Remembering Lionel Schipper

We are saddened to share the passing of Lionel Schipper, a University of Toronto alumnus and longtime supporter of the Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law.

Lionel had a long career in law and business and was involved in a range of community and philanthropic initiatives. He was named Queen’s Counsel, appointed to the Order of Canada, and received an Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Toronto. He was also recognized with a University of Toronto Arbor Award in 1992 for his service as an alumnus.

Over the years, he generously supported Jackman Law through bursaries, endowed chairs, and other initiatives including:

• establishing the Lionel and Carol Schipper Bursary in 2018 with his spouse, Carol Schipper;
• making a pledge in 2022 toward the Irving and Rosalie Abella Chair in Justice and Equality Fund;
• and helping to create the University of Toronto–Goodman–Schipper Chair in the Faculty of Law in 1998 through his pledge in partnership with Goodmans LLP.

Beyond the Faculty, his generosity extended across the University and the wider community, including contributions to the founding of the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC), and the Bora Laskin Law Library. Through his support, he helped create opportunities and programs that will continue to benefit students, faculty, and the broader community for years to come.

We extend our sincere condolences to Lionel’s family, friends, and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by the Jackman Law community.