Relationships, work ethic and perspective prove critical for bronze medal winner in law

Photo credit: Steven Babish

After earning her undergraduate degree, Elisa Carbonaro, 22’ JD, the 2022 recipient of the Judges' Bronze Medal – awarded annually to the convocating student who stands third throughout their studies in the JD program – decided to focus on work and travel. This time would prove to be life-altering, as it was during this period that she first became interested in pursuing law.

"While I was working at a non-profit – specifically in victim advocacy – I began to realize how complex the justice system was, and I struggled seeing the overrepresentation of marginalized groups," she said. "But I felt illiterate in the law, so I decided to pursue law school in order to better understand and improve the system around me."

"Taking time off between degrees to work and travel gave me perspective coming into law school. By the time I started, I was so excited to be there and this fueled my focus. I had a strong understanding of why I came and what I wanted."

When reflecting on her time in the program, Carbonaro attributes much of her success to her peers, who pushed her to challenge her thinking.

"Throughout my degree, I studied with my peers. I cannot overstate the value my law school friends had on my success," she said. "The benefit of studying with your brilliant peers is that it pushes you to articulate a concept or argument, and in turn, this requires you to confront what areas you do not truly understand or a weakness in your argument."

She also attributed her success to the energy exhibited by her professors.

"Passionate teaching from faculty members transformed my own passions within law. I gravitated towards that enthusiasm and no matter the topic, I too became interested." she said.

"Taking classes from professors Penney, Percy, and Lavoie were highlights for me. These professors were also great mentors and encouraged me to pursue different opportunities, for which I am forever grateful."

When asked about a challenge she had to overcome, Carbonaro pinpoints her difficulty preparing for the LSAT. As a self-proclaimed "slow reader and thinker," she spent nine months studying and working towards incrementally raising her initial score. She said she is thankful for how this experience set the tone for her journey.

"In hindsight, that experience set me up for success in law school because it built my work ethic and discipline," she said.

Carbonaro is currently clerking at the Alberta Court of Appeal and will complete her article with Field Law in Edmonton.