This is a prestigious position that is highly sought after by law school graduates across the country. Hogue's accomplishment is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for the law.
Hogue was thrilled when she received the news that she had been hired as a clerk and even more excited when she learned that she would be working in Justice Michelle O'Bonsawin's chambers. Justice O'Bonsawin is the newest Justice on the Supreme Court of Canada, having been appointed in September 2022. As the first Indigenous Justice on the Supreme Court, she is known for her commitment to Indigenous rights and her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
This June, Hogue will graduate with a JD-BCom (Commercial Sciences), having completed the Programme de Common Law en Français (PCLF). Throughout her studies, she has developed strong legal research, analysis and writing skills as Editor-in-Chief, French Articles, of the Ottawa Law Review. She has further honed these skills through various employment positions, including over two years (2020-2022) as a law student at the firm Emond Harnden LLP and as a Research Assistant for the University of Ottawa Public Law Centre. She also worked for a semester term at the Canada Industrial Relations Board, where she researched legal issues related to the Canada Labour Code and drafted legal documents, opinions and decisions of the Board.
Before beginning her Supreme Court clerkship next year, Hogue is eagerly anticipating a 2023-2024 clerkship with Justice Richard Boivin of the Federal Court of Appeal.
Through her schooling and employment, Hogue says she has developed a deep appreciation for legal scholarship, as well as for the bilingual and bijural nature of our legal system. “I am excited and fully committed to supporting the important work of the Supreme Court of Canada following my clerkship at the Federal Court of Appeal.”
In addition to being on the Dean’s Honour List every year from 2019-2022, Hogue has received numerous awards and fellowships, such as:
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Merit-based scholarships in each academic year from 2017-2021
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The 2019 Jacques Vaillancourt Scholarship (OSOTF), awarded by the University to a student who demonstrates leadership qualities and is involved in student affairs.
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The 2019 Export Development Canada International Business Scholarship which is awarded to students with a passion for international business and a strong academic standing.
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The 2021 Norton Rose Fulbright Scholarship, awarded by the University to a student who demonstrates academic excellence and teamwork.
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The 2022 Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Prize, awarded to a student registered in the JD program who has received the highest mark in the Business Organizations course offered by the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section.
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The 2022 Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators Scholarship in Administrative Law, awarded to an upper-level student who demonstrates a commitment to the administrative justice system.
Hogue is eager to begin her clerkship and to learn from Justice O'Bonsawin and her fellow clerks. “I am deeply honored and privileged to join the esteemed cohort of jurists selected to serve as clerks at the Supreme Court of Canada. As a legal scholar, I am thrilled to contribute my skills and knowledge towards helping our nation's highest court navigate the complex legal questions currently facing Canadians.”
In the future, Hogue wants to contribute to the development of our legal system and particularly to the advancement of administrative law. “Although I am fascinated by all areas of law, administrative law is of particular interest to me given the considerable increase in administrative decisions rendered in recent years and the fact that every Canadian is likely to be impacted by such a decision over the course of their lifetime.
“As a law clerk, I am eager to apply my enthusiasm, analytical skills, and dedication to search for the correct solution to complex issues faced by Canadians in a way that respects both our bijural system and the rule of law.”
Hogue is one of two Faculty students awarded an SCC clerkship this year. Malorie Kanaan, a Master of Laws and Social Justice (LLM) candidate, has also been offered a position in Justice O’Bonsawin’s chambers.
We congratulate Émilie Hogue and wish her continued success reaching her dreams.