Organizer Dominique Gibson (3L) reports: “During the Coffeehouse, students and faculty had the opportunity to gather together and enjoy performances from the Robson Hall community. There were several performers throughout the night, including a practice exam from Professor Curran and a karaoke set to finish the evening! Thanks to donations from attendees, we were able to raise $300 for Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, which will go to support their important work in Winnipeg”.

A good-sized crowd of law students turned out to support their brave fellow students, along with at least 10 faculty and staff members coming out to show support.

Gibson hosted the evening and accompanied most of the performers on his guitar. A highlight of the evening was when Eric Gagnon (3L) joined him on stage to sing “If I had a million dollars” by Canadian folk rockers, The Barenaked Ladies.

Associate Professor Bruce Curran, a repeat supporter of the Robson Hall coffee house tradition, introduced three folk songs (performed by Gibson, and a fiddle-playing law faculty staff-member) as law school exam fact scenarios, and invited the students in the audience to identify the legal issues therein. The “fact scenarios” included Woody Guthrie’s “Philadelphia Lawyer,” the ever-cheerful traditional tune “Bury Me Beneath the Weeping Willow,” and the Andy Desjarlais classic fiddle tune, “Whiskey Before Breakfast” (but with lyrics). The students later humorously thanked Curran “for educating us at the bar.”

Several other law students displayed remarkable musical talents, proving that the next generation of lawyers will greatly add to the ranks of multi-talented legal professionals serving the public today.

EDI Articling Positions

Securing an articling position to complete the requirements to become a lawyer is critical for law students as they near the end of their third and final year of the Juris Doctor program. Unfortunately, some law students encounter greater difficulties finding articles than others. The Faculty of Law has therefore collaborated with the Manitoba Law Students’ Association (MLSA) to create two articling positions at Robson Hall intended as ‘safety nets’ for equity-seeking students facing systemic barriers during the regular articling recruit.

This initiative is available to Robson Hall students now, with the application deadline for individuals seeking a position for the 2023-2024 articling year as May 1, 2023.

Faculty of Law articling students will be supervised by the Faculty’s Director of Clinics, and will work on files at any of the Faculty’s clinics including the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre (UMCLC), the Rights Clinic, the Access to Justice Clinic, the Indigenous Rights Clinic, and the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic. They will also attend to work as assigned from the University of Manitoba’s legal department, the (MLSA) and other work assigned in cooperation with the Faculty of Law’s clinical externship partners.

With this wide variety of experiences, students should get a rich experience of practical training while attending the bar admission course known as the Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) run by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) and administered through the Law Society of Manitoba.

The MLSA and the Faculty of Law will each pay half of the full amount of a competitive salary for a maximum of two articling student positions to ensure that any students unable to otherwise obtain an articling position through the regular recruitment process due to systemic barriers, can still be guaranteed a chance to pursue a career in the legal profession.

A pilot of this initiative was started last year with the first Faculty of Law articling student being hired in the summer of 2022.

University of Manitoba Faculty of Law students at Robson Hall facing EDI-related challenges may apply for the two articling positions here:

UM Articling Position 1

UM Articling Position 2

Renovations

The daily life of a law student has changed greatly since Robson Hall was first constructed in 1969, and the needs of the MLSA student body in 2023 has long since outgrown mid-20^th Century infrastructure. The student body has also grown and become more diverse. For example, in 1966, the preliminary description of the proposed building that became Robson Hall, contemplated restrooms and lockers for only 25 to 30 female students compared to 275 – 300 male students.

The MLSA and the Faculty of Law have thus designated funds to remodel Rooms 105, 105A, B, C, and D into a secure study space with key card access, individual study carrels, kitchenette, and Gender Inclusive Accessible Washrooms.

Construction work to implement these upgrades will commence this summer with completion estimated to be by the end of next year.

The idea of post-secondary education had not even crossed high school student D’Andra (Dia) Scherban’s mind before participating in the new Law Makers program at Maples Collegiate. But their experience working with mentors from the University of Manitoba’s (UM) Faculty of Law is starting to shift that thought process to what is possible.

“Seeing the work of the law students interests me and is kind of pushing me towards that (post-secondary education),” says Scherban.

A UM partnership with the Seven Oaks School Division and Wayfinders program, Law Makers combines social justice education with mentorship, linking Indigenous UM law students with high school learners in the division. Not only does the program support students in earning a high school credit, but it also creates their first connection with post-secondary through university credit.

“[I was originally interested] because of the credit, but after being in the class, it’s really interesting learning about my own culture and how it ties to law,” says Scherban.

First-year Faculty of Law student Melinda Moch is one of the influential mentors meeting with Scherban and their classmates weekly. The goal is to show the students there are many paths after high school that can make a difference in their communities.

The program helps students to see themselves in their mentors and feel supported to take that next step to post-secondary, whether in law or not. “To me, it does not matter what course they pursue; no matter what they do, they are going to be stronger, more vocal advocates for Indigenous rights,” says Moch.

As a member of the Métis Nation, Moch learned a love of the land from her mother at a young age and hopes to impart that knowledge to the students she mentors through land rights teachings. She already sees their understanding of and interest in the connections between the social justice teachings and the current events faced by Indigenous nations across the country.

“Seeing how the [students] are connecting aspects of the law they are learning about with real-world examples and asking such smart questions is so inspiring,” Moch remarks, noting she is as inspired by the students as they are by their mentors.

Though it’s only the first year of the program, students are already showing strong interest in social justice, which Moch is confident will lead them to success in whatever they pursue.

“I foresee some of these students going many distances, [especially] the way their minds are open to the idea of anything and that, to me, is a huge prospect as well – that they, through Law Makers, will get the idea that they can become anything.” Moch has already confirmed she is planning to participate as a mentor again next year, and for as long as the program exists.

The expansion of this program to involve more participants and branch out into different fields will now be much more possible, thanks to UM’s new partnership with the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV program, which includes $16.1 million to support this work.

“The timing of this partnership and the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation are going to have such a big impact…It allows the program to happen in a bigger, better, faster way, especially in getting all the resources and people in place,” says Christine Cyr, associate vice-president Indigenous – students, community and cultural integration at UM. “We’re all grateful for this partnership.”

With Law Makers in its early stages, plans for future educational opportunities for Indigenous high school students are already underway. Cyr’s long-term goal is to connect more and more students with Indigenous mentors who will empower them to feel comfortable to work toward any dream.

“I hope to see the Law Makers program as the first step – and many more programs like it in many different fields – so every student feels supported to pursue whatever career they want,” says Cyr, adding this is only the beginning of the program’s work to create pathways to education and ensure students know their communities are rooting for them.

While the work in building a trans-inclusive world should be done at all times, this day provides a platform and a space for transgender people and their allies to honour and embrace transgender visibility.

The first TDOV was observed in 2010 to change the violence-focused narrative surrounding transgender people in most media coverage. Advocates called for people to celebrate the lives, accomplishments, and success stories of transgender people instead of their tragedies while still recognizing that not every transgender person wants to be visible

The University of Manitoba is committed to maintaining that momentum and to continue creating an environment in which people of all gender identities can express their true selves freely and safely.

“The university tends to be the first stage of life where many trans people feel safer to explore their gender identity,” says one transgender UM staff member.

She emphasizes the significance of making sure we have systems in place to accommodate this stage in many people’s lives. “It’s important that we have a day to see trans people as members of our community while we are still alive,” she adds.

She highlights the work being done within the Faculty of Law, with new initiatives created by students in collaboration with the UM community and beyond. The Manitoba Law Student Association launched a project to build gender-neutral washrooms in Robson Hall, taking a firm stance in prioritizing these upgrades.

The Robson Hall student group OUTLaws has also formed a partnership with the Trans ID Clinic and Pro Bono Students Canada, who provide free legal support for trans and non-binary people who want to legally change their name and/or gender marker on their provincial or federal ID. The OUTLaws fundraiser event on May 7, a drag show a year in the making, will support this initiative.

These are only two of many ways to support this cause. You can take the time to honour the International Transgender Day of Visibility in a number of ways, with a few suggestions and resources from GLSEN.

She describes one of the most powerful messages we can take away from this day: “Chances are you’ve met someone who is either trans or gender non-conforming. Some do not know this aspect of their being, or make attempts to repress their nature and adhere to gender norms. This day is especially important for those who are on the fence, and those who are questioning if they can live a normal life in a predominantly cisgender world.”

Related: Law students raise funds and awareness for TransID clinic

Over the past year, the Faculty and the MLSA Executive leadership team identified a number of important aspects of the 52-year-old building that are well overdue for improvement and modernization. Building gender-neutral washrooms was deemed an immediate priority by the MLSA Executive, with construction scheduled to begin in the short term.

“We are excited and thankful that the MLSA has decided to contribute to student spaces in such a significant way. There can be little doubt that after these projects, Robson Hall will be an even better place to spend quality time,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of the Faculty of Law. “In tandem, the Faculty is updating and developing its clinical and teaching spaces to bring the learning experience into state-of-the-art shape.  Robson Hall will be significantly refreshed and welcoming as a result.”

Additionally, students and visitors will benefit from more inviting study areas and social spaces, alongside substantial infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the modern-day technological needs of students. In total, the MLSA has given approximately $710,000 for these proposed capital expenditures in partnership with the Faculty of Law.

“The MLSA Executive team of Alexis Alevizos, Narayan McRae, Kelsey Thain and I have put fulfilling the needs of Robson Hall students today and in the future at the centre of every initiative and endeavour we have taken on,” said Michael Badejo, President of the MLSA. “The impact of this gift from the MLSA will be felt for years, and enriching our community in this way is rewarding as well as humbling. Our entire team is delighted to have set this comprehensive project in motion.”

Over the next three years, the MLSA-run Common Room on Robson Hall’s Main Floor will be renovated to include gender-neutral washrooms, improved security, and technological improvements. The patio around Robson Hall’s east entrance will receive additional beautification as well as more seating and improved infrastructure to create a more inviting out-door study and gathering space for students.

The 100 level, where student lockers, lunch facilities, washrooms and office space are located, will receive a thorough upgrade, involving the re-purposing and reinvigoration of space to better meet student needs. In addition to improved lighting, the earmarked gift will be used to enhance student study and office spaces for the benefit of all Faculty of Law students including the Manitoba Indigenous Law Student Association, MLSA Committees and MLSA Student Groups.

The Law Banquet provides the students of Robson Hall 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. Although this is possible in a virtual environment, many of the event’s esteemed speakers and attendees noted how thrilled they were to see the Robson community together in person again, finally. 

The Co-Coordinators and the Manitoba Law Students Association (MLSA)’s Professional Development Committee would like to once again thank all attendees and generous sponsors for a successful event! 

EVENT SPONSORS: 

• Diamond Sponsors: TDS, Pitblado, MLT Aikins, Fillmore Riley and Taylor McCaffrey 
• Gold Sponsors: Scotiabank 
• Event Sponsors: Manitoba Bar Association and the Law Society of Manitoba 

Karen Sharma, Acting Executive Director of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, was one of many guest speakers invited to Robson Hall by student groups this fall.

Professors have also been bringing in visitors beyond class time. Besides the long-standing annual Distinguished Visitors Lecture Series and DeLloyd J. Guth Visiting Lecture on Legal History, the new Master of Human Rights program has been instrumental in adding visiting scholars of interest to J.D., LL.M., and M.H.R. students and faculty alike. The end result has been an energetic and vibrant learning environment.

Dr. Bruce Curran, Associate Dean of the Juris Doctor program, oversees the regular curriculum of what bachelor of laws students are supposed to learn. “This year in particular has been remarkable for the Faculty of Law,” he said, “and it has been great to see the students reaching out to members of the profession, forging those relationships, and creating opportunities for themselves.”

Victoria Truong, a third-year law student and president of the Manitoba Law Students Association, shared insights on what motivates the students. “Before law school, I had never been exposed to opportunities where I was privy to meaningful conversations that discussed real issues through the lens of the law,” she said. “Here, I have been exposed to real issues that are currently occurring in the world and am learning what lawyers are thinking and doing today to combat these issues.”

She added that, because the legal system and the practice of law is so complex, “It may not be as straightforward as what we might learn in class, and so having guest speakers speak about real issues and real lives helps students realize how big the world is, to find their passion, to follow what interests them, and make connections with legal professionals who may help them onto the path they wish to pursue.”

Truong emphasises that the student-organized guest speaker events held so far do not include the many charitable drives initiated by the law student Community Outreach Committee, plus volunteer initiatives driven by students running the Pro Bono Students Canada and CanU programs. The newly-formed Animal Rights Forum held a month-long drive in October to collect animal products and toys to be donated to the Humane Society and had an email drive to protest to save elephants in Tanzania. Robson Hall students also participated in Orange Shirt Day and the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association hosted an Entertainment Night. The Professional Development Committee hosted a successful law banquet and the student Mediators group have engaged in a new initiative called Sport Law Connect Program.

“Robson Hall students consistently amaze me with their tenacity and enthusiasm in helping to make Robson Hall a better place to be and learn,” said Truong.

To illustrate how busy this fall was, below is the full list of guest speakers who visited Robson Hall. This does not include our homecoming celebration, scholarship awards ceremonies or Career Development Office workshops. Upcoming events are listed on the Faculty of Law events calendar. Unless otherwise noted, most of these events are open to alumni, faculty, staff, students, and interested members of the legal community.

Sept. 15 Cocktails by C.A.R.L. featuring the Orontes Guitar Quartet of Damascus, Syria
Sept. 24 The Runnymede Society Robson Hall section presents: “Do the Words Matter? A Conversation with Justice David Stratas, Federal Court of Appeal”
Sept. 27 Supreme Court of Canada at Robson Hall (a special meeting with law students)
Sept. 30 Orange Shirt Day – MILSA Group Photo
Sept. 29-30 International research conference: Harnessing the Winds of Change in a Shifting Nuclear World (Convened by Dr. Jonathan Black-Branch, Dean of Law)
Oct. 1 Master of Human Rights program public lecture: Dr. Vinay Lal, UCLA. This event was made possible by the support and sponsorship of Dr. K. Dakshinamurti, President of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Canada, and Bashir Khan, Chairperson of the Borden-King Institute.
Oct. 3 Guth Lecture 2019 Dr. Seth Rockman of Brown University on New England merchants and manufacturers’ property rights in southern slaves via credit/debt.
Oct. 3 Criminal Law Group presents Stacey Soldier: What’s it like to be a criminal law lawyer?
Oct. 7 “Justice for Soleiman Faqiri” – a talk by Yusuf Faqiri hosted by MLSA Student Groups, the Human Rights Collective and Level Justice
Oct. 10 C.A.R.L. Robson Hall presents a screening of the documentary film: “Inside My Heart” on Oct. 10, 2019 at noon in Room 206.
Oct. 16 Outlaws Presents: Karen Sharma – Acting Executive Director, Manitoba Human Rights Commission, speaking on Current 2SLGBTQ+ Topics in Human Rights Law
Oct. 16 MILSA Entertainment Night at the Park Theatre
Oct. 17 Guest Speakers (presented by the Law Dean’s office): Michigan Supreme Court Justice Megan Cavanagh and her father, Ret. Justice Michael Cavanagh Talk title: Michigan State and Tribal Courts: Forging Relationships by Listening, Learning, and Collaborating
Oct. 19 Criminal Law Group presents Direct & Cross-examination workshop (facilitated by practicing lawyers)
Oct. 21 The Robson Hall Business Law Group presents: Dan Torbiak on Personal Finance for Young Lawyers/Professionals
Oct. 22 Women’s Correctional Facilities literacy program in partnership with Frontier College Info Session
Oct. 24 Advocating for Justice and Reparations in Uganda – a conversation with Grace Acan and Evelyn Amony
Oct. 25 Adelina Iftene, Schulich Law Punished for Aging: Vulnerability, Rights and Access to Justice in Canadian Penitentiaries A pre-conference talk presented by Robson Crim Group
Oct. 26 Research Conference – Criminal Justice and Evidentiary Thresholds in Canada: The Last Ten Years (Convened by Robson Crim Group’s Dr. Richard Jochelson & Mr. David Ireland)
Nov. 1 Sport & Entertainment Law Group Presents: Dan Hursch – True North Entertainment’s in-house counsel

Coming to Robson Hall with an undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa in Visual Arts (Honours) with a minor in Indigenous Studies, Morrison remained active as a visual artist throughout her three years in law school. She created the cover of a recent issue of the Manitoba Law Journal, and designed and painted the art covering a tipi that was used to welcome first year law students during the 2018 Orientation week. A busy mom, Morrison is also a jingle dress dancer and small business owner, having launched her own brand called Clan Mother Goods & Apparel this past December.

Throughout law school, Morrison was involved with a number of Manitoba Law Student Association committees including the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association (MILSA), and CanU, while founding the Student Pipeline Action Committee (SPAC). Outside of Robson Hall, she was a past board member for Sarasvati Theatre Productions, was a founding member for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Indigenous Advisory Circle, and was a Legacy Fund Developer for the Joseph Morrison Legacy Fund. On top of these commitments, she achieved high academic excellence and won a number of awards including the E.J. McMurray Entrance Scholarship, the UMSU Award for Indigenous Community Leaders, and the Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) Law Student Scholarship.

To fully appreciate Morrison’s incredible motivation and unique spirit, we asked her to share her law school experience in her own words:

“Being accepted into such a prestigious field of study is by far one of the life accomplishments I am most proud of.”

What made you first want to apply for law school?

I spent most of my lifetime advocating for Indigenous people through program service and delivery models such as Friendship Centres, however my journey took a different direction into the realm of law and justice when I started working with the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat and later with the Assembly of First Nations. Working closely with Survivors of the Indian Residential School System had a profound impact on my life. I formed deep bonds with generations of Survivors who had endured so much trauma and persevered to live a good life today. It also gave me a glimpse into a field of work lacking Indigenous representation. I contemplated law school for many years after I left my work with Survivors. I didn’t think I was smart enough to get into law school, and I also had a new, young family to look after – time did not seem to be in favour of the commitment. It wasn’t until some very good friends of mine encouraged me to write the LSAT and apply for law school because, what else did I have to lose? The worst that could happen after at least trying would be that I wouldn’t be accepted and my life would carry on. I wrote the LSAT with a one-year old daughter at home, intensely studying in the evenings for a few hours at a time. In March 2016, I received an unconditional offer into law school. Being accepted into such a prestigious field of study is by far one of the life accomplishments I am most proud of. 

Was this something you had always wanted to do?

Being an advocate and working closely with my own people is something I have always been inspired by and good at doing, however I never envisioned that this calling would take the form of becoming a lawyer. It almost seems inherent, however, given that many of my family members work in the field of justice – my father was a Justice of the Peace, my mother a Mediator, my sisters each a Gladue Writer and Police Officer. The criminal justice system has also positively and negatively impacted many members of my family, and so it is not unfamiliar territory. I truly believe that my life took the direction that it did for a reason – I was meant to spend such an intimate time with Survivors as an awakening to the many injustices that exist for Indigenous people. I consider myself extremely lucky to carry on the legacy of justice work that my family, and am continually inspired by the resiliency of our people and the hard work of those before me. 

“I learned a very important lesson during this time – that law reform was necessary for the lives of Indigenous people. System disruption was the only way forward.”

What were the biggest highlights of your law school career?

Throughout law school, there have been critical points in the history and struggle of Indigenous people in North America that myself and many other Indigenous law students felt intensely impacted by. In our first year of law school, the level of conflict reached in Standing Rock led to a shocking and violent situation. Thousands gathered in an historic fashion, and yet we felt helpless being in school and unable to stand in solidarity at the frontlines with our communities. In an effort to support those in Standing Rock, myself and a group of other first year law students established the Student Pipeline Action Committee and quickly organized a fundraising campaign with “Water Is Life” t-shirts. I [created] the design in the style of Anishinaabe woodlands and the campaign went viral. Within the span of two and a half of weeks, we fundraised $5,000 in support of the Water Protectors Legal Collective. We continued this work throughout first and second year in support of similar movements. 

In our second year of law school, the trial involving Gerald Stanley and Colten Boushie was front and centre attention. It permeated conversations in and out of class and created a divisive atmosphere not only within Canadian society, but especially in law school. When the final verdict came out, law students, faculty and lawyers came together in solidarity and support of the family. We marched and fundraised for those impacted. At the time, I was volunteering with the Indigenous Youth Outreach Program, a mentorship program that teaches Indigenous young people in the north end of Winnipeg about the criminal justice system. It was very apparent that there was a question of how valuable the lives of Indigenous youth were and whether the justice system worked for us or against us. I learned a very important lesson during this time – that law reform was necessary for the lives of Indigenous people. System disruption was the only way forward. 

Finally, in my third and final year, I assisted the Law Society of Manitoba in partnership with the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association to organize the first Indigenous law CPD [Continuing Professional Development] program, Tebweta Ajiimowin – To Tell the Truth. During a critical time when the Western system of law was so clearly oppressing Indigenous people, this program grounded me in the truth that Indigenous legal traditions have been around since time immemorial and that this was our future. Not only is revitalizing Indigenous law an imperative part of self-determination, but also reconciliation between Canada and Indigenous people. 

“We survived law school by relying on and loving one another unconditionally.” 

What were the biggest challenges you faced and what did you learn from them to move forward?

Law school is an intense commitment that requires excellent organizational and time management skills. Many consider the biggest feat of law school to be learning how to cope with the intense studying demands. The biggest challenges I faced in law school were dealing with trauma and unexpected personal losses. In my second year of law school, I lost my brother to suicide. It was a deeply traumatic time and I had to learn how to cope with the grief in order to finish my studies. This type of trauma was not unfamiliar to many Indigenous students in law school. We were all dealing with similar circumstances that the average law student could barely fathom – all while raising families, serving community, and performing well academically. We survived law school by relying on and loving one another unconditionally. 

“Law school is not a competition – lift each other up and you will all succeed together.” 

What knowledge or lessons learned would you most like to share with future law students?

As a law student entering the field of justice, it is imperative to know and acknowledge your place and privilege in society coming into law school. You are about to start a career as advocate for the voiceless. It is easy to get caught up in the legal complexities of caselaw and forget that there is a very human aspect to this work. Things like race, income, class, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation directly impact and can determine the outcome of any case. In order to become a good advocate, you have to view the system of law from the lens of the people you are representing. If you cannot understand or even begin to relate to the unique circumstances faced by an individual, how can you expect to speak to their legal issues in a meaningful way?

Finally, it is just as important to care for yourself in all of the work that you will carry out as a student and practitioner. Many lose themselves in the demanding and stressful field of law. Ground yourself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and relationships with people who inspire you, who care for you, and who will remind you that you are capable and that you will get through those hard moments in law school. Law school is not a competition – lift each other up and you will all succeed together.