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As 2024 draws to a close, the Common Law Section is proud to reflect on and celebrate a year marked by notable achievements, collaborations, and a continuing commitment to excellence. Here are the top stories that shaped our journey over the past year.

Alum Sam Sasan Shoamanesh has been presented with the 2024 International Bar Association (IBA) Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights for his extraordinary dedication to defending human rights and cultivating the international Rule of Law for over two decades, particularly during his work at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Ontario government is pleased to announce the appointment of Justice Martel to the Ontario Court of Justice. Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas has assigned Justice Martel to Ottawa.

A research paper by Samantha Peters, JD ’16, during her time in law school has now led her to a new accolade - co-recipient of the Ontario Bar Association Foundation's Chief Justice of Ontario Research Fellowship!

At the October 28, 2024 Call to the Bar ceremony in Toronto, the Law Society of Ontario bestowed a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) on the Honourable Johanne Lafrance-Cardinal, a family law and mediation expert, renowned for her incredible ability to effectively and fairly settle disputes.

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announced the appointment of Benoit Duchesne, LLB ’00, LLL ’96, to the Federal Court.

The Ontario government announced the appointment of a new judge to the Ontario Court of Justice.

Yana Banzen, JD ‘12, was born in Russia and lived in Kazakhstan until she was 16. Now she calls Canada home.

In a profession that often holds stoicism in high esteem, the release of "The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession" marks a transformative moment for the legal community.

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced the appointment of Andrea L. Ormiston, LLB ’02, to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Abbotsford.