Word from the Dean

February is Black History Month. This month reminds us to focus on and to celebrate the contributions of the Black community to the legal profession. I am proud to work at a faculty with such respect for diversity.  Innovation is fostered by an inclusive community, and I have learned a great deal from being in a diverse space.  

This month, I am thrilled to highlight the incredible work of Professor Olabisi Akinkugbe, The Allan Rock Visiting Professor for the Common Law Section. The Allan Rock Fund, dedicated to supporting Black law students, has been instrumental in fostering internships, fellowships, and mentorship programs. Professor Akinkugbe is an expert in public and international economic law. He brings critical traditions, such as Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL), to the classroom, examining legal issues affecting the Global South.  Professor Akinkugbe fosters an inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking about law’s role in society. Additionally, he connects students with Afronomicslaw, a platform he co-founded to explore international economic law in Africa and the Global South, modeling the importance of giving back to academic and legal communities.  Please reach out to him directly if you would like to learn more about his work.

I would also like to thank Gladys Osien (LLB ‘19) for her ongoing leadership as Black Legal Mentor-in-Residence.  Working with the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) to support their activities, she has provided support, connected with students, and brought more understanding of the ‘Black experience’ to administrators at the Faculty. Gladys also serves as special advisor to the Dean on EDI and is an active and influential member of the leadership table. 

Kristen Boon

Looking ahead

Here are some resources and opportunities available to foster an environment where every student can thrive.

  • February 13, hosted by the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) – Ottawa Chapter. Film screening of Lost Generation: A Call to Action by Common Law alum, Garrick Apollon, JD ‘03, at the Ottawa Art Gallery. The film series examines systemic discrimination in Ontario’s education system.
  • The University of Ottawa is hosting a variety of events throughout Black History Month.  You can explore the delicious dishes from African and Caribbean countries, explore practical dimensions of conducting research on Black youth's educational experiences, and more. See the Events Calendar for Black History Month for more information. 
  • We have other Resources and Opportunities for Black law students in the Common Law Section. Find these on the webpage for Black Applicants.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 3 | uOttawa Public Law Centre: The Legal Challenge to Trudeau’s Prorogation | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | FTX 302 | Event in English | Registration required
Feb. 4 | Boon Talk: Casual conversations for students with the Dean, Common Law | 12:00 – 13:00 p.m. | FTX 559 | Event is Bilingual | Registration required | Pizza will be served
Feb. 4 | Conway Professionalism Speaker Series: Reflections on the Judicial Role – Judiciousness, Freedom, and Independence | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | FTX 147 | Event in English | Registration required
Feb. 5 | Speed-Networking : Explore graduate studies in law | 11 :30 a.m. – 1 :00 p.m. | FTX 202 | Target : 3L and National Program | Registration required through The Source – Presented by Graduates Studies
Feb. 5 | RDC Sage Advice Speaker Series: Is the Forcible Removal of Children from Family and Community a Crime Against Humanity?| 3:00 p.m. — 4:50 p.m. | FTX 137 | Event in English | Registration required.
Feb. 5 | Juris Mentor Information Session | 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147 | Bilingual Event | Registration required through The Source
Feb. 5 | MENALSA - Movie Night : Asal Eswed | 7 10 p.m. | CRX 308 | No registration required
Feb. 6  | Seasonal Community Gathering: Red Dress Pin Workshop | 8:30 – 11:20 a.m. | FTX 413 | Drop-in
Feb. 6 | Clerkship Interview Preparation Session | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Virtual | Bilingual Event | Registration required through The Source
Feb. 6 | Mental Health in Law School and Beyond: Preparing for a Legal Career - Presented by the CCLA and Elephant in the Room | 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 351 | Bilingual Event | Registration required through The Source
Feb. 8 and 9 | Ideas Lab: Access to Justice | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | STEM 122 | Event in English | Registration required
Feb. 10| Greenberg Speaker Series: "Speaking Pleasure to Power: A Bratty Response to the Feminist Killjoy" | 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147A | Event in English | Registration required
Feb. 12 | Q&A Toronto 1L Interview Week | 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147 | Bilingual Event | Registration required through The Source
Feb. 12 | RDC Sage Advice Speaker Series: Evolving Landscape of Indigenous Rights: Key Case Law Developments | 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | FTX 302 | Event in English | Registration required
Feb 13 | Seasonal Community Gathering: Red Dress Pin Workshop |8:30 – 11:20 a.m. | FTX 413 | Drop-in
Feb. 13 | Fellowship Information Session | 11 :30 a.m. – 1 :00 p.m. | FTX 351 | Target : 2L/3L – Presented by the Career and Professional Development Centre
Feb 13 | Come meet our new Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor! | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Tsampalieros Atrium – 3rd Floor | Bilingual Event | Drop-in
Feb 13  | "Lost Generation" Film Series Premiere and Panel Discussion | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. |Ottawa Art Galery | Bilingual Event | Registration required

Please visit the webpage for more Upcoming Events.

Important dates and deadlines

Jan. 27 - Apr. 7 | Term dates 
Jan. 27 - Apr. 7 | Winters courses
Feb. 17 | Family Day
Mar. 3-7 | Reading week 
Mar. 17 - 28 | Teaching course and evaluations 
Mar. 19 | Career Connections 
Mar. 27 | Course Fair for English course
Apr. 8 | Study Break 
Apr. 18 - 21 | Easter Break

Please visit the webpage for more Important dates and deadlines.

Opportunities

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Faculty of Law - Common Law Section

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