On June 8 the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law proudly celebrated its Class of 2026, as graduates crossed the stage, marking a significant milestone, celebrating years of dedication, learning and growth before entering the professional world.
In remarks to the graduates, Dean Kristen Boon highlighted the courageous efforts in leadership while transitioning into the broader society.
She advised graduates, “to keep an open mind. Pay attention to the people who are reinventing the practice of law, who are thinking outside the box, who combine their individuality with a deep commitment to the collective good. They are the ones who are redefining the profession and shaping the future.”
Dean Boon emphasized that Convocation is a time of transformation, sharing with the graduates that it is during these transitions that growth, innovation, and progress emerge.
She left the graduates with the reassurance that their years at the Faculty have equipped them to meet the challenges of the legal world with intelligence, compassion, and resilience.
Convocation Highlights
The ceremony class speaker was Karishma Litt from the Civil Law Section, who delivered a heartfelt address reflecting the challenges and achievements that shaped the law school experience. You can read more about Karishma Litt's address in La Section de droit civil célèbre sa cohorte 2026 lors de la collation des grades (available in French only).
In her address, University President and Vice Chancellor, Marie-Eve Sylvestre inspired the graduates to use their legal education andes to make a positive impact by promoting justice, embracing diversity, and contributing to the world with confidence and resilience.
She highlighted that, “in the midst of uncertainty, three things are certain. First, you are ready, equipped by your education to navigate ambiguity with resilience, creativity, and determination. Second, the world needs you—people willing to stand for justice and challenge injustice. Finally, wherever your path leads, you will never be alone. You are part of a global community of more than 300,000 University of Ottawa graduates.”
Chancellor Claudette Commanda, herself a graduate of the Faculty, shared a moving message for Indigenous students that, “your communities are proud of you, as we are proud of you and to all students who are here, here is our teaching as Anishinaabe first nation people; When one cries we all cry, when one falls we all fall, when one succeeds we all succeed, and your success today is our success as well.”
An honorary doctorate degree was awarded to the Honourable Nicholas N. Kasirer of the Supreme Court of Canada , for his immense research contributions in common and civil law, and his exceptional legal career.
Justice Kasirer is a respected bilingual jurist, professor, and legal scholar. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2008 in recognition of his academic contributions. His work at McGill University advanced Quebec’s bijural legal tradition, and he later served as a judge for over a decade, issuing decisions across private, criminal, public, and constitutional law.
He spoke strongly about the bond uniting students and professors and the value of this bond being forged over the course of the years spent at university.
“I look forward to seeing you at the Supreme Court of Canada—where, hopefully, you’ll be appearing often in the years to come to argue cases that advance the law in this country.”
The Honourable Nicholas Kasirer
— Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada
Student Awards
Several students among the Class of 2026 were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements:
Ethan Dubeau, University Gold Medal, Common Law
Awarded for the highest cumulative grade point average in the entire JD program.
Camille Arsenault and Xavier Champagne, University Silver Medal, Common Law
Awarded for the second-highest cumulative grade point average in the entire JD program.
Ethan Dubeau, George W. Ainslie Memorial Prize
Awarded for the highest cumulative grade point average in the entire JD program.
Rose Presumé, Right Honourable Brian Dickson Prize
Awarded for the highest standing in the National Program (JD/LLL).
Sara Solaine Maély Zongo, Colonel Michel W. Drapeau Prize
Awarded for high academic achievement in the National Program in Common Law and for demonstrating leadership qualities and enthusiasm during involvement in student affairs.
Liam Andrews, Ranjan Agarwal and Sunita Bhowmik Prize
Awarded for the highest cumulative grade point average over all four years of the JD/MA Program.
As they embark on the next chapter of their careers, graduates join a growing network of alumni making meaningful contributions across the legal profession, public service, business and civil society.
The Faculty of Law congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes its newest alumni every success in the years ahead.
