Admitted students of the class of 2021 and their guests had an opportunity to prepare for their future at the 2018 Dean's Welcome event at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law on March 17.
Dean Paul Paton spoke to a record 240 participants about entering a renowned community over 100 years in the making that is now among the top 100 law schools worldwide.
"Things here are special," he said, while urging students to come prepared "to think, to write, to advocate, to be flexible, to be nimble and to be ready to face whatever challenges come."
A top quality curriculum, attracting and retaining outstanding Faculty (including recent hires Jessica Eisen and Darcy Lindberg), investing in frontline student services, fostering health and wellness and generating greater awareness and support for equality, diversity and inclusion are just some of the priorities Paton said have helped build a foundation for a forward-thinking future.
"It's a really exciting time of transformation for the legal profession and for our faculty," said Paton.
Other former and current students were also on-hand to congratulate those in attendance and ease concerns and misconceptions about law school.
Brandyn Rodgerson, JD '17, was his class valedictorian. He was also a strong advocate for equality and social justice during law school and was involved in many community and Faculty clubs and initiatives, like OUTLaw and Student Legal Services. Rodgerson, who recently secured a clerkship with the Supreme Court of Canada, spoke to students from an alumnus perspective about some of the misconceptions of law school and the importance of finding a passion outside of the classroom.
"Make time for the things you are passionate about. Law school is just as much about learning substantive law as it is about learning how to balance the increasing demands you will find pulling yourself in different directions," he said.
"Remember that there are endless opportunities out there and to make time for the things that matter to you."
Later, Law Students' Association president and third-year student Robert Marquette spoke about UAlberta Law's friendly and supportive environment and offered up some advice for the admitted students, including the benefits of participating in groups and getting to know classmates, staff and Faculty.
"Over the course of my three years, I have seen the Faculty increase in academic prowess and general standing without losing that community base that makes this school so special, and I envy the chance you all have to start law school anew," he said.
Other speakers included Heather Cave, moot program representative, Women's Law Forum president Emma Banfield, Law Students' Association vice president of social Zubair Hussain, Student Legal Services executive director Andrew Dirgo and Kim Gosel, representative of the Recruitment Committee. Students Alyssa Kimm and Daniel Downie emceed the event.
The prospective students also toured the Law Centre with a number of current students who were on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the day-to-day law school experience.
Their visits included stops to both Career and Student Services to learn about job and internship prospects and resources made available to them throughout the school year; faculty members Prof. Barbara Billingsley, Prof. Shannon O'Byrne, Prof. Roderick Wood and sessional instructor Leslie Paetz to discuss class requirements and managing law school`s workload; and many student groups like Law Show.
They also had a chance to sit in on an Advanced Criminal Advocacy Moot Class to give prospective students and their guests a glimpse into the legal profession before touring the university campus.