The 28th annual Business and Law Conference, a flagship event for JD/MBA students at Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business, brought together industry leaders, academics, and aspiring professionals on February 7, 2025, at Thomson Reuters. Headlining this year’s conference was Blake Hutcheson, President & CEO of OMERS, who delivered a keynote address offering invaluable career insights and reflections on the evolving real estate landscape.
Hosted by students in the notable JD/MBA program, the conference provided a unique platform for future business and legal leaders to engage directly with top professionals. The event opened with welcoming remarks from Osgoode Hall Law School Dean Trevor Farrow and Schulich School of Business Dean Detlev Zwick, setting the stage for a day of high-impact discussions.
Hutcheson captivated the audience with his personal and professional journey, from his roots in Huntsville, Ontario, to leading one of Canada’s largest pension funds. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and what he called “finitiative”—the ability not only to take initiative but to see tasks through to completion, a lesson particularly resonant for students preparing to enter competitive industries.
The conference also featured two thought-provoking panels, showcasing distinguished alumni and experts. The first panel tackled Canada’s housing affordability crisis, featuring industry leaders such as Antoinette Tummillo, formerly of Colliers, and Matthew Ritchie (JD ’13), Partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Moderated by Schulich Professor Majid Majzoubi, the discussion provided students with an in-depth look at real estate’s most pressing challenges and the innovative solutions shaping the sector.
The second panel, moderated by Schulich Professor Jim Clayton, explored the complexities of real estate development. Michael Lieberman (LLB ’05), Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Andrew Jeanrie, Partner at Bennett Jones LLP, and Josh Lerner (JD/MBA ’08), Senior VP of Investments at Harbour Equity, shared strategic insights on navigating development in an increasingly complex market.
For students, the conference was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a rare chance to connect with top professionals, gain real-world perspectives, and envision their future roles in the industry. As the event concluded, attendees left with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead, reinforcing the JD/MBA program’s reputation as a training ground for the next generation of business and legal leaders.