Alumni Honours & Awards
Making an impact in the legal profession and beyond
We are a network of over 11,000 alumni that span the legal profession and beyond – from members of the bar to the bench to entrepreneurs blazing their own trails. As valued members of our community, alumni are our ambassadors and one of our greatest strengths.
In the photo above, 2024 recipients of the biennial Faculty of Law Alumni Awards are celebrated at the 2025 Alumni Reunion reception (photo by Alice Xue Photography).
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Faculty of Law Distinguished Alumni Awards biennially recognize the exceptional contributions of our community members.
Awarded to a graduate in recognition of their extraordinary public leadership and lifelong commitment to the community, which exemplify the highest ideals of the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto.
The Honourable Robert K. Rae (LLB 1977) serves as Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. He has served in this post since August 4, 2020, and has been active in all aspects of the work of the UN, culminating in his election to the Presidency of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2024-2025, the first Canadian to assume this role.
Mr. Rae served as Premiere of Ontario from 1990-1995, and interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011-2013. He was elected to provincial and federal parliaments 11 times between 1978 and 2013 and has been honoured by the alumni of both bodies for his distinguished service.
Mr. Rae received his Honours BA in Modern History from the University of Toronto, a MPhil in Politics as a Rhodes Scholar at Balliol College in Oxford University and graduated from the Faculty of Law at U of T in 1977. He holds numerous honorary doctorates from distinguished Universities around the world and has lent his considerable talents lecturing to students at schools of law, business and global affairs.
Among other notable assignments, Mr. Rae led the restructuring of the Canadian Red Cross, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and chaired the board of the Royal Conservatory of Music. He also wrote Lessons to be Learned on the Air India bombing, and a study of the Ontario higher education system, Ontario: a Leader in Learning.
Cherie Brant (JD 2002)
Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLPCherie Brant is a Partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) and Independent Director at Hydro One Networks since 2018 and Toronto-Dominion Bank since 2021.
At BLG, Cherie is the national leader for the Indigenous law group at BLG and member of the firm's Environmental, Social and Governance initiative. Her commercial practice extends across a wide variety of sectors, including energy and transmission, land development and financing on First Nations lands, Indigenous Infrastructure, and economic development for Indigenous owned businesses and Indigenous governments. She also provides strategic policy and governance counsel to Indigenous groups seeking to exercise their jurisdiction and authority.
She also serves on the non-profit boards for the Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Canadian Club of Toronto. In 2017, Cherie received the Lexpert Zenith Award, a national award that recognizes women's contributions to the law. In 2012, she was named one of Lexpert's "Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40." Cherie holds a JD from the University of Toronto and a BA in Environmental Studies, Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo.
Cherie is both Mohawk from Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and Ojibway from Wikwemkoong Unceded Indian Reserve.
The Honourable Michael J. Moldaver (BA UC 1968, LLB 1971, Hon. LLD 2019)
retired Justice of the Supreme Court of CanadaBorn in 1947, Justice Moldaver spent his formative years in Peterborough, Ontario. He attended the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1968 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1971 (Gold Medalist). He is married to Rivka ("Riky") Moldaver and has two daughters, Shannon and Jessica, and two grandchildren.
Justice Moldaver articled with the law firm of Thomson Rogers and then with Mr. G. Arthur Martin, and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1973. He began his criminal law practice with the law firm of Pomerant, Pomerant and Greenspan (later Greenspan, Gold and Moldaver), where he became a partner in 1975. Justice Moldaver was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1985. After practising as a sole practitioner for two years, he was affiliated with the law firm of Goodman and Goodman from 1988 until his appointment to the Bench. While in practice, Justice Moldaver was Director of the Criminal Lawyers' Association, Director of the Advocates' Society and Co-Chair of the University of Toronto Academic Tribunal, Discipline Subsection. He co-chaired the 1989 Advocacy Symposium at Massey Hall as well as the 1990 Advocacy Symposium at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, which featured a panel composed of Canadian Chief Justice Dickson, U.S. Chief Justice Rehnquist, and U.K. Lord Chancellor MacKay.
Justice Moldaver began his judicial career as a member of the High Court of Justice for Ontario when he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Ontario (later the Ontario Court of Justice (General Division)) on April 12, 1990. He was elevated to the Court of Appeal for Ontario on December 22, 1995 and to the Supreme Court of Canada on October 21, 2011.
Throughout his career, Justice Moldaver has played an active role in the legal community. From 1978 to 1995, he co-taught criminal law courses at Osgoode Hall Law School and at the University of Toronto Law School. He has acted as a speaker and an instructor in numerous continuing education programs for both the judiciary and the profession, participating in educational programs sponsored by the National Judicial Institute and the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice, teaching criminal law to newly appointed judges from across Canada, and instructing in the Ontario Crown Attorneys' Association, Criminal Lawyers' Association and Ontario Bar Association continuing education programs. Justice Moldaver is an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He received a degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the University of Toronto in 2019. He retired on September 1st, 2022.
Maureen Kempston Darkes
Maureen Kempston Darkes was appointed General Motors Corporation Group Vice President and President, GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East (LAAM) and a member of the General Motors Automotive Strategy Board, effective January 1, 2002, a position which she held until her retirement from General Motors in December, 2009. Prior to this appointment, she was President and General Manager of General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) and Vice President of General Motors Corporation from 1994 to 2001.
Kempston Darkes currently serves on the boards of Canadian National Railway, Brookfield Asset Management, Irving Oil, Enbridge Inc., and Canadian Olympic Committee. In January 2013, she was appointed by the Government of Canada to the Science, Technology and Innovation Council. She has also served on the Boards of Brascan, Noranda, Falconbridge, Thomson Corporation, Balfour Beattie plc, and Schlumberger Limited. During her tenure as President of GM of Canada, she was a board member of the Vehicle Manufacturers' Association; the Ontario Government Education, Quality and Accountability Board; and the Ontario Minister of Health's Women's Health Council.
She was appointed by the federal government to the Free Trade Agreement Automotive Select Panel in 1989 and, in 1994, to the Transportation Equipment Sectoral Advisory Group on International Trade.
Kempston Darkes is a former Director of Bridgepoint Health Foundation. She has served as the former chair for major gifts for Women's College Hospital Fund Raising Campaigns; co-chaired the BC Cancer Foundation's Millennium Campaign, focused on genome science and research into finding cures for and treatment of cancer.
In 1997, she was awarded the Order of Ontario and in 2000, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. She holds a BA in history and political science from Victoria College, University of Toronto and a JD from U of T's Faculty of Law, and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1975.The Hon. Justice Robert J. Sharpe
The Honourable Robert “Bob” J. Sharpe (LLB 1970) was a judge of the Court of Appeal for Ontario from 1999 until his retirement from the judiciary earlier this year. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1974 and practised with MacKinnon McTaggart (later McTaggart Potts) in the area of civil litigation.
He was a professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto from 1976 to 1988 and served under Chief Justice Brian Dickson as Executive Legal Officer at the Supreme Court Canada from 1988 to 1990. Robert Sharpe was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto in 1990 and served in that capacity until his appointment as member of the Ontario Court of Justice (General Division) now the Superior Court of Justice, in 1995.
He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1991, awarded the Ontario Bar Association Distinguished Service Award in 2005, elected a Senior Fellow of Massey College in 2006, and received the Mundell Medal for Distinguished Contribution to Law and Letters in 2008. In 2011, he was appointed as a Visiting Professor, Oxford University and received the honorary doctoral degrees from the Law Society of Upper Canada and the University of Windsor.
Justice Sharpe has written several books including The Law of Habeas Corpus (3rd ed. 2011); The Last Day, the Last Hour: The Currie Libel Trial, (1988); Injunctions and Specific Performance (5th ed. 2017); The Charter of Rights and Freedoms (with Professor Kent Roach) (6th ed. 2017), Brian Dickson: A Judge’s Journey (with Kent Roach) (2003); The Persons Case: The Origins and Legacy of the Fight for Legal Personhood (with Patricia McMahon) (2007); The Lazier Murder: Prince Edward County, 1884 (2011). His most recent book is Good Judgment: Making Judicial Decisions (2018). Justice Sharpe has also published many scholarly articles.
He is a frequent lecturer at academic conferences and professional development seminars. He was a member of the Advisory Panel to assist the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission regarding the judiciary (2002) and a member of the International Bar Association Rapid Response Missions to investigate threats to judicial independence in Russia (2005) and Pakistan (2007).
Justice Sharpe is currently Distinguished Jurist in Residence at the Faculty of Law, Member of Arbitration Place and President of the Osgoode Society for Legal History.
Melissa Kennedy (LLB 1987) and Herb Solway (JD 1955)
The Honourable James Farley, Q.C. (LLB 1966) and Linda Rothstein (LLB 1980).
The Honourable Mr. Justice Ian Binnie (JD 1965) and Jean Fraser (JD 1975).
The Honourable Henry N. R. Jackman ( JD 1956) and J. Robert S. Prichard (LLB 1975).
The Honourable William (Bill) Graham (LLB 1964).
The Honourable John C. Major (LLB 1957).
The Honourable Paul Martin (JD 1964).
The Honourable John Sopinka (LLB 1958) (posthumously).
The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella (LLB 1970)
J. Bruce Dunlop (LLB 1954).
Edwin A. Goodman, O.C., Q.C., D.U. (BA 1940).
John J. Robinette, O.C., Q.C. (BA 1926).
The Honourable Charles L. Dubin ('41).
Lionel H. Schipper, Q.C. (LLB 1956) and James M. Tory, Q.C. (LLB 1952).
The Honourable G. Arthur Martin (BA 1935).
The Right Honourable Bora Laskin (BA 1933).
Robert Prichard & Ann Wilson Award for Community & Professional Service
Awarded to a recent graduate of the Faculty of Law, who demonstrates the highest standards of professional integrity, excellence and leadership, and who has made a significant contribution to the legal profession and/or community through their public interest work, pro bono activities and/or community service.
Misha Boutilier (JD 2018) is Counsel & Advisor to Chief Justice of Ontario Michael Tulloch.
Misha completed his law degree at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 2018 and is a recipient of the Angus MacMurchy Gold Medal and the Cecil A. Wright Dean’s Key.
Following graduation, he clerked for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and for Justices Sharpe, Tulloch, and Miller at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. He also worked as a litigation associate with the New York office of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP for several years, and served as Commission Counsel with the Public Order Emergency Commission.
Notably, his work as a Litigation Associate at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP included leading a federal class action lawsuit to address unsafe conditions at a detention facility for asylum seekers and successfully challenging restrictive U.S. Department of Homeland Security rules in the landmark case AsylumWorks v. Mayorkas. Underscoring his commitment to justice and human rights, Misha’s pro bono work on this case earned him the Rising Star Award from the National Immigrant Justice Center in 2022.
In addition to his professional achievements, Misha is a published scholar, his writings addressing contemporary challenges in public law, access to justice, and human rights. His publications are included in leading journals such as the Alberta Law Review and the Canadian Bar Review, reflecting his intellectual depth and commitment to addressing pressing legal issues.
In addition to his professional and academic achievements, Misha is a dedicated volunteer in the U of T Law community, serving as a coach for the University of Toronto’s Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot team. Under his guidance, the team has achieved remarkable success, including victory in the Canadian rounds and high placements internationally.
This past Fall, Misha also returned to the faculty as an Adjunct Professor co-teaching a seminar on civil justice reform and comparative U.S.-Canada civil procedure.
Catherine Dunmore (LLM 2017) is a Solicitor of England & Wales, fluent in English and French, specializing in the fields of international criminal law, human rights, rule of law and gender.
Catherine currently works with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Ukraine Monitoring Initiative. She is also a Gender, Conflict & Stability Expert with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Stabilisation Unit (Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative) providing technical expertise in contexts such as South Sudan and Ethiopia. Catherine is a Senior Expert to the EuroMed Justice Programme, and a member of the United Nation’s Ending Violence Against Women Roster. Catherine has volunteered as a Trustee of Peacebuilding UK, and as an election observer with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Moldova, Serbia and Kyrgyzstan.
Previously, she was a Human Rights Officer / Gender Adviser to the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen and a Technical Specialist on Judicial Affairs and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence for the United Nations in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. She was a Programme Lawyer for the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute and a Humanitarian Sexual and Gender-based Violence Advisor for Save the Children. Catherine also has experience working for the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, Legal Action Worldwide, DIGNITY’s International Accountability Platform for Belarus, Human Rights Watch, REDRESS, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice and has worked on death penalty cases through Amicus in Florida.
Catherine completed her training contract at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in London, including a secondment to Oxfam’s legal team, and subsequently practised in international arbitration with Hogan Lovells in Paris.
Catherine’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Essex, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from BPP, and a Master of Laws with Collaborative Program in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Toronto.
Cory Wanless (JD 2008)
Partner, Waddell Phillips LLP
A partner at Waddell Phillips LLP, Cory Wanless has been actively litigating cases of public importance for almost a decade. He has represented clients before all levels of court in Ontario and Alberta, and has argued at the Supreme Court of Canada. Cory has particular interest and experience in complex civil litigation, especially as it relates to corporate accountability, human rights, Indigenous rights, police and state accountability, anti-racism and defending human rights defenders. Cory devotes a sizable portion of his practice to access to justice cases.Cory often represents clients in high-profile and precedent-setting cases. He currently is co-counsel in ground-breaking corporate accountability lawsuits against a Canadian mining company regarding human rights abuse in Guatemala. Cory was lead counsel for the University of Toronto Faculty of Law International Human Rights Program in an intervention at the Supreme Court in a case regarding the use of forced labour at a Canadian-owned mine in Eritrea.
On the domestic front, Cory represents clients in Charter and human rights lawsuits against police and other law enforcement – often in cases involving racism and racial profiling. Cory also represents business and individuals in employment, defamation and negligence cases.
Cory is a frequent speaker on the topics of corporate accountability, mining and human rights, and has guest-lectured at various universities and faculties of law throughout Canada.
Outside of law, Cory currently co-teaches a course in Ethics, Society, and Law at Trinity College, University of Toronto, and sits on the board of an environmental education charity that fosters in youth resilience and connection to nature through outdoor experiences.
Maria Zeldis (JD 2009)
Senior Vice-President, Legal
Onni Group of Companies
Maria Zeldis is Senior VP Legal for the Onni Group of Companies, a Vancouver based real estate company with holdings across North America. Maria advises on the operation and management of the company’s extensive real estate and commercial assets and leads the legal team in Canada and the US.
After obtaining her BA (UBC) and JD (UofT), Maria served as a Law Clerk at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, then completed her articles and joined Borden Ladner Gervais as an associate in Vancouver. Prior to joining the Onni Group, Maria was Director of Legal Services at Cadillac Fairview, where she negotiated first-to-market leases with major international retailers and was at the forefront of the tech industry’s office boom in Vancouver. Maria has focused her practice on the area of real estate and enjoys building and supporting the communities where people live and work.
Maria is a long-standing mentor of young lawyers through the CBA’s Women Lawyers Forum, and regularly provides pro bono legal services to low-income clients through Access Pro Bono (a BC organization providing access to justice).
Maria has a very active life outside of law with three young children. She is also the President of Blind Beginnings, a non-profit whose mission is to support blind or partially sighted children and their families.
Read more about awardees Nader Hasan (JD 2006) and Atrisha Lewis (JD 2012).
Read more about awardees Michelle Henry (JD 2002) and Claire Hunter (JD 2003).
Read more about awardee Tariq Remtulla (JD 2005).
Read more about awardees Sarah Corman (JD 2003) and Benjamin Perrin (JD 2005).
Read more about awardee Cornell Wright (JD/MBA 2000).
Arif Virani (LLB 1998).
Jennifer Orange (LLB 1998).
Arbor Award
The prestigious Arbor Awards honour and celebrate the contributions of the University's exceptional and longstanding volunteers.
The Arbor Awards were created to recognize alumni and friends for their outstanding personal service to the university whose loyalty, dedication and generosity have added immeasurably to the quality of the University of Toronto experience for students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Individuals who are nominated for the award have or are currently providing outstanding volunteer service to the Faculty of Law or the university at large for a minimum of three years.
If you are interested in nominating alumni and friends of the Faculty of Law for an Arbor Award, please contact alumni.law@utoronto.ca.
We are honoured the following distinguished alumni and friends as recipients of an Arbor Award since its founding in 1989:
Arbor Award 2020 to present
Brianne Bovell (JD 2012) is a dedicated volunteer with the Faculty of Law’s Black Future Lawyers program, also known as the BFL program. She was instrumental in establishing a court shadowing initiative and is very active in recruiting additional volunteers from the legal community. For over three years, she has also participated in the BFL mentorship program, which fosters supportive connections between undergraduate Black students and Black lawyers.
Joshua Lokko (JD/MBA 2020) is a dedicated volunteer with the Black Future Lawyers program in the Faculty of Law. Each year, his contributions include facilitating a workshop, serving as a conference panelist, and volunteering as a mentor. In addition, Josh supports the faculty’s annual Welcome Day and often works with the Career Development Office to help law students refine their networking and public speaking skills.)
Krista F. Hill (LLB 1994) has been a committed volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2021, currently serving her second term as a member of the Alumni Association. Her contributions include sharing her expertise on career panels with the Business Law Society and volunteering at Welcome Day, an annual event that introduces newly admitted law students to the community.
Laura K. Fric (LLB 1993) has supported the Faculty of Law’s Alumni Association since 2020 and is now in her second term as a council member. She has provided invaluable support for the alumni association and its mission to support the faculty in engaging its alumni community. Laura has also made important contributions as a volunteer on the Pearson Scholarship Review Panel, which assesses recipients for these highly prestigious international scholarships.
Alexia Loumankis (BA 2000, MIST 2005), Reference & Research Librarian at the Bora Laskin Law Library was also recognized for her outstanding volunteerism with the Faculty of Information.
Andrew Foley (JD 1991) has been an invaluable member of the Law Alumni Association. Among his numerous volunteer contributions, Andrew volunteers with Faculty’s Career Development Office to connect and mentor students interested in practising law in the United States.
Jessica Orkin (JD 2005) has provided pro bono counsel in 2 interventions– R v Sharma and The Quebec Reference– over the past 3 years at our Faculty’s David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights. The countless hours of support, counsel and guidance have been instrumental to the work of the Asper Centre. Both interventions have recently made there way through the Supreme Court of Canada and have provided tangible learning opportunities for our students.
Padraic Ryan (JD 2011) has supported and mentored our students as a mooting coach for a number of years. Mooting is a key component of a well-rounded legal education and offers students the opportunity to practice and improve their oral advocacy skills. Additionally, Padraic has volunteered with our Faculty’s David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights as a guest on the podcast Charter: A Course where he discussed Section 1 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Jennifer Stone (JD 2004) has supported and mentored our students in the Health Justice Law Externship since the program inception in 2018. The Health Justice Program, delivered in partnership with St. Michael’s Hospital, aims to address the overlapping health and justice needs of our community. Externships extend the depth and breadth of the learning opportunities we can offer our students while allowing us to support our local community. They are a key component of a well-rounded legal education.
Sarah M. Boulby (LLB 1991) has been an invaluable asset to the advancement team at the Faculty of Law. Her services as a member of the alumni association board since 2016 include advising on advancement office programming and whether it adequately engages alumni. Sarah’s feedback has helped shape and create more inclusive and engaging programming.
Meghan Bridges (JD 2014) has been instrumental since she joined the Law Alumni Association board in 2018. As a recent graduate, Meghan provided unique input regarding how to develop programing that is more targeted at engaging younger cohorts. Her recommendations included recruiting new alumni association board members as well as planning class reunions.
Brian R. Carr (LLB 1973) has been a long-standing member of the Law Alumni Association since 2015. He has provided invaluable guidance and support to the advancement team related to event planning as well as implementing new and creative programs to engage current and new alumni.
Albert Lin (JD 2013) has served as a board member on the Law Alumni Association since 2019. He graduated with a JD in 2013 and since his appointment to the board, he has been instrumental in helping the advancement office develop programming targeted at younger alumni.
Mark A. Surchin (JD 1981) is a deeply engaged supporter of the Faculty of Law. His contributions include serving as vice-president of the Law Alumni Association and inspiring his graduation class of 1981 to participate in the Faculty’s 2021 reunion. Mark also supports the law school by teaching a course, providing advisory services, and representing the Faculty as vice-chair of U of T’s College of Electors.
Michelle Henry (JD 2002) Michelle has been an active volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2009, contributing her time in many capacities. She regularly mentors law students and contributes to the Black Future Lawyers program as both an event speaker and mentor for undergraduate students. Michelle also serves on the University’s tribunal as one of the Chairs.
Tyler W. Hodgson (LLB 1997) Since 2016, Tyler has been actively engaged with the Faculty of Law as a mentor and speaker. As a lawyer employed by the World Bank, he has also created summer internship opportunities for students at the organization. Tyler was a presenter at Lawyers Doing Cool Things, a speaker series offering students a glimpse into unusual and exciting career paths.
Khalid Janmohamed (JD 2008) Khalid has been an active volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2010. In addition to regularly supporting students as a mentor, he has also contributed as a Council member with the Law Alumni Association and as a moot coach and advisor. Khalid actively participates in the Faculty’s Welcome Day activities, ensuring students begin law school on an uplifting note.
Gordon G. Raman (LLB 1996) Gord has been a valued volunteer with the Faculty of Law since 2013. Engaged in many capacities, he currently serves as Vice President of the Law Alumni Association and has mentored countless students. Gord is also a passionate supporter of the Faculty’s Welcome Day activities, engaging with students as they embark on their law school journey.
Lisa Talbot (LLB 1999) Since her graduation from U of T, Lisa has mentored University of Toronto law students and high school students through the “LAWS” program, volunteered her time judging moot competitions, and has served as a Vice-Chair on the University Tribunal. She contributed significantly to Excellence without Barriers—the largest bursary-focused campaign at any Canadian law school—as a campaign advisor for her firm, Torys LLP. Lisa also co-taught “Law of the Workplace” for the Faculty of Law’s GPLLM program.
Andrew Alleyne (LLB 2002) has been a council member of the Law Alumni Association for the past five years, and also serves as a mentor to U of T law students. He has also been very involved in the faculty’s Welcome Day activities.
Donald M. Cameron (LLB 1979) has taught the Patent and Trade Secrets Law course at the Faculty of Law for over 25 years and surveys intellectual property courses at other law schools, to ensure that U of T’s intellectual property curriculum remains unmatched in Canada. Don has written widely on IP topics and has spoken frequently at the Faculty of Law’s annual Patent Colloquium since 2014.
For 50 years, Boris Freesman (LLB 1964) has been the lead volunteer for the Class of ’64, annually planning their activities for the Faculty of Law Reunion, for an impressive total of 11 Reunions to date.
Andrew Heal (JD 1988) has served as a council member for the Law Alumni Association and a volunteer on the Class of '88 reunion committee, helping to engage his classmates and raise participation at their reunion.
Heather Platt (LLB 1999) has been a dedicated council member of the Law Alumni Association, as well as a volunteer with the Faculty's Campaign for Excellence Without Barriers in support of financial aid and enhancing the student experience.
Faculty of Law alumni Fidelia Ho (JD 2013), Stephen Hutchison (JD 2011) and William James Keel (LLB 1984), were nominated by the U of T fencing team, Innis College and Trinity College, respectively.
Arbor Award 2010 to 2019
Michael Dineen (LLB 2002) is a long-time advisor to students participating in Law School mooting competitions. He helped establish the appellate criminal law externship, which gives students opportunities to work on pending appeals going before the Ontario Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Ari Blicker (LLB 1995) advises and supports U of T law students as they navigate recruitment in the legal profession. His annual cover letter presentation to first-year students is one of the most popular sessions offered by the Faculty of Law’s Career Development Office and has benefitted countless students with their job applications. Ari also participates in many other Career Development Office events in his capacity as Director, Student & Associate Programs for the law firm Aird & Berlis.
Angelo Gentile (JD 2006) has volunteered since 2011 for the Tax Advocacy Project, which provides legal representation to low-income clients in tax court. Piloted at U of T’s Faculty of Law, the Project now also operates in Ottawa and Edmonton. As the Project’s lead lawyer, Angelo provides core legal training to law-student volunteers, preparing them for upcoming hearings and providing ongoing mentorship and supervision.
Atrisha Lewis (JD 2012) is a dedicated volunteer in the Faculty of Law. She is an adjunct professor, coaching the Grand Moot and lecturing to students on motions and litigation strategy. Atrisha is also a prominent speaker on issues of diversity in the legal profession.
Laura Trachuk (LLB 1986) has coached many moot teams to victory in the Canadian Labour Arbitration Competition. The Faculty of Law is grateful for her extraordinary commitment to sharing her expertise in labour law with their students.
Maureen L. Whelton (LLB 1995) has coached U of T entries to the Jessup International Law Moot since 2011. Her commitment to students is remarkable. After her team advanced to the international rounds this year, she cancelled a family vacation to accompany the students to Washington.
Maggie Wente, LLB/MSW 2002, has volunteered at the Faculty of Law for almost a decade, mentoring Indigenous law students and alumni. She has helped the Indigenous Initiatives Office organize tours of her firm for JD students, and for participants in the Indigenous Youth Summer Program. In 2011, she supervised alumna (Class of 2013) Promise Holmes-Skinner's research on "true costs" of consultation on First Nations. In 2016, she gave a speech to first-year law students about social justice and importance of pro bono work and a lecture on First Nations Governments. In 2017, she coached the Kawaskimhon moot by reviewing student work.
Bryce Edwards, LLB 2002, has coached the Kawaskimhon moot for seven years. Kawaskimhon is a Cree word meaning "speaking with knowledge". This moot is conducted in accordance with Indigenous customs of peaceful negotiation and consensus building. Bryce has guided students with legal research and author-written submissions, but also teaches them negotiation strategies and public speaking skills. In 2013, he and Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power, delivered a lecture at the law school called The Far North Act: The Best Worst Act Ever. For many years, he has given his time to speaking on an annual Aboriginal Law Practitioners Panel for students interested in the field.
Sarah Armstrong (JD 2002) has given innumerable volunteer hours to the benefit of U of T's law students. For Sarah, maintaining a connection with the law school is very important. She has acted as a compulsory moot judge, participated on the Class of 2002 Reunion Committee, organized her firm's first year advocacy workshop for current students and been a strong role model for future litigators through the law school's mentorship program. She also helped launch the International Human Rights Program's Alumni Group and served on the committee to bring substantive programming to the program's alumni and friends.
Molly Leonard (JD 2010) Molly has actively participated in law's mentorship program since 2012. A firm believer in the transformative power of mentorship, she has connected with numerous students from the law school's LGBT community as well as students interested in starting a small legal practice or who share a passion for family law. From 2013 to 2016, she served on the Law Alumni Association Council and the Council's Alumni Services Sub-Committee. As part of the Alumni Services Sub-Committee, her work involved developing the framework for alumni events designed to engage law alumni across various geodemographics.
Karl Jaffary, Law ’62, has been a longstanding volunteer at the law school. Despite a demanding career in municipal law and public service, Karl has served as a Class of ’62 Reunion Committee member where he worked tirelessly to keep his classmates engaged with the law school. Most recently, he co-chaired a fundraising committee for the Class of ‘62 which raised $30,000 to create a financial aid bursary to support law students in need.
Roslyn Tsao, Law ‘91, has been a longtime volunteer at both the law school and the university. From 2004-2008, Roslyn volunteered with the law school’s Downtown Legal Services to help set up and volunteer within the family law division. Though a sought after lawyer and co-managing partner of Epstein Cole, Roslyn has taken time to out of her busy schedule to serve as a mentor to many law students interested in exploring family law. She has also been an active Reunion Committee member. Her volunteerism goes beyond the law school to the University at large, where she has acted as co-chair with the University Tribunal, Trial Division – Academic discipline matters since 2007.
Don Wakefield, Law ’62, has been a dedicated volunteer at the Faculty of Law. Don has volunteered as a Class of ’62 Reunion Committee member where he worked alongside his colleagues to engage his classmates in the largest Reunion celebration at the law school. In 2014, he co-chaired the Class of ‘62 fundraising committee which raised $30,000 to create a financial aid bursary to support law students in need of financial support.
Hessam Ghadaki, Law 2007, has become a dedicated volunteer for many of the law school's key programs with alumni, current and future students. In 2012, he co-chaired the class of 2007 Reunion Committee, bringing over 70 of his classmates out to celebrate their five year Reunion. Hessam has actively engaged with many current law students through the Faculty’s Alumni-Student Mentorship Program taking on multiple students. Most recently, Hessam participated as a panelist at the See Yourself Here Open House, a student-led initiative which encourages high school students from under-represented minorities and lower-socioeconomic backgrounds to consider pursuing legal education.
Rita Maxwell, Law 2001, is a tremendous source of inspiration for U of T law students, especially those who have been fortunate to be paired with her through the Alumni-Student Mentorship Program. From 2007 to 2013, she served on the Law Alumni Association Council working on developing an improving alumni engagement and fundraising activities. Rita continues her involvement with the law school through her volunteer work on diversity initiatives such as the annual See Yourself Here Open House, a student-led initiative which encourages high school students from under-represented minorities and lower-socioeconomic backgrounds to consider pursuing a legal education.
Angus Gunn, Law 1993, has been an exceptional volunteer for the law school, its alumni and students. He served as a Council Member on the Law Alumni Association Council from 2006 -2009. To help introduce students to the law school community and support the admissions office welcome program, he hosts Welcome Events for incoming law students from the Greater Vancouver Area. Angus also participated on the Class of 1993 Reunion committee, connecting with his classmates living in the Vancouver area and encouraging participation in the law school’s Reunion 2013 Events.
Since graduating, Tariq Remtulla (JD '05) has been a dedicated volunteer and champion of equity and diversity at the law school. Actively engaged with high school youth through the law school’s Law In Action Within Schools (LAWS)/Blakes Mentoring Program partnering Blakes lawyers with students at one of Toronto’s most diverse high schools, he also sits on the LAWS Steering and Advisory Committee. Tariq has mentored several young law students through with the law school’s Alumni-Student Mentorship Program. He also helps to keep young alumni engaged with the law school through his work with the Law Alumni Association.
Andrea Burke (LLB '94) is a source of tremendous inspiration for U of T law students, especially those who have been fortunate to be paired with her through the Alumni-Student Mentorship Program. Despite a busy, thriving practice at a major Toronto law firm and an equally busy home life, she has given many volunteer hours to the Law Alumni Association as a Council Member. Through her work on the Council, Andrea has supported many alumni engagement activities and fundraising projects. She also jointly spearheaded a tremendously successful campaign for the law school’s new building at her law firm.
Tom Rahilly (LLB '69) has been actively engaged with the law school since his graduation. Throughout the years, he has worked diligently to keep the class engaged with the Faculty volunteering for his class Reunion committee ensuring a strong connection between his class and the law school for more than four decades of Reunion events. Most recently, he co-chaired the law school’s Capital Campaign successfully raising the funds necessary to provide the law school with a much-needed new building.
For over 5 years, Jon Feldman (LLB '99) has given generously of his time to support the law school as a member of the Law Alumni Association Council. In this capacity, Jon has sat on the planning committee for the Distinguished Alumnus Award Dinner as well as actively raised alumni awareness and support for the Excellence Fund which provides funding for student- and faculty-run programs. In addition, Jon has acted as a mentor to several students through the Faculty of Law Mentorship.
Sana Halwani (JD '04), graduated from the Faculty of Law in 2004, since then she has been actively involved as a mentor, guest lecturer, preparing moot teams for competition and volunteering for Career Development events including mock interviews and career panels. Sana has been teaching Trial Advocacy since 2009 and in 2010 she joined the Faculty’s Law Alumni Association. As a council member, she has been engaged in promoting young alumni involvement through the Strategic Development Committee and the Distinguished Alumnus Award After-Party planning committee.
Noella Milne, a 1986 Faculty of Law graduate, has served on the Dean’s Strategic Advisory Board for more than 10 years, providing valuable guidance on many important projects at the faculty. Noella is also on the council of the Law Alumni Association and has been involved in organizing class reunions.
Paul Morrison, who graduated with his law degree in 1975, has served for many years as both a volunteer to the Faculty of Law and to the University. He has been active for more than seven years as the secretary and treasurer of the Law Alumni Association. Paul has also played a key role in organizing his class reunions and has participated in the alumni association’s Student Mentorship Program. Since 2007, Paul has also served on the U of T College of Electors.
The Honourable Mr. Justice Russell Otter of the Ontario Court of Justice has been the driving force behind reunion events for his 1970 Faculty of Law graduating class. He also volunteers with the Law Alumni Association’s student mentorship program.
David Spiro, who graduated from the Faculty of Law in 1987, is the lead volunteer in a pilot project providing representation to low-income individuals in the Tax Court of Canada. David has developed the project with Pro Bono Students Canada, which provides law students with meaningful experience in the community. He has also coached students preparing for the Bowman Tax Moot.
Nancy Stitt (LLB 1993) has been a long time participant in the Law School’s On-Campus Interviews and Career Fairs, where she participates on a number of different panels each year. She is also spearheading the implementation of the employer interface our new electronic applications system, viDesktop. Ms. Stitt has frequently provided guidance to both staff and students on the key issues affecting the profession and practice of law, enabling the Faculty to provide key programming for both students and alumni. The Faculty has greatly benefitted from her keen insight and assistance on the Law Firm Engagement Strategy.
Simon Clements (LLB 1990) has actively participated in the upper year Compulsory and Competitive mooting programs. He has assiduously worked one-on-one with the students, spending many hours coaching them through the intricate process of developing the factum and preparing for the moot. As well he has served as a volunteer judge during the Moots providing great insight based on his noteworthy career in Professional Liability and Health Law.
Sarah Corman (LLB 2003) started her volunteer work at the Faculty of Law during her time as a student when she coordinated a legal aid clinic through Downtown Legal Services for Out of the Cold, a winter program that provides food and temporary shelter to Toronto's homeless. The Law School has continued to benefit from her countless hours of volunteer work. As an alumnus, Ms. Corman has been actively involved in the yearly Grand Moot, acting as an advisor and mentor to the students coordinating the event. As well, she has worked tirelessly on the planning of the 1st year Trial Advocacy course as well as serving as a judge. Ms. Corman is a tremendous role model for the Law students and her gracious mentoring has been of benefit to all.
Gordon Baird (LLB 1989) has demonstrated a commitment to one of the noblest aspects of the legal profession, pro bono volunteerism. He has been an ardent supporter of Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC is a national program that was founded by the U of T, Faculty of Law and is housed here) for the last six years , providing ongoing guidance and support to the U of T staff tasked with managing the program. An in-demand business lawyer and chair of his firm's national pro bono committee, Mr. Baird’s support of public interest activities is greatly valued. Mr. Baird has volunteered his time for the Faculty’s academic program, during our Ethics Bridge Week. Most recently, Mr. Baird acted as a volunteer host of a broad-based focus group on access to the justice system for middle-income consumers and debtors in Ontario, as part of the Faculty’s signature Access to Justice Project.
Arbor Award 2000 to 2009
Joe Colangelo has served as a tireless volunteer with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) at the Faculty of Law. His active role in PBSC’s Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB) Advocacy Pilot Project was critical to the project’s success. Mr. Colangelo has dedicated hundreds of hours training and supervising students who provide advocacy-related services though PBSC to people who are self- represented before the Board.
The Honourable Mr. Justice J. Todd Ducharme has served as a volunteer in many areas of the law school. He has been a dedicated volunteer in organizing his most recent class reunion, and more recently, he served as a judge for the Faculty of Law’s 2008 Grand Moot. He also continues to serve as an Advisory Board Member for the Centre for the Legal Profession at the Faculty of Law.
The Right Honourable Paul E. P. Martin graduated from the Faculty of Law in 1964. In recent years he has actively served as a volunteer for the law school. In 2007 he was the guest speaker in a classroom discussion on the topic of political institutions and development. Most recently, In May 2008 he hosted a summit on Developing Aboriginal Economies at the Faculty of Law. This one-day symposium brought together a diverse group and provided a forum for new ideas and approaches to economic development in Aboriginal communities. He also serves as a member of the Strategic Advisory Board for the Faculty of Law’s building project.
Robert Centa has been a tireless volunteer and supporter of the law school since he graduated in 1999. For the past eight years he has been a tremendous resource to the law school though the Trial Advocacy Program, which provides students with the necessary skills to conduct jury or non jury trials. He has also served as Council to the Human Rights Law Clinic, providing bro bono legal advice on difficult and complex matters. Currently, he is a co-organizer for the Legal Ethics and Professionalism Bridge week, which is an important component of the first year academic program. Rob has also served on the Law Alumni Association.
A recent graduate of the Faculty of Law, David Asper has been an extraordinary ambassador for the law school. He currently serves on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Faculty of Law’s building project. Most significantly, David made an historic $7.5 million gift, the largest ever made by an individual to a Canadian law school, to establish the David Asper Centre in Constitutional Rights at the Faculty of Law. This gift will enhance access to justice and will immeasurably enrich the education opportunities of students.
Daniel Debow has been an active volunteer to the law school since shortly after his graduation in 2000. He has been an enthusiastic Council Member of the Law Alumni Association (LAA) since 2003. He has also been a dedicated volunteer to the Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS) initiative since the program’s inception in 2005. LAWS is an innovative high school program that uses legal education as a tool to assist students to succeed in school, meaningfully consider post secondary education, and become engaged and active citizens. Finally, Daniel has been active in promoting the activities of the J.D./M.B.A. association, including assisting in the organization of events.
A graduate of the Class of 1977, Justice Gloria Epstein has been a tireless volunteer for the law school over the past several years. Most recently, she is very actively involved in organizing her class’ 30 year reunion with the Faculty of Law. She is also currently an Executive Member of the Law Alumni Association. In addition, she has participated on an advisory committee related to alumni participation, providing advice to the law school administration on how best to engage alumni volunteers. In 2006, Justice Epstein presided over the Grand Moot, the law school’s signature advocacy competition.
University of Toronto Faculty of Law alumnus Dr. Scott Guan (SJD 2003) is a senior partner of Zhong Lun Law Firm in Shanghai, China. Dr. Guan has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions and cross border investment transactions and is recommended by Chambers, Legal 500 and other professional publications as a leading business lawyer in Asia Pacific.As U of T alumni communities have blossomed across China over the past few years, Dr. Guan has provided expert leadership, advice and support in U of T's outreach initiatives in Shanghai. Despite a demanding career, Dr. Guan has contributed time and energy to the Shanghai alumni initiative, local receptions and delegations and has helped to raise U of T's profile throughout the growing Shanghai alumni community.
Today, Dr. Guan is the President of the World Law Group, a global network of elite law firms, with 60 member firms, approximately 21,000 lawyers in over 90 countries. Dr. Guan proudly supports the Faculty's International Business Law Summer Internship with the Dr. Scott Guan China Law Practice Award that provides one JD student with an exceptional opportunity to intern in Shanghai, China.
Cornell Wright is an Associate with Torys LLP. A 2000 JD/MBA graduate, he has become highly active in life at the law school over the past few years. Since the program’s inception in 2005, Mr. Wright has been a dedicated volunteer to Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS), an innovative high school program that uses legal education as a tool to assist students to succeed in school, meaningfully consider post secondary education, and become engaged and active citizens. Mr. Wright currently serves as the Co-Chair of the LAWS Advisory Board. He is also an enthusiastic member of the Law Alumni Association (LAA) and the JD/MBA Association. He has assisted JD/MBA students in building their network, and hosted a major event for that organization at his firm. Most recently, he addressed the graduating class at convocation about the importance of engaging in public service activities.
Richard Price is a Partner at Sherman and Sterling LLP in London, England and a member of the Faculty of Law Class of 1988. He has played an important role in the law school’s efforts to reach out to international alumni. In 2006, he hosted the first -ever law alumni event in London. His efforts ensured that the event was an outstanding success and he is now working on the second annual reception.
Larry Banack is a tireless supporter of the Faculty of Law. Recently, Larry was the lead volunteer for his class' 30th anniversary reunion. His efforts allowed a group of extraordinary alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and share memories of their student days. As a long-serving Bencher of the Law Society and Chair of the Law Foundation of Ontario, the 1975 graduate has done much to advance and strengthen legal knowledge and education at all of the law schools across the province.
Joseph Cheng is counsel with the Department of Justice Canada in Toronto. A 2000 graduate of the Faculty of Law, he consistently and energetically donates time to the law school. Joseph is a member of the Law Alumni Association Council, and served on his class' five-year Reunion Committee. He regularly speaks at Career Development events and has participated in equity outreach initiatives at the faculty. Most recently, Joseph addressed the graduating class at Convocation and encouraged the new grads to use their legal education to advance the public interest.A 1957 graduate in electrical engineering and a 1960 law grad, Ted Donegan has made a transformative gift to U of T. Ted endowed two scholarships - one in engineering and one in law - that enable top students from Canadian engineering schools to enter law at U of T. Ted wants other students to enjoy what he had: a U of T education free of debt. As well, the gift will help fund the construction of a proposed conference centre at the Faculty of Law and a Study and Design Space at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.
Before entering the public service and serving as a Member of Parliament for 13 years, the Hon. William Graham, currently the Interim Leader of the Liberal Party, taught at the Faculty of Law and pioneered the international law program. Since launching his successful career in government, the 1964 graduate has acted as an ambassador and advocate for U of T's law school, giving public lectures, addressing student groups and acting as an adviser to the dean on the International Law Program. In 1999, he helped fund the William C. Graham Chair in International Law and Development.
Prior to joining Cineplex Odeon, Allen Karp was a partner with Goodman and Carr. He has spent the last 20 years at Cineplex in various positions including President and CEO and Chairman and CEO. Mr. Karp served on the Faculty's Strategic Development Board from 1998 to 2002.
The Honourable Edward M. Roberts, now the eleventh Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland & Labrador, has a long history with the University of Toronto and the Faculty of Law. Recently, he hosted a weekend retreat for 17 alumni from the class of 1964.
Recipient James (Jim) McCartney, a Toronto lawyer for McCarthy Tétrault LLP, has made generous contributions to the McCarthy Tétrault Electronic Classroom at the Faculty of Law, the Bora Laskin Law Library, and the Class of 1964's 40th anniversary reunion last year.
Gallant Yiu-tai Ho, founder and owner of the Hong Kong law firm, Gallant Y. T. Ho & Company, has established a number of bursaries at the law school to assist students in need, including the Walter R. Stevenson Bursary to honour friend and former classmate John Stevenson '68.
Peter Brauti ('96) has provided outstanding service to the Faculty of Law since graduating in 1996. For the past seven years, he has been an instructor in the Trial Advocacy course where students learn the art of witness examination and cross-examination. Mr. Brauti has served as a member of the Law Alumni Association Council since 2001. He takes time out of his extremely busy criminal law practice to volunteer for law school events, and recently acted as a speaker for a panel hosted by the Career Development Office on "Career Transitions for Alumni".
Sally Bryant ('94), didn't follow a traditional career path but rather enrolled in law school in her forties after a successful career in the education and real estate development sectors. After her graduation in 1994, Ms. Bryant joined McCarthy Tétrault where she practices in the areas of medical malpractice and professional discipline. Her involvement in the law school includes providing extraordinary mentorship and counseling to mature students. Ms. Bryant also sits on the "Second-Career Lawyers" panel hosted annually by the Career Development Office.
John B. Laskin ('76), has provided significant support and advice to the law school administration on a range of issues. Since 1998, Mr. Laskin has served as a member of the Law Alumni Association Council and its efforts to reach out to law graduates. He played an important role in the establishment of a Breakfast Speakers' Lecture Series. In addition, Mr. Laskin served as the chair for the 25th reunion for his class.
Melissa J. Kennedy '87
Melissa Kennedy has served as an adjunct faculty member at the Law School since 1998. With The Hon. John W. Morden '59, she teaches a course in Advanced Civil Procedure, which focuses on the motions, trials, and appeals related to civil proceedings in Ontario. The Law School's proximity to Toronto's downtown commercial core and Federal and Provincial courts makes it possible for leading members of the bar to make a significant contribution to the teaching program. These adjunct faculty members offer students valuable insights from the world of legal practice, as well as a sense of professional responsibility. In addition to this role, Melissa has also been a member of her Class of 1987 Reunion Committee, serving as a class co-chair in 1992 and working as a committee member in 2002.
Frank N. S. Marrocco '70
A long-time supporter of the University of Toronto through his commitment to both St. Michael's College and the Faculty of Law, Frank Marrocco has served the university community with distinction as a member of the University of Toronto Tribunal since 1982. The Tribunal considers cases relating to both academic issues through the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters and non-academic issues through the Code of Student Conduct. Frank Marrocco is a Co-Chair of the Tribunal and serves as a Presiding Chair in matters in trial-level cases. In 2002, in addition to his work as Co-Chair of the Tribunal, Frank Marrocco was appointed by the senior chair of the Tribunal to serve as a hearing officer, where he heard a case relating to the Code of Student Conduct.
Laleh Moshiri '92
For the past three years, Laleh Moshiri has been a leader among graduates of the Faculty of Law in providing resources to support events in the area of women and the law. Her involvement began in 2000 when the Catalyst study was released, detailing the stresses women lawyers face balancing home and professional responsibilities. Laleh was instrumental in funding a student launch of the study, organized through the Career Development Office at the Law School, and for making copies of the study available for students. Since then, she has assisted in annual events focusing on women in the law through the CDO. On a personal level, Laleh has provided one-on-one mentoring for students identified through the Career Development Office as facing particular challenges. The Award is in recognition of Laleh's willingness to provide extraordinary mentoring and information to our students.
J. Scott Wilkie '80
A long-time supporter of the Faculty of Law, Scott Wilkie has served as an adjunct faculty member since 1999. Former chair of the National Tax Section of the Canadian Bar Association, Scott has taught International Taxation at the Faculty. The course reflects the Law School's increasing emphasis on globalization, and considers the techniques and structures used by internationally-oriented Canadian businesses for the conduct of business and financing in foreign jurisdictions. Adjunct faculty members bring their expertise in particular areas, as well as their experience as advocates, negotiators, drafters, policy-makers, and adjudicators, to the courses they teach and their practical experience in an invaluable addition to the academic program at the Law School. In addition, Scott has been an active and engaged alumnus, and has lent his support and encouragement to a number of different initatives at the Faculty.
John and Mary A. Yaremko
The contributions of John Yaremko to the University of Toronto began with his first days as a student in the Honours Law program at University College in the late 1930s. An unwavering advocate of the importance of education, Mr. Yaremko entered the public service in 1951 as a representative in the Ontario Legislature for Bellwoods Riding. His tenure as a public servant lasted for more than 23 years, and his was a strong voice in the cabinets of Frost, Robarts, and Davis for human rights and multiculturalism. This commitment led John and his wife, Mary, to establish the John and Mary A. Yaremko Program in Multiculturalism and Human Rights at the Faculty of Law in 2002. The program supports an annual forum that brings scholars and teachers to the Law School to engage the community in vital discussion about the core concepts underlying our sense of ourselves as Canadians: pluralism, multiculturalism, and inclusion. In addition to the Yaremko Program, the couple has established the Yaremko Leadership Award and the Yaremko Opportunity Award at the Law School.
Raj K. Anand '78: A distinguished practitioner in the areas of civil litigation and human rights, Raj Anand has been a member of the LAA Council since 1995, currently serving as Treasurer. Recipient of the 1978 Dean’s Key, he has spoken to students about his career at a Dean’s Leadership Luncheon. Raj was invited to join a select group of alumni who met with an external review committee to assess the performance of the Faculty relating to its academic mission.
Erminia (Emi) R. Bossio '96: Erminia Bossio is a key member of the Calgary chapter of the Law Alumni Association. She worked with fellow graduates to organize the 2001 Calgary Alumni dinner with Supreme Court Justice and former Dean of the Law School, The Hon. Frank Iacobucci. The success of the regional chapters of the LAA rests in large measure on the commitment of local alumni who maintain strong ties both with the Faculty and with their colleagues in their home communities.
Kirby Chown '79: Through her service with the LAA Council, Kirby Chown has helped to shape the direction of the Faculty. As President of the Council and a staunch supporter of the recent task force report on the future of the Law School, she spearheaded a process to ensure that all Council members were thoroughly informed about the plan. A partner at McCarthy Tetrault, Kirby was instrumental in securing the firm’s commitment to establish a state-of-the-art classroom at the Law School.
Hubert J. Stitt, Q.C. '57: The epitome of the lawyer-statesman, Bert Stitt has sought to advance the law and to educate others in the profession. A pioneer in the field of international law, he introduced a course at the Faculty that invited leading foreign lawyers to speak to his classes about their countries’ legal regimes. A dedicated member of the LAA Council, Bert devoted considerable time and energy to the Law School’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. His contributions to the Faculty and the legal community are legion.
Lianne Tysowski '94: After graduating from the Faculty in 1994, Lianne Tysowski established her career in Calgary where she became a dedicated member of the Calgary Chapter of the LAA, maintaining strong ties with both the Law School and her fellow graduates. Working with Molly Naber-Sykes and Emi Bossio, Lianne was instrumental in organizing the memorable 2001 Calgary Alumni Dinner with Supreme Court Justice and former Dean of the Law School, The Hon. Frank Iacobucci and more than 30 alumni and guests.Michael A. Code, LL.B. '76, LL.M. '91: The Faculty of Law has been fortunate over the years to count Michael Code among its superb adjunct faculty. An esteemed member of the Toronto Criminal Law Bar Association, Michael has inspired many students to pursue careers in criminal law. His course on criminal law is consistently ranked as one of the most popular at the faculty. Students speak fondly of his encyclopedic knowledge of the law and his commitment to the rights of the accused and to principles of procedural fairness.
Madam Justice Bonnie Croll '77: Bonnie Croll has made a lasting impact on student services at the Faculty of Law during her many years of professional and volunteer service. Her many achievements include the development of a comprehensive financial aid scheme, the creation of a Career Development Office, and the establishment of a national pro bono Program and Public Interest Advocacy Summer Fellowship Program. Since her departure in 2000, she has maintained a close relationship with the Faculty and continues to serve on the Law Alumni Association Council.
Julie K. Hannaford '83: Described as "an extraordinary coach and mentor," Julie Hannaford has for years coordinated the popular trial advocacy course at the Faculty of Law. As a result of her efforts, students have graduated from the law school secure in the knowledge that they are well prepared to appear in court. Julie is known for her dedication, her passion for teaching, and her commitment to her students, many of whom have gone on to win prestigious advocacy competitions at the faculty.
Jeremy A. Oliver '86: The Faculty of Law and extended alumni community were deeply saddened by the untimely death of Jeremy Oliver in May 2001. Jeremy was a dedicated and tireless supporter of the Faculty. He was a key advisor in the early years of the Faculty's Career Development Office and provided leadership and guidance to students in search of career opportunities. "The Art of the Deal," a course he taught at the Faculty, was a perennial favourite among students.- Mr. Justice Stephen T. Goudge (LLB 1968)
- Markus Koehnen (LLB 1985)
- William C. McDowell (LLB 1986
- The Hon. David R. Peterson (LLB 1967)
- Hart Martin Pomerantz (LLB 1965)
- Joanne D. Rosen (LLB 1986)
- Janet H. Stubbs (LLB 1969)
Arbor Award 1989 to 1999
- Melanie L. Aitken (LLB 1991)
- John A. Campion (LLB 1972)
- Jeremy J. Devereux (LLB 1992)
- Patricia D.S. Jackson (LLB 1977)
- C. Anthony Keith (LLB 1960)
- Brian M. Levitt (LLB 1973)
- Janet E. Minor (LLB 1973)
- Molly F. Naber-Sykes (LLB 1983)
- Ann A. Peel (LLB 1987)
- Stephen C. Smith (LLB 1974)
- Terence Dalgleish (LLB 1975)
- Virginia L. Davies (LLB 1979)
- Clay B. Horner (LLB 1983)
Kenneth G. Ottenbreit (LLB 1983) - Les M. Viner (LLB 1981)
- Brian C. Westlake (LLB 1965)
- S. Margot Blight (LLB 1987)
- Josef R.C. Cermak (LLB 1958)
- Margaret L. Leighton (LLB 1987)
- James D. Scarlett (LLB 1981)
- James C. Baillie (LLB 1961)
- John W. Macdonald (LLB 1960)
- Madam Justice Rosalie S. Abella (LLB 1970)
- The Hon. Edwin A. Goodman (LLB 1940)
- The Hon. Horace Krever (LLB 1954)
- Mr. Justice John W. Morden (LLB 1959)
- Paul D. Paton (LLB 1992)
- Arthur D. Wilson (LLB 1990)
- Donald S. Affleck (LLB 1964)
- Mr. Justice Robert P. Armstrong (LLB 1965)
- J. Bruce Dunlop (LLB 1954)
- Mr. Justice John I. Laskin (LLB 1969)
- Clifford Lax (LLB 1968)
- Jack H. Batten (LLB 1957)
- Marie T. Huxter (LLB 1968)
- William J. Stewart (LLB 1950)
- James G. Ware (LLB 1968)
- Frederick Ka Chong Kan (LLB 1967)
- William J.H. Ostrander (LLB 1980)
- Lionel H. Schipper, O.C. (LLB 1956)
- The Hon. Tony P. Clement (LLB 1986)
- J. Trevor Eyton (LLB 1960)
- George A. Fallis (LLB 1953)
- Madam Justice Kathryn N. Feldman (LLB 1973)
- David R. McCarthy Jr. (LLB 1984)
- Mr. Justice Michael J. Moldaver (LLB 1971)
- Brian A. Schnurr (LLB 1972)
- Robert A. Donaldson (LLB 1964)
- John F. Petch (LLB 1963)
- John H. Switzer (LLB 1958)
- Ann E. Wilson (LLB 1975)
- John D. Gilfillan (LLB 1966)
- Richard B. Potter (LLB 1965)
Award nominations
The nomination period for the biennial Distinguished Alumni Award and the Robert Prichard & Ann Wilson Award for Community & Professional Service will be announced here when open.
The 2026 recipients will be celebrated during the 2026/2027 academic year.