-in texts that said, “You’ve got this; go crush your exam!” and for patiently listening to our endless rants about exams, grades, and the ever-complicated concept of standard of review. You saw us at our most tired, most stressed, most doubtful, and stayed by our side. I know that without the support of my brother, mom, dad, and grandma, I wouldn’t be standing up here today.

And to the Class of 2025: you are some of the most talented, driven, and generous people I’ve ever met. Thank you for the group chats, the shared outlines, the moral support, the TikTok and Instagram Reel therapy, and for never letting any of us feel like we were in this alone.

Each of us has our own version of what made these three years meaningful. It could be travelling the world with classmates. It could be getting involved in the community. Or it could be even as simple as realizing that in this profession, we have the power to evoke positive change.

These moments shaped us. And now, our paths will diverge. Some will clerk. Some will litigate. Some will stay far away from a courtroom. Some will write policy or fight for change. Others may leave the law entirely and find purpose elsewhere.

That diversity is something to be proud of. Because this degree wasn’t about fitting a mold, it was about discovering what we’re capable of and finding our place in something bigger.

We didn’t just survive law school. We built something meaningful. And now, we carry it forward into courtrooms, boardrooms, communities, and beyond.

From that first day in the Moot Court Room to this moment tonight, we’ve come full circle, and we’re ready for whatever comes next.

To the Class of 2025: Congratulations. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for everyone!

Each November, Career Development Coordinator Lisa Griffin brings in guest speakers from the various upper-level courts in Canada, including UM Law alum, The Honourable Mr. Justice Roger Lafrenière [LLB/1982] from the Federal Court, to share information with law students about the benefits of clerking after graduation.

Unique and privileged insight

“I have fond memories of my time spent at Robson Hall and am very proud of being a member of the famous Class of 82,” Lafrenière reminisces. “A few weeks ago, a great majority of us got together to celebrate our 40th Call to Bar anniversary. The Federal Courts’ Law Clerkship Program is a wonderful extension of that learning and social experience. It is an opportunity like no other to spend a year working collaboratively on files involving exciting and evolving areas of the law, including immigration, admiralty, aboriginal, intellectual property law and national security, to name but a few.”

“Clerking with the Federal Courts has many benefits. Aside from improving one’s research, writing and legal analytical skills, the close mentorship by a judge provides a unique and privileged insight into how decisions are made.”

– The Hon. Justice Roger Lafrenière

“The Chief Justice of the Court has repeatedly stressed the importance for diversity, as well as regional diversity on the bench. That holds true for our law clerks who should reflect the society the Court serves,” Lafrèniere emphasises. “We strongly encourage law students from Manitoba, who have been sadly unrepresented over the past few years, to apply.”

Since 2019, one Robson Hall student clerked at the Federal Court of Appeal, three at the Federal Court of Canada, and four at the Tax Court of Canada. Cardinal and Morris are the first two to be going to the Alberta Court of Appeal.

Trina McFadyen [LLB/2000], Director of Professional Development at the UM Faculty of Law, said some law students from Manitoba may consider clerkships at federal law courts to be beyond their reach. “Clerkships are something that UM Law students may not naturally have on their radar as there are no after-graduation clerkship opportunities available through the Manitoba courts, one of the few provinces where this is the case,” says McFadyen. “However, our students have successfully secured judicial clerkships with all levels of court, from the Supreme Court of Canada to various federal and provincial courts.”

“The quality of education received at Robson Hall combined with the calibre of our students mean they have just as good a chance as any Canadian law student in being accepted as a Court clerk. I am working to encourage more students to put in a clerkship application as this is an invaluable experience and will add lasting value to their professional profile.”

– Trina McFadyen [LLB/2000], Director of Professional Development

McFadyen cites local practitioners Dayna Steinfeld [BA/2009, JD/2012], now at Raven Law (Winnipeg) and Sacha Paul [LLB/2002], most recent President of the Law Society of Manitoba and lawyer at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman, as examples of UM alumni who clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada and returned to successful careers in Manitoba. In turn, Steinfeld recalls four other Robson Hall graduates who clerked at the SCC including Johanna Caithness (LLB/2007, Fillmore Riley, MB), Jason Roberts (LLB/2010, Dentons, BC), Dan Byma (JD/2012, Fasken, BC), and Miranda Grayson (JD/2015, TDS, MB). Terra Welsh (BA/2004, LLB/2007, TDS) clerked at the Federal Court.

Absolute highlight

Steinfeld, who was recently presented with a Faculty of Law Emerging Leader Alumni Award, clerked for the Honourable Justice Marshall Rothstein after articling. “My clerkship is an absolute highlight of my legal career,” she says. “I gained knowledge and skills that continue to be of immense value in my legal practice. An appellate clerkship is a year-long intensive training course in written and oral advocacy, in high-level and complex research and analysis, and in the most pressing legal issues in the country. The experience has been nothing but an asset in my practice and I encourage all law students to continue pursuing clerkships.”

Steinfeld encourages Manitoba law students to apply for Federal clerkships even if they take students away from home even temporarily. “Many Manitoba lawyers with thriving legal careers have completed clerkships and returned to Manitoba to find great professional success,” she says. “Based on the excellent education and training they receive, Robson Hall students are well-equipped to follow in the footsteps of Manitoba grads who have done clerkships in the past.”

An unparalleled learning experience

Mackenzie Cardinal [JD/2023]

The next generation of law clerks are already appreciating the benefits of clerking. Three months after exiting Robson Hall as a student for the last time, Mack Cardinal can confirm that the rumours are true. “There is really nothing like the clerking experience,” he says. “Not only do you get the opportunity to work alongside very accomplished legal minds on complex and challenging legal questions, but you also forge personal relationships with them that will stick with you after you leave your clerkship.”

“The ability to speak with judges directly and candidly about what you saw in the court room or in a factum is an unparalleled learning experience. It provides an excellent foundation for your written and oral advocacy skills that you will take with you into practice.”

– Mackenzie Cardinal [JD/2023], ABCA Court Clerk

Following his year at the ABCA, Cardinal will article at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Calgary for five months as per Law Society of Alberta requirements. Still mostly unsettled in what he wants to practice, he says he is leaning towards labour and employment or administrative law generally.

Cardinal applied for the clerkship in the first place because “it offers a unique opportunity to pull the curtain back on legal decision making.” He explains, “I thought it would be interesting to see how a decision develops in each stage of the appeal process and the considerations that go into a judge’s reasons.”

Regional Diversity

Matthew London applied after Justice Bruce Russell from the Tax Court of Canada visited Professor Michelle Gallant’s Tax class last November expressly to promote the clerkship opportunity to Manitoba law students. “In speaking with him after class, I found out that he was not hearing cases in Winnipeg that week (the TCC is a travelling court), and made the trip solely to talk to the class. It was then that I understood that the Court was serious about getting applications from a more regionally diverse group – including us here in the prairies. 

Matthew London, Class of 2024.

“I figured it was worth a shot applying. In the fall semester of 2L, I did well, including in Income Tax (important for anyone thinking of applying). I got my reference letters and application all together and sent it off,” says London.

London was first drawn to study law because of the ability it gives someone to work with and help a wide variety of people in a number of different ways. “Law gives you the chance to get to know people and their situation or their business and find a solution for a problem that is unique to them,” he says.

Interested in a career in tax, financial planning, and real estate law, London describes himself as having always been analytical and advocating for what he believes in. “I am happy with the decision I made to study law,” he says. “I have found areas of law which I find interesting and I am looking forward to clerking.”

Happy to encourage other students to apply, he shares the following insights about the process.

Extensive Interview

“I found out in early February that I had been invited to interview in Ottawa. The screening/ interview process was relatively extensive. First, there was a memo assignment on a TCC case two weeks before my interview. 

“At my in-person interview, I had to present another case to a panel of Judges of the Court where they asked me questions and asked for my thoughts on the case I selected. The case I selected was an SCC case, so I had to know how the case and issues had progressed from the TCC to the FCA to the SCC. I was also asked about the other case which I had written a memo for two weeks earlier. I had been prepping for the Bowman Tax Moot at the time of my interview, which I know helped me. 

“At the conclusion of the interview, I was given a tour of the Court premises by Alex Barnes [JD/2022], a current TCC Clerk who is a Robson Hall graduate. I received a call the next day with an offer.”

Despite the rigours of the interview process, London highly recommends law students apply for clerkships post-graduation. “It is a unique opportunity for recent graduates to obtain their articles,” he says. “At the Tax Court specifically, it hires 18 Clerks – all recent graduates. I will get to work directly for Judges who are experts in the field and live in Ottawa for a year.”

One very special opportunity included in clerking at the Tax Court is that it arranges a Career Fair especially for its Clerks. “Large national firms, tax boutiques, the DOJ, CRA and other government departments all come to this event that is put on for the Tax Court Clerks to secure post-clerkship jobs,” says London. “I am looking forward to seeing the opportunities available to me.”

Heather Morris will commence her clerkship with the ABCA in the summer of 2024 and will complete her articles at Norton Rose Fulbright in Calgary. “I was inspired to apply for clerkships because I believe people are our most valuable resource. As such, I see great value in receiving mentorship from esteemed leaders of the legal industry,” says Morris. “I am excited to observe how justices of the Alberta Court of Appeal consider questions of law, perceive different styles of argumentation, and make impartial decisions. Clerkships also allow students to understand a court’s inner workings, which will assist them in reading judgements or litigating in the future.”

“Every clerk I have connected with has spoken highly of the clerking experience. One clerk explained that clerkships allow you to spend more time researching and understanding a question of law without the time constraints and client expectations that come with working at a firm. I look forward to deeply understanding the law and the Alberta Court of Appeal during my clerkship next year.”

– Heather Morris, 3L

Currently, the Faculty of Law offers Clerkships for academic credit to third-year law students at the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench and the Manitoba Court of Appeal. Information about clerking at law courts across Canada after graduation is available on the Faculty of Law website.

Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law welcomed everyone and coordinated the presentation of the most recent Jurists of Robson Hall designations, Faculty and Staff Service Awards, and the Faculty of Law’s Alumni Awards.

Jurists

Wishing to formally recognize the exceptional contributions made to the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law Juris Doctor program, Dean Richard Jochelson began designating long-time community members as “Jurists of Robson Hall.” The latest additions to this list of extraordinary individuals included David Asper, K.C., LL.D., Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D., Silvia De Sousa and Grant Mitchell, K.C..

Faculty Service Awards

Professor Lorna Turnbull is presented with a Faculty Service Award by Professor Darcy MacPherson.

Professor Darcy MacPherson, Acting Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, was pleased to present the Faculty of Law’s inaugural Faculty Service Awards.

The Faculty of Law’s Extraordinary Service Faculty Award went to Bruce Curran for his diligence, professionalism, and leadership in providing support to his colleagues in service work on governance, compensation and the Negotiations program.

The Faculty of Law’s Extraordinary Service Faculty Award went to Gerald Heckman for his diligence, professionalism, and leadership in providing support to his colleagues in service work on Access to Justice in French and in service work with Manitoba Justice.

The Faculty of Law’s Extraordinary Service Faculty Award went to Lorna Turnbull for her diligence, professionalism, and leadership in providing support to her colleagues in service work on governance, compensation and Access to Justice in French.

Staff Service Awards

Lisa Griffin is presented with an Extraordinary Support Staff Award by Professor Jennifer Schulz.

Professor Jennifer Schulz, Associate Dean Academic, presented the Faculty of Law’s Extraordinary Support Staff Awards to Lisa Griffin, Career Development Coordinator, for her diligence, professionalism, and leadership in providing student support and for excellence in providing career services for students, and also to Trina McFadyen, Director of Professional Development, for her diligence, professionalism, and leadership in providing community outreach to the profession, alumni and for excellence in career services.

Alumni Awards

Trina McFadyen, Director of Professional Development, presented the Faculty of Law’s Alumni Awards, which wereannounced earlier this year.

The Outstanding Alumni Award honours a UM Law alum recognized for outstanding professional achievement in their legal career and who has shown dedication and commitment to the betterment of the legal profession while exhibiting the qualities of integrity and professionalism.  This year’s recipient of the award is Sherri Walsh, litigator, adjudicator, arbitrator, and managing partner of Hill Sokalski Walsh.

Sherri Walsh is presented with the inaugural Outstanding Alumni Award by Dean Richard Jochelson and Trina McFadyen.

The Emerging Leader Award Honours a UM Law alum who has graduated within the last 10 years, has shown dedication and commitment to the legal profession, and has also shown the qualities of integrity, professionalism, and leadership in their time practicing law.  This year’s recipient of the award is Dayna Steinfeld, lawyer at Raven Law.

The Trailblazer Award honors a UM Law alum who has excelled in a career outside the traditional practice of law and who is a person of integrity and demonstrated leadership and service to the community.  This year’s recipient of the award is Jennifer Schulz, Professor and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Law.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

The Faculty has a Career Development Office (CDO) in which the Career Development Coordinator, Lisa Griffin, organizes events including information sessions and workshops throughout the year on a regular cycle, to keep students informed about job opportunities and training and on their toes from first year to graduation. She maintains the Job Board and engages members of the practicing bar and judiciary to give presentations on what it’s like to clerk at the court or work in public or private practice areas, and meets with students one-on-one to review their resumés, cover letters, discuss networking, job search and interview techniques.

“It’s been an incredibly busy fall with out-of-province and Winnipeg summer placement recruits, many networking receptions, information sessions and a very busy appointment schedule,” said Griffin of the 2022 Fall Term. “Hard to believe December exams are around the corner. We then kick it into high gear again beginning in January with further recruits, both summer and articling, more networking events, workshops and round table events. Our students certainly have a lot to juggle but I could not be more proud of how they manage everything with such integrity, dedication and grace.”

Griffin recently organized an information session on Clerkship at the Federal Court at which The Honourable Justice Roger LaFreniere spoke to students, and has a Resumé and Cover Letter Information Session scheduled for November 16, followed by an Out of Province Information Session for first year law students scheduled for November 22. Ongoing are wine and cheese receptions that Winnipeg Law Firms regularly host to meet and welcome law students to Manitoba’s legal community.

“I love what I do and my role at the Faculty of Law. Working with our students is incredibly rewarding,” said Griffin.

DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Director of Professional Development, Trina McFadyen, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law and practiced law in Winnipeg for over a decade. Trina engages with both alumni and colleagues in the legal profession and works to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the Faculty and the practicing bar to benefit students entering practice. Trina develops resources for law students to assist them with navigating interviews, networking events, finding articling jobs and understanding the in-and-outs of working in the legal profession. As a lawyer who is still connected to the practicing bar, Trina brings a wealth of knowledge to the students of UM Law.

“We are fortunate at Robson Hall to have an engaged and supportive practicing bar, many of whom went to law school here and that includes me,” said McFadyen. “The Manitoba Bar and Bench are incredibly giving of their time and knowledge to help law students succeed. I feel my job is not only to assist the students as they navigate their time in law school and their professional goals but to also be their biggest cheerleader along the way.”

MANITOBA LAW STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (PDC)

Throughout the year, The PDC works closely with the Career Development Office to provide Robson Hall students with opportunities and resources to develop their professionalism by encouraging them to attend networking events with firms and practitioners, assisting students in the initial stages of preparing their resumés and cover letters, and collaborating with the CDO to facilitate workshops and panels throughout the school year. Most recently, the PDC organized the Law Banquet, held in-person at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on October 19. This much-anticipated annual event provides law students with the opportunity to sit down with practicing members of the Manitoba legal community to create genuine connections while gaining valuable insight into working in the legal industry.

Associate Dean, Dr. Jennifer L. Schulz noted that law students are understandably focussed on their future careers. “We are very pleased with the developing professionalism of our students, their proactivity, and genuine desire to learn and excel as future lawyers. Therefore, we will continue to support them with networking opportunities such as the Law Banquet, and more importantly, with an excellent legal education.”

Upcoming career development events law students can look forward to, include a roundtable with smaller law firms organized by the PDC, a mentorship mixer for first-year law students organized by the Manitoba Bar Association, and ongoing info-sessions and job opportunity postings, circulated by the Career Development Office.

Career Development Office

The Faculty has a Career Development Office in which the Career Development Coordinator, Lisa Griffin, organizes events including information sessions and workshops throughout the year on a regular cycle, to keep students informed about job opportunities and training and on their toes from first year to graduation. She maintains the Job Board and engages members of the practicing bar and judiciary to give presentations on what it’s like to clerk at the court or work in public or private practice areas, and meets with students one-on-one to review their resumés, cover letters, discuss networking, job search and interview techniques.

“I love the work I do,” said Griffin. “It is incredibly rewarding assisting our students through their law school journey and witnessing what they do with their careers!”

Director of Professional Development

The Director of Professional Development, Trina McFadyen, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law and practiced law in Winnipeg for over a decade.   Trina engages with both alumni and colleagues in the legal profession and works to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the Faculty and the practicing bar to benefit students entering the practice. Trina develops resources for law students to assist them with navigating interviews, networking events, finding articling jobs and understanding the in-and-outs of working in the legal profession. As a lawyer who is still connected to the practicing bar, Trina brings a wealth of knowledge to the students of UM Law.

“The best part of my job is when a student succeeds in achieving their dreams!”

– Trina McFadyen, Director of Professional Development

“The Manitoba Bar is unique in that so many of the lawyers in our province also went to law school here, and that includes me,” McFadyen said. “Our alumni and the practicing bar are very giving of their time and knowledge and want to help UM Law students succeed.  I pass along that knowledge, as well as what I learned in my years practicing law, to UM Law students as they navigate their professional goals.”

Manitoba Law Students’ Association – Professional Development Committee

Throughout the year, The PDC works closely with the Career Development Office to provide Robson Hall students with opportunities and resources to build their professional development by encouraging them to attend networking events with firms and practitioners, assisting students in the initial stages of preparing their resumes and cover letters, and collaborating with the CDO to facilitate workshops and panels throughout the school year. Most recently, the PDC organized the Law Banquet, held in-person at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on October 28. This much-anticipated annual event provides law students with the opportunity to sit down with practicing members of the Manitoba legal community to create genuine connections while gaining valuable insight into working in the legal industry. 

“In a professional program, such as law, careers are on students’ minds year-round,” explained Dr. Virginia Torrie, Associate Dean of the Juris Doctor program at the Faculty of Law. “We are active and proactive about fostering skills development and creating career connections and opportunities for JD students.”

Upcoming career development events Faculty of Law students can look forward to include a roundtable with smaller law firms organized by the PDC, a mentorship mixer for first-year law students organized by the Manitoba Bar Association, and ongoing info-sessions and job opportunity postings, circulated by the Career Development Office.

It could be argued that traumatic events like the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic are not “unprecedented” in our law school’s long history, because this faculty endured throughout the first world war, the Spanish Flu of 1918, the second world war, the polio epidemic of the 1950s, and many other wide-spread hardships affecting Canadians. While the current terrible circumstances should not be downplayed, it is encouraging to note that this faculty community has always found a way to carry on, and continues to do so.

Most inspiring is the story of the late Art Braid, C.M., Q.C., alumnus, former professor, dean and senior scholar who survived polio as a young person to go on to have an illustrious and vibrant legal career until his death on February 27^th of this year. Dr. Bryan Schwartz remembered Art in a eulogy, kindly shared earlier this year in UM Today. Prior to his death, Art had given a lengthy and intriguing interview about his experiences as a law student and professor published in the Manitoba Law Journal’s special edition on The Great Transition in Legal Education.

True to the faculty’s tradition of finding a way to carry on, the Class of 2020 will indeed be graduating, and all three years of law school did see their winter term through to the bitter end. Over 300 law students completed their exams and assignments this spring, despite the entire University of Manitoba Fort Garry Campus being closed to all but essential traffic. Please read about how we achieved this feat in the UM Today story, “Getting through Law School exams during a pandemic: A rough guide”.

Up until the end of March, an astonishing number of achievements were completed within the law faculty community. Some highlights of this past year that law alumni were involved with include:

Homecoming 2019 – Robson Hall’s 50^th Anniversary: Please take a virtual visit on our website (Time Capsule Contents drop-down) and read about the event in the UM Today Law News Network.

Guest Speakers: Many alumni and members of the practicing bar return year after year to share knowledge and experience as guest speakers invited by both professors and students. 

Moots & Competitions: Fillmore Riley always kicks off Moot season by hosting the fall Negotiation Competition, which involves many of the faculty’s sessional instructors and alumni. This winter, overwhelming support came from the family law bar that collaborated to present the inaugural Western Canada Family Law Negotiation Competition. Members of the Indigenous legal community also worked tirelessly to organize the national Kawaskimhon Moot at Robson Hall. Many alumni volunteer each year to coach law students on the Moot teams that represent Robson Hall across Canada. This year, the trial moot series team of Alyssa Cloutier and Keith McCullough brought home the MacIntyre Cup and went on to place second in the national Sopinka Cup.

Hosting Student/Firm Networking Events: Through Robson Hall’s Career Development Office, many local firms, large, mid-sized and small, have generously hosted events to facilitate networking between students and practicing lawyers. Throughout the pandemic, Career Development Officer, Lisa Griffin, worked tirelessly to ensure students had jobs and helped guide them through the articling and PREP/CPLED process in this era of new Law Society guidelines.

Hiring Articling Students: Mentoring students extends beyond the classroom, and as law students go out into the world with freshly-minted Juris Doctor degrees, their futures are in the hands of the practicing legal community and those of our alumni to take chances on them and train them in the profession.

Going forward, we will continue training leaders of what is at the moment, an uncertain and unpredictable future, but given our past track record, we are confident that together, we will find ways to carry on.

During Sokal’s first year, law students were responsible for purchasing their own $20 memberships in the Manitoba chapter of Canada’s professional association for lawyers, as was the practice. During the 2017 – 2018 academic year, as an active member of the MLSA, she noticed an increase in students benefitting from educational and networking events and opportunities offered by the MBA.

“In the past, we always encouraged students to purchase their own memberships,” said Lisa Griffin, Career Development Coordinator at Robson Hall since 2014. “Some did choose to take advantage of that, but I am not certain there was enough awareness of what the MBA had to offer in terms of mentorship, workshops, and networking events.”

Beyond networking, students can learn about developments in their areas of interest alongside Manitoba lawyers. For example, because of her membership, Sokal said she attended a lunch last year at which two Supreme Court Justices spoke. Further, she noted that a large number of Robson Hall students attended a wine and cheese put on by the Young Lawyers’ MBA section in November, and that several students attended the MBA Mid-Winter Conference in January, which hundreds of lawyers also attend. Throughout the year, the Legal Research section of the MBA put on events of direct interest to students in Robson Hall’s Moot Courtroom.

The main activity that students participated in, according to Sokal, was the MBA/MLSA Mentorship Program, which matches students and mentors one-on-one based on their shared interests including area of law. The Program holds two formal events during the year including a wine and cheese at Winnipeg law firm Thompson Dorfman Sweatman (TDS), and a casual event at a downtown restaurant. “Mentors and students are also encouraged to interact outside of these events,” said Sokal, noting that only MBA members can join the Program. In the past, about 70 matches were made but this year, matches totaled 97. A follow-up survey conducted by the Manitoba Bar Association regarding the Mentorship Program sent to students in April, showed that 40% of students stated that they may not have signed up for the Program had their membership not been paid for. “This would have been a great loss to those students,” Sokal said, “as the survey reported that 80% of students were satisfied or highly satisfied with the Program.” 

“I’ve had students come to me this year and say that they feel having a mentor is invaluable, someone they can connect with and ask questions about the field of law,” said Griffin. “I tend to tell students that people are bridges to people,” she added. “I try to drive home how important that networking piece is when looking for summer jobs and articling positions.”

Without joining the CBA, Sokal observed, students would not interact with lawyers as often. “Entering law school, I did not know any lawyers,” she said. “Through my participation in the Mentorship Program in my first year, I made connections with lawyers that increased my confidence and my knowledge about practicing law in Manitoba. Networking is a key part of gaining employment as an articling student,” she added. “In my opinion, a CBA membership may be the difference for some students in finding a job.”

Griffin likewise saw benefits from the faculty’s actions in making memberships available at no cost to all its students. “Providing memberships for each and every law student in the faculty this year made a huge difference compared to what I’ve seen in past years when students were encouraged to register for their own memberships,” she said. Having worked for the past four years with law students seeking articling positions, Griffin noted that having a mentor and the opportunity to network within the profession is key to increasing chances of finding a job after graduation.“I have noticed that the number of students attending MBA workshops and events has increased this past year compared to previous,” she said.

Other positive aspects of the MBA/MLSA Mentorship Program (source: MBA):

• 62% of students reported that interactions with their mentors have better prepared them for the job application process;
• 71% of students reported that interactions with their mentors have reinforced that law school was the right decision for them;
• 74% of students reported that interactions with their mentors have helped them learn about a particular area of practice;
• 79% of students reported that interactions with their mentors have helped them understand more about the practice of law in Manitoba; and 
• 52% of students reported that interactions with their mentors have provided them with contacts in the legal profession.

This year, the CBA introduced a Law Student Solutions Series, free webinars for Canadian law students with CBA chapter memberships. Member-students can watch the following webinars in the CBA website after logging in (source: MBA):

1. Effortless Schmoozing: A Lawyer’s Guide to Authentic Networking;
2. Practical Project Management: Proven Strategies to Keep You on Track;
3. The Resilient Lawyer: Tools for Coping with Adversity, Setbacks and Stress;
4. Overcome Perfectionism: Improve Your Performance and Get Stuff Done;
5. Making Smarter Decisions: Mitigating the Effects of the Irrational Brain;
6. Breaking Deadlock: Reopening Hopelessly Blocked Negotiations;
7. Persuasion for Lawyers: Applying the Science of Influence; and
8. Tough Conversations: Setting the Stage for Productive Outcomes.

MBA events where students were specifically invited to attend, were created with students in mind, or offered to them for free or at a reduced rate included (source: MBA):

• October 10, 2017 – Labour & Employment Law Section – Preparing for and Conducting Labour Arbitrations
• October 24, 2017 – Canadian Corporate (in-house) Counsel Section – What is an In-House Counsel (held in the Moot Courtroom at Robson Hall)
• December 14, 2017 – Wills & Estates Section – Basic Will Drafting:  Tips and Challenges
• January 2018 – Women Lawyers’ Section & Robson Hall Feminist Legal Forum – Women in the Practice of Law (held at Robson Hall)
• January 18, 2018 – Young Lawyers’ Section Session at the MBA Mid-Winter Conference – Reading Financial Statements
• January 18, 2018 – MBA Mid-Winter Working Lunch – Next Gen Dragon Nicole Verkindt, presented on changes to the way consumers interact with products and services and the implications that these trends will have on the legal sector
• January 18, 2018 – Legal Research Section Session at the MBA Mid-Winter Conference – Wikipedia and Legal Research
• March 1, 2018 – Legal Research Section – Value of a LL.M. Degree (held in the Moot Courtroom at Robson Hall)
• May 14, 2018 – Alternative Dispute Resolution Section – Judicially Assisted Dispute Resolution (JADR)

Additionally, law students were invited to attend any of the MBA Mid-Winter conference sessions at no charge. 

MBA Events that were organized and held specifically for students included (source: MBA):

• September 5, 2017 – Sponsored the Champagne Reception for 1^stYear Law Students with MLSA and Law Society at Robson Hall
• October 25, 2017 – Women Lawyers’ Section – Roundtable discussion topic of interest to women, allowing attendees to share their knowledge and experiences and to learn from one another
• November 8, 2017 – Young Lawyers’ Section – Wine & Cheese Reception
• November 14, 2017 – Aboriginal Law Section – Aboriginal Law Student reception held with the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association
• November 15, 2017 – MBA/MLSA Mentorship Reception
• November 16, 2017 – Women Lawyers’ Section – Wine, Women & Song – Coffeehouse Edition
• November 22, 2017 – Labour & Employment Law Section – Wine & Cheese reception
• January 18, 2018 – MBA Mid-Winter Bench & Bar Reception
• February 28, 2018 – MBA/MLSA Mentorship Event
• April 3, 2018 – Sponsored the MLSA Exam Cram Breakfast at Dinner at Robson Hall