On Aug. 27, Osgoode Hall Law School welcomed the Class of 2029 at Day One, bringing incoming students together with faculty and alumni from across the legal profession as they began their legal education. Hosted by Associate Dean (Students) Sonia Lawrence, the Welcome Assembly brought together students, staff, faculty and alumni to mark the start of the academic year.
In his remarks, Dean Trevor Farrow shared three messages for the years ahead: show up, step up and be kind. He encouraged students to learn alongside their classmates, to embrace opportunities to contribute to the life of the Faculty and to approach their studies with curiosity, generosity, and respect for others.
Ashley Sault, councillor for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, offered a territorial welcome, reminding the Class of 2026 of their special obligations to develop an understanding of the territory, and a relationship with the Treaty nation. Osgoode alumna Monique Jilesen (LLB ’98), vice-president of the Osgoode Alumni Association, welcomed students on behalf of Osgoode’s alumni community. Jilesen reflected on her own first day at Osgoode and encouraged students to get to know the people around them. The relationships they build as students, she noted, can become lasting connections throughout their legal careers.
The afternoon turned to the responsibilities of entering that profession during a “fireside” chat Finding Your Path in Law: Leadership, Purpose and the Journey Ahead, featuring Aston J. Hall (LLB ’93, LLM ’08), associate chief justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, in conversation with Dean Farrow.
Hall encouraged students to know the history of the legal profession, “warts and all,” and to understand both its achievements and the work that remains. He spoke about the importance of service, a sense of purpose and using a legal career to make a difference.
He also described the obligations, responsibilities, and reputation of the profession as a baton passed from one generation to the next. For the Class of 2029, he said, that baton is now in their hands. His discussion with Dean Farrow explored the qualities that sustain a legal career, including sound judgment, integrity, lifelong learning and a commitment to service.
Day One concluded at Osgoode Hall, where students were welcomed by The Honourable Michael Tulloch (LLB ’89), Chief Justice of Ontario.
For many students, it was their first visit to a building that occupies a special place in Osgoode’s history. Osgoode Hall was home to the Law School from its founding in 1889 until the Faculty moved to York University in 1969. Students toured the historic building with professors, staff and alumni who volunteered as guides and hosts.
Among the alumni volunteers was The Honourable Justice Moiz Rahman (LLB ’96), who remembered visiting Osgoode Hall during orientation week as a new student. Decades later, he returned to welcome a new generation of students.
The alumni who volunteered included judges, practitioners and leaders from across the legal profession, giving students an opportunity to meet graduates working in many different areas of law.
As the Class of 2029 begins its journey at Osgoode, Day One offered an introduction not only to the study of law, but also to the community and profession they are now joining.
Welcome to Osgoode, Class of 2029.
Photos from Day One:
