At the request of its outgoing president, Don Cranston QC, the Law Society of Alberta has made a notable donation to the Michael O'Boyle Mental Health & Wellness Fund at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law.
The fund supports student-led efforts concerning mental health, and strives to foster awareness about depression, anxiety and stress so that law students can develop strategies to reduce their impact and their stigma.
It was established by the family and friends of Michael O'Boyle, a member of the faculty's Class of 2004 who struggled with depression.
"We are incredibly grateful for the Law Society's contribution," said Paul Paton, Dean of the Faculty of Law. "Don's outstanding support for student-focused efforts has sent important signals about the foundational importance of raising awareness right at the start of a legal career."
Cranston, a partner and co-head of the commercial litigation group at Bennett Jones LLP, recently completed his term as president of the Law Society.
Throughout his career, he has been active with numerous organizations that contribute to improving both the profession and the community, including the Legal Education Society of Alberta, the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, the Child and Adolescent Services Association and the University Hospital Foundation.
The Law Society of Alberta regulates the legal profession in the province, including some 10,000 practising lawyers and 500 articling students.