2025 R. Douglas Elliott Fellow: Lynn Hu
Experiential learning opportunities are a key component of a well-rounded legal education and a meaningful way to nurture professional growth and development, while supporting organizations in the community.
The R. Douglas Elliott Fellowship supports a Jackman Law student’s work with public interest-oriented LGBTQ+ organizations, or research on antidiscrimination class actions more broadly. It is one of several experiential opportunities available to JD students. Established by the LGBT Purge Fund in 2021, the fellowship is named in honour of renowned litigator R. Douglas Elliott (JD 1982).
Elliott's landmark victories as lead counsel include judgments recognizing same-sex common-law relationships, securing Canada Pension Plan survivor’s pensions for gay and lesbian Canadians, and a class-action lawsuit for thousands of people fired from federal government jobs in the 1950s and 60s – the so-called LGBT Purge. He is a member of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. In 2023, he received the University of Toronto's Carl Mitchell Community Impact Award. Elliott is a partner in Cambridge LLP.
The 2025 R. Douglas Elliott Fellow, Lynn Hu, is entering her second year of law school this fall. The fellowship placement has continued in partnership with Egale Canada — a national leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues.
"One of the reasons I left my finance career for law school was to pursue a path where I could make a meaningful impact – and it was a privilege to contribute to that goal during my summer fellowship at Egale Canada," she says.
"It was exciting to work on ongoing constitutional challenges, from reviewing case law, developing potential legal arguments, to researching gender-affirming care policies across various jurisdictions. Beyond domestic law, I also had the opportunity to engage with international public law by helping to prepare a shadow report for the UN Human Rights Committee, addressing key issues facing the 2SLGBTQI community."
She adds, "At a time when queer and trans rights are increasingly under attack, both at home and abroad, this experience reaffirmed my belief in the law as a powerful tool for resistance and change. My time at Egale Canada deepened my commitment to public interest advocacy and strengthened my resolve to continue serving a community I love."
Lynn is the fourth student to undertake the R. Douglas Elliott Fellowship. Alumni Ben Kitching (JD 2024), Jarren Fefer (JD 2025) and Katie Bray Kingissepp (JD 2025) were named Elliott Fellows in past years.
