For the first time in recent memory, two University of Alberta Faculty of Law students will be clerking at Supreme Court of Canada at the same time.
Brandyn Rodgerson, JD '17, and third-year student Dylan Gibbs have secured a clerkship for the 2019-2020 term. This follows Ashton Menuz's, JD '17, 2018-2019 clerkship placement with the Hon. Russell Brown.
Dean Paul Paton said both individuals should be proud of the prestigious clerkship placement, as well as their hard work and desire to learn that helped them obtain such large accomplishments.
"Clerking at the Supreme Court of Canada is an honour and an excellent opportunity for both individuals to learn from some of the leading minds in the profession. It's been a privilege to work with and support both Brandyn and Dylan, and I appreciate the efforts of all those who also offered advice, encouragement and mentorship," said Paton.
Gibbs and Rodgerson will be clerking with the Hon. Russell Brown and the Hon. Clement Gascon, respectively.
Honour for class valedictorian
Gibbs has had his eye set on a Supreme Court clerkship since his second year of law school, after his first summer of gaining law work experience led to the realization that litigation would be a good fit.
Not only is Gibbs looking forward to working with and learning from the justices and other clerks, he's excited about contributing to Canadian cases of public importance.
"The significance of helping develop the law that applies to our country as a whole is something that will stick with me for a long time," said Gibbs.
"The Supreme Court provides an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside a group of like-minded individuals who all have a passion for the law," he added.
Before his Supreme Court clerkship begins, Gibbs will be clerking at the Court of Appeal in Calgary, and later, he'll finish his articles at Bennett Jones LLP.
Gibbs has carried a strong work ethic throughout his three years at law school. Currently, he works as a research assistant to Dean Paul Paton and is an editorial board member of the Alberta Law Review. He's also the co-president of the Law and Business Association, most notably helping organize and moderate the inaugural Legal Innovation Conference that was co-hosted by UAlberta Law in January. Additionally, he competed in the 2017 Gale Cup Moot and is one of four colleagues competing in the 2018 Laskin Moot, one of Canada's most prestigious bilingual moot competitions. Most recently, he was named class valedictorian for the 2018 graduating class.
Gibbs said his time at law school has only confirmed his desire to become a lawyer.
"I have had an opportunity to meet a lot of great people - faculty, students and practicing lawyers - and everything I've been involved with has made me excited to practice law," he said.
While he's focused on finishing his last few weeks of school, Gibbs is already looking towards the future; he said he hopes to one day argue a case before the same court where he will complete his clerkship.
"One thing I've learned is that good things tend to happen when you invest yourself fully and take advantage of the opportunities that are given to you," said Gibbs.
Real world experience impacts recent graduate
After graduating from the Faculty nearly one year ago, Brandyn Rodgerson decided to take some time to experience different parts of the world, like South Africa and Israel.
Throughout his travels, he found that no matter where he was, people of all cultures respected and attempted to emulate in some form the elements of the Constitution that the Supreme Court upholds: federalism, democracy, the rule of law and respect for minorities.
It was that experience, and his time clerking at the Alberta Court of Appeal during the 2017-2018 term, that spurred his decision to apply for a Supreme Court of Canada clerkship.
Before his clerkship begins, Rodgerson will complete his Alberta Court of Appeal clerkship, and later an article at Bennett Jones LLP, both in Edmonton. While he has some time to wait before his move to Ottawa, he's looking forward to working at a court that fosters democratic values around the world.
"It's an honour to walk the same halls as some of the most brilliant Canadian legal minds, and I cannot wait to be able to meet and discuss the pressing issues facing Canadians with the current Supreme Court justices and my fellow colleagues," he said.
During his time at UAlberta Law, Rodgerson was a passionate advocate for social justice and volunteered for many clubs and initiatives like OUTLaw, the Faculty of Law's Equality and Respect Committee, Student Legal Services and the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
Rodgerson hopes that with his desire for justice and equality, coupled with experiences he had during his travels, (like his time in Jerusalem where he talked with LGBTQ+ people who put their lives at risk in order to celebrate Pride) he can expand his advocacy for human rights.
"I am deeply interested in pursuing a career that will continue building on my commitment to social justice, where I can interact with an array of cultures and experiences and strengthen my abilities as a human rights and legal advocate," said Rodgerson.
While both Rodgerson and Gibbs have the drive, work ethic and commitment to the law that allowed them great successes during law school and beyond, they're both quick to recognize their colleagues, peers and professors who provided guidance and mentorship along the way.
"We are fortunate to have a Faculty composed of highly respected academics, some of whom are former Supreme Court clerks. I received a lot of input and guidance throughout the application process, which was very helpful," said Gibbs, while Rodgerson highlighted the encouraging community he experienced during his three years.
"I strongly believe that our graduating class poured in countless time and energy to foster a healthy and supportive atmosphere for all current and incoming students and, as a result of that commitment, helped create some pretty memorable events and lifelong friendships," said Rodgerson.