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!

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.