What if belonging wasn’t about citizenship, but about kinship? Dr. Aaron Mills, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Constitutionalism and Philosophy at McGill University, posed this powerful question in his Annual Pierre Genest Lecture at Osgoode Hall Law School last week. As one of the country’s leading thinkers on Indigenous law, Mills is reshaping conversations on constitutionalism, reconciliation, and the revitalization of Indigenous legal orders.

His visit to Osgoode was more than just a lecture—it was an invitation to rethink the foundations of law and political identity. Over the course of several days, he engaged deeply with students and faculty, challenging dominant legal frameworks and offering fresh perspectives on Indigenous constitutionalism. He led a work-in-progress session on the draft paper Indigenous Constitutionalism, co-authored with Professor Karen Drake, which explores two distinct models: modern constitutionalism, grounded in constituent power, and rooted constitutionalism, based on sacred norms. Their discussion unpacked how these models shape political communities and address the ongoing harms of internal colonialism.

But it was Mills’ keynote lecture, Kinship’s Normativity: The Anishinaabe Law of Belonging, that left a lasting impact. Honouring the legacy of Osgoode alumnus and esteemed advocate Pierre Genest, this annual event brings thought leaders to the law school to explore pressing legal issues. Mills used this platform to challenge conventional narratives that frame First Nations political belonging as a question of citizenship. Instead, he argued for a radically different approach—one where kinship is not just a cultural practice but a distinct and powerful legal and political framework. His insights illuminated how Indigenous legal traditions, long overshadowed by colonial perspectives, offer sophisticated and enduring models of governance.

Grounded in the teachings of Anishinaabe elders, Mills’ scholarship bridges Indigenous law, legal and political theory, and comparative law. His work is reshaping how we understand Indigenous-settler relations and the future of legal pluralism in Canada.

At Osgoode, these conversations are not just welcome—they are essential. As a leader in legal scholarship, the law school remains committed to fostering spaces where transformative ideas take root, shaping the future of law and justice.

Osgoode Hall Law School has solidified its reputation for excellence in advocacy with two major mooting victories on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The school captured the National Championship in the Canadian rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Ottawa and was also crowned Moot Champions at the Warren K. Winkler Class Actions Moot in Toronto.

Osgoode Wins First Jessup National Title in Decades

Competing in Ottawa, Osgoode secured its first National Champion title in decades at the Jessup Moot, the world’s most prestigious international law moot court competition. After sweeping all six preliminary rounds and the semi-final, the team now advances to the international rounds in Washington, D.C., from March 29 to April 5, 2025, where they will be one of three teams representing Canada on the global stage.

The Osgoode team consists of:

• Applicants: Patrick Weston & Lochlann Kerr
• Respondents: Shahbaz Khan & David Jones
• Researcher: Seliya Mawani

Their exceptional advocacy was recognized with multiple awards:

• First-place Applicant memorial
• Second-place Respondent memorial
• Top memorial pair
• Top oralists: 2nd place – David Jones, 5th place – Shahbaz Khan, 10th place – Lochlann Kerr

The team credits much of its success to its dedicated alumni coaches Nolan Wilson, Jason Alsbergas, and Alexandra Robbins, as well as previous contributions from former coaches Nicholas Arruda and Alejandra Encinales.

Osgoode Triumphs at Winkler Class Actions Moot

Meanwhile, in Toronto, Osgoode claimed another Moot Championship at the Warren K. Winkler Class Actions Moot, held at McCarthy Tétrault. The competition simulates a class certification hearing in a motions court, and Osgoode’s Defendant Team, represented by Eric Charters and Conner Lowes, emerged victorious over McGill University in the finals.

• Top Team – Moot Champions
• Top Overall Defendant Team
• Top Oralist – Eric Charters

The full Osgoode team included:

• Coaches: Jody Brown & Devon Kapoor
• Mooters: Ryan Pedersen, Ziv Barancik, Eric Charters, Conner Lowes
• Researcher: Dilara Bektas

A Historic Day for Osgoode Advocacy

With back-to-back wins in the Winkler and Jessup Moots, Osgoode Hall Law School continues to showcase its excellence in mooting. These victories not only reflect the school’s deep talent pool but also highlight the impact of its strong alumni coaching network. As the Jessup team prepares for the international rounds, Osgoode’s mooting legacy is stronger than ever.

The Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) of Osgoode has been named the 2025 Large Common Law Chapter of the Year at the BLSA Canada National Conference, recognizing the chapter’s outstanding contributions to student life and the broader legal community.

The BLSA Canada National Conference is the largest gathering of Black law students in the country, providing a vital forum for networking, mentorship, and professional development. The event brings together legal professionals and students from across Canada, fostering an inclusive environment that supports the growth and success of Black lawyers.

Each year, BLSA Canada confers the Chapter of the Year Award to a chapter that exemplifies the organization’s mandate and vision. Common law chapters are evaluated on their efforts in community outreach, social engagement, pre-law mentorship, academic support, professional development, teamwork, cultural awareness, and advocacy for civil and social justice.

This year, under the BLSA Canada theme of “Innovating Today: Impacting Tomorrow” and BLSA Osgoode’s own theme of “Lean on Us,” the Osgoode chapter has actively created spaces that uplift and inspire Black students—whether in high school, undergraduate studies, or law school. Under the leadership of 2024-25 President and 3L JD candidate Chioma Oriuwa, BLSA Osgoode has launched numerous impactful initiatives, engaging thousands of Black students and legal professionals.

Dean Trevor Farrow, expressed his enthusiasm for the chapter’s achievement, stating, “I’m very excited for our incredible Osgoode BLSA chapter. This award recognizes their incredibly hard work and dedication to the students and life at Osgoode. I’m so grateful for, and proud of, their efforts and accomplishments.”

A full list of BLSA Osgoode’s events and initiatives can be found in their Chapter of the Year Application Package. Congratulations to the entire BLSA Osgoode 2024-25 team for their dedication and commitment to advancing Black legal excellence within the Osgoode community and beyond.

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.

Osgoode’s mooting team excelled at the 2025 Price Media Law Moot Court Competition’s America Round, held in early February at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City. Competing against top schools from North and South America, they finished second overall, securing a place in the International Rounds at Oxford University this April.

The team—JD students Ebun Akomolafe, Alyssa Muzyk, James Staines, Yale Sussman, and researcher Damon Lokos—performed under the guidance of coach Christopher Dias ’20 and earned several accolades:

• Best Memorial – James Staines and Yale Sussman, with research support from Damon Lokos
• First Place Oralist (tie) – Ebun Akomolafe
• Second Place Oralist – Alyssa Muzyk
• Third Place Oralist – James Staines

Osgoode is one of only four teams representing the Americas in the international competition. Best of luck to the team as they take on the world’s best in Oxford, England.

Renowned corporate accountability scholar Professor Hassan Ahmad played a key role at a roundtable hosted by the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at Oxford University, one of the world’s leading institutions for legal scholarship. From January 22-24, 2025, Professor Ahmad joined a group of business and human rights experts to discuss draft chapters for the upcoming Cambridge Handbook on Business and Human Rights Litigation, which he is co-editing alongside Professors Ekaterina Aristova (University of Oxford) and Rachel Chambers (University of Connecticut).

The high-level discussions examined the complexities of business and human rights litigation across jurisdictions, tackling issues such as:

1. Defining business and human rights litigation in an evolving legal landscape
2. Contrasting legal approaches between the Global North and Global South
3. Assessing private versus public law in holding corporations accountable

Drawing on his expertise in transnational law and corporate responsibility, Professor Ahmad helped guide a comparative analysis of landmark cases from jurisdictions including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the EU, contrasting them with litigation challenges in, for instance, Bangladesh, Brazil, Tanzania, and other Global South nations. Key barriers – such as private international law doctrines, restrictive statutes of limitations, and enforcement difficulties – were explored alongside emerging legal tools like domestic tort law, customary international law, and alternative compensation mechanisms.

With Professor Ahmad’s leadership, the discussions at Oxford are helping to shape what is expected to become a definitive resource in the field. When published in 2026, the Cambridge Handbook on Business and Human Rights Litigation will provide critical insights into the expanding global reach of corporate accountability law.

Osgoode has claimed victory in the 2025 WeirFoulds-Arnup Cup, marking its first win in the trial advocacy competition since 2018. JD students Bahar Taherian and David Townshend delivered exceptional courtroom performances at the Federal Court of Canada Courthouse, competing against top law schools from across Ontario.

Guided by coaches Justice Kelly Slate, Justice Robert Goldstein, and Justice Moiz Rahman ’96, Taherian and Townshend triumphed, earning a spot in the prestigious Sopinka Cup. There, they will face the country’s best teams in Ottawa.

The WeirFoulds-Arnup Cup, established in 1988, honours the late Honourable John D. Arnup OC, QC, a 1935 Osgoode graduate, respected Canadian litigator, and former justice of the Ontario Court of Appeal. Each year, the competition acts as a gateway to the Sopinka Cup, Canada’s national trial advocacy championship.

Osgoode Hall Law School is making its mark in the growing field of arbitration and mediation within the aviation industry. At the recent second annual conference of The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation (Hague CAA), Trevor Farrow, Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, chaired a panel on “Regional Perspectives on Aviation Arbitration and Mediation.” The discussion explored regional strategies for resolving disputes and highlighted the increasingly global nature of aviation law and arbitration.

The Hague CAA, based in the Netherlands and administered by the Netherlands Arbitration Institute, addresses the unique challenges of the aviation sector. It offers innovative solutions, including expedited procedures and enforceable arbitral awards under the New York Convention. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of legal and technical experts, this specialized institution serves both the commercial and private aviation sectors.

Paul Jebely, an Osgoode alumnus from the class of 2005, is the founder and Chairperson of the Hague CAA. A globally recognised leader in aviation arbitration, Jebely played a pivotal role in establishing the institution as a modern hub for resolving aviation-related disputes. His leadership ensures that the Hague CAA can effectively meet the needs of both commercial and private sectors, providing solutions that are recognised worldwide.

“The Hague CAA conference featured insightful discussions and panels led by prominent professionals in aviation and dispute resolution,” said Dean Farrow. “It brought together academics, lawyers, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the challenging and cutting-edge issues framing this dynamic field.”

By participating in these conversations, Dean Farrow underscored Osgoode’s active role in exploring this emerging field, educating future leaders, and contributing to the development of practical solutions in aviation arbitration.

Osgoode Hall Law School is proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of four distinguished members of its community—faculty and alumni—who have been named to the 2024 Order of Ontario. This prestigious recognition honours individuals whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact in their fields and beyond, in Ontario, Canada, and the world.

Professor Poonam Puri, York Research Chair in Corporate Governance, Investor Protection & Financial Markets, has made transformative contributions to law and justice. As the co-founder and Director of Canada’s first Investor Protection Clinic, she has pioneered initiatives that provide pro bono legal support to individuals affected by financial misconduct. Throughout her 25-year tenure at Osgoode, Professor Puri has held numerous leadership roles, including Associate Dean and Founder and Director of the Business LLM program at OsgoodePD. Her globally recognized scholarship continues to shape corporate governance and influence policy reform.

The Honourable Todd L. Archibald ’86 (LLM) has devoted over four decades to resolving complex legal disputes. His distinguished career includes roles as a Crown Prosecutor, a litigation partner at a leading Canadian law firm, and more than 20 years as a trial judge on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Now a Chartered mediator and arbitrator, Mr. Archibald leverages his extensive experience to provide trusted leadership in alternative dispute resolution, helping parties reach fair solutions and rebuild relationships.

Rudolph Bratty ’57, ’17 (LLD), a lawyer, real estate developer, and philanthropist, has played a pivotal role in shaping the urban landscape of the Greater Toronto Area. As the founding partner of Brattys LLP and The Remington Group, he has led transformative projects, including the revitalization of Downtown Markham, which brought vibrant residential and commercial spaces to the area. His philanthropic efforts, such as The R.P. Bratty Family Foundation $10-million gift to York University in 2020 to support the development of its Markham campus, further exemplify his lasting legacy.

Walied Soliman ’01, a pre-eminent lawyer and philanthropist, is the Canadian Chair of Norton Rose Fulbright and board Chair of the SickKids Hospital Foundation. Renowned for his expertise in shareholder activism, corporate governance, high-stakes mergers and acquisitions, and restructuring, Soliman was appointed by the Ontario government in 2020 to chair the Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce. In 2019, he was named the Global Citizen Laureate by the United Nations Association in Canada in recognition of his professional and philanthropic contributions.

“These outstanding honourees embody Osgoode’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and service,” said Dean Trevor Farrow. “Their remarkable achievements inspire our community to continue making meaningful contributions to society.”

Osgoode Hall Law School extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Puri, The Honourable Todd Archibald, Rudolph Bratty, and Walied Soliman on this well-deserved recognition. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the values of excellence and impact that Osgoode upholds.

View the full list of 2024 Order of Ontario recipients here.

The Third Tri-National Meeting on Labour Rights under CUSMA-USMCA-T-MEC brought together academics, lawyers, trade unionists, and representatives from Mexico, the United States, and Canada, to discuss challenges, successes, and reform opportunities in enforcing worker rights across North America.

“With its strong connections to the labour law community and its role as a hub for legal scholarship and public policy, Osgoode provides an ideal platform for this vital dialogue,” said Professor Sara Slinn of Osgoode Hall Law School, who co-organized the meeting alongside Mark Rowlinson of Goldblatt Partners LLP.

The renegotiated trade agreement, effective July 1, 2020, introduced a revised Labour Chapter and the innovative Facility-Specific Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM). While the RRM has emerged as a promising tool for enforcing labour rights, four years of implementation reveal gaps requiring reform to meet labour justice goals.

With the agreement’s six-year joint review approaching, participants convened on December 9-10, 2024, to evaluate its effectiveness. Discussions focused on updates on Mexico’s labour law reforms, case studies under the RRM, comparisons of practical outcomes versus theoretical expectations of the Labour Chapter, and practitioner and academic insights on addressing challenges. Moderated discussions also explored options for reform.

This meeting underscored the critical importance of prioritizing workers’ rights in trade agreements. By assessing current mechanisms and exploring potential reforms, participants aimed to shape the future of labour rights enforcement across North America.

Financial support for this Workshop provided by: the Nathanson Centre on Transnational Human Rights, Crime and Security at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University; the Labour Program of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC); the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers; the Centre for Industrial Relations & Human Resources at the University of Toronto; Goldblatt Partners LLP; Unifor, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.