The Common Law Section is pleased to welcome Professor Poliquin, a graduate of the French Common Law Program, as the new Director of the Certification in Common Law in French (CCLF).
“The CCLF is an institution that is truly important for the future of the legal system,” he says. “Canadians have had the right to a criminal trial in French for many years, but obviously, the resources to implement that right aren’t always available. This program exists to train the legal professionals—lawyers and judges—of the future.”
Before starting his legal career, Professor Poliquin completed a PhD in linguistics at Harvard University, following undergraduate studies at McGill. He also conducted research at MIT, where his thesis supervisor was based. Despite having studied at some of the world’s most prestigious universities, it was at the PCLF that he found the most inspiring professors.
“I had excellent professors at Harvard and MIT. But among the best professors I’ve ever had were at the PCLF. In terms of teaching ability, passion for their field, and commitment to their students… it’s a very, very strong program.”
A Unique Program with a National Vision
Offered in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Calgary, the CCLF remains one of the few programs in Canada that allows students to study common law in French. It provides students with the opportunity to develop French writing and advocacy skills, as well as an in-depth understanding of important language rights issues in Canada.
“It’s a law course in French, but it’s also a French course through law. Students complete writing and presentation exercises in French, and all classroom interactions are in French. It’s also a valuable opportunity for francophones and francophiles who don’t always get to practice their French in a professional context.”
Preserving What’s Been Built, Expanding What’s Possible
Professor Poliquin succeeds Professor Caroline Magnan, who led the CCLF with vision and dedication before being appointed to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in March 2025. Under her leadership, the program strengthened its presence in Calgary and Saskatchewan while initiating conversations with other institutions. Professor Poliquin intends to continue in that spirit.
“The first priority is to preserve the accomplishments of the program that Caroline Magnan built. There were discussions she had begun with other universities. We want to continue that work and expand the geographic reach of the program, because its aspirations are national.”
A Call to the Next Generation of Francophone Lawyers
For aspiring lawyers who are passionate about French-language rights and bilingual practice, Professor Poliquin offers this advice: “For those just starting out, I would advise them to seize every possible opportunity to enhance their legal education in French.”
He emphasizes that numerous tools exist to support both language development and legal practice in French.
“There is a wealth of French-language resources available—tools to support language proficiency, examples of precedents, templates for legal procedures—all of this exists through platforms like Jurisource, which we also use at the CCLF. It’s important to be trained in French, and that training is out there. I strongly encourage students to take advantage of it.”