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.

The Osgoode Hall Law School Library is Canada’s leading law library, celebrated for its extensive and diverse collection. It serves as a cornerstone of legal education and research, offering valuable resources to students, faculty, legal scholars and practitioners. Among its most distinguished holdings is the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) factum collection, which represents a critical part of Canada’s legal history.

The SCC Factum Collection: A Unique Legal Resource

The SCC factum collection was donated in the late 1990s by the former Law Society of Upper Canada Great Library (now the Law Society of Ontario). It includes volumes from Volume 1 (1877) to Volume 103 (1981). These factums, submitted to the Supreme Court of Canada, offer invaluable insight into legal arguments that shaped landmark cases. Currently housed in the John R. Cartwright Rare Book Room, the collection is a rich resource for legal historians and researchers, but it currently lacks organization and indexing tools, making it difficult to navigate.

Professor Patricia McMahon, a leading scholar in legal history, recognized the potential of this collection while conducting research for her upcoming book. “The SCC factum collection is a critical part of Canada’s legal heritage,” she explains. “By developing an index, we can unlock this treasure trove of legal history, making it accessible to researchers and future generations.”

Supporting Legal Research and Education

To address the accessibility issues, Professor McMahon applied for a grant through Osgoode’s Research Intensification Fund to create an index for the collection. This index will help researchers locate key case information, filing dates, and citation details, and will support students in her Legal Biography seminar. The project aims to enhance the utility of the collection for legal historians, students, scholars and practitioners alike.

The long-term goal is to digitize the SCC factum collection, ensuring the preservation and global accessibility of these historically significant documents. “Digitizing the collection will make it easier for scholars and students worldwide to engage with this invaluable resource,” says Yemisi Dina, Chief Law Librarian at Osgoode. “This is an essential step in preserving Canada’s legal history for future generations.”

A Leader in Legal Research

The SCC factum collection exemplifies the Osgoode Hall Law School Library’s commitment to supporting legal research and education. “By maintaining and expanding resources like the SCC factum collection, we support not only the academic community but also the broader legal profession,” says Dean Trevor Farrow. “The library continues to set the standard for excellence in legal research, advancing our understanding of Canadian law and its evolution.”

The Osgoode Hall Law School Library’s ongoing work to organize, index, and eventually digitize the SCC factum collection underscores its vital role in preserving and disseminating legal scholarship, ensuring that these critical resources remain accessible for generations to come.

The Osgoode Hall Law School community is mourning the loss of Professor Alan Young, a distinguished legal scholar, advocate, and mentor, who passed away on December 7, 2024, at the age of 69. Known for his ground-breaking legal challenges and unwavering commitment to justice, Professor Young leaves behind a legacy that profoundly shaped Canadian law and inspired generations of students.

Dean Trevor Farrow shared the community’s grief, stating, “I write with the sad news that our former colleague Professor Alan Young died this weekend. Known and loved by many of our colleagues and generations of students, Alan was a trailblazer who made huge contributions not only to Osgoode, but to the law and legal profession in Canada.”

Professor Young’s remarkable career began with his graduation from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1981, followed by a clerkship with Chief Justice Bora Laskin at the Supreme Court of Canada. He earned his LLM from Harvard Law School before returning to Osgoode in 1986 as an Associate Professor.

As Co-Founder and Director of Osgoode’s Innocence Project, Professor Young led JD students in investigating wrongful convictions, cultivating a passion for justice that defined his life’s work. His small criminal law practice focused on challenging state authority to criminalise consensual activities, and his efforts led to ground-breaking legal reforms.

Among his most notable accomplishments was his involvement in Canada (AG) v. Bedford (2013 SCC 72), a landmark Supreme Court case that struck down Canada’s prostitution laws as unconstitutional. His advocacy for medical marijuana patients resulted in federal regulations permitting its medicinal use. Canadian Lawyer magazine recognised his contributions, naming him one of the “Top 25 Most Influential” in the justice system and legal profession multiple times.

Beyond the courtroom, Professor Young was a gifted teacher and mentor who left a profound mark on his students. Justice James Stribopoulos of the Superior Court of Justice reflected, “Alan Young changed my life. His passion for criminal law was infectious, and many caught the bug from him. There is a whole generation of leading criminal lawyers in Canada whose beginnings are traced directly to Alan. He was a mentor to so many of us, tireless in his support both before and after graduation.”

Alan Young was also an esteemed colleague. Adam Parachin, a former Osgoode student and current professor, shared, “Alan was brilliant and a ‘one of a kind’ character. His sharp wit made Criminal Law an early favourite of mine at Osgoode. Most importantly, Alan accepted me and helped me pursue a career in academia. I was blessed to have known him.”

A prolific advocate for justice, Professor Young’s work challenged societal norms and state authority. His 2003 book, Justice Defiled: Perverts, Potheads, Serial Killers and Lawyers, captured his incisive intellect and his commitment to using the law as a tool for positive social change.

Dean Farrow expressed condolences on behalf of the Osgoode community: “On behalf of the entire Osgoode community, I send our warmest wishes, support, and gratitude to Alan’s family.”

Professor Alan Young’s passing is a profound loss to the legal profession, but his legacy endures in the laws he helped reform and the lives of the students and colleagues he inspired.

On 27 November 2024, Angela Swan taught her final contract law class at Osgoode Hall Law School. After more than 60 years of teaching, this final class brings to a close of a remarkable teaching career that has shaped generations of lawyers and transformed contract law in the legal profession. A nationally recognized lawyer and educator, Angela has not only mentored countless students, but also contributed significantly to the development of legal teaching and scholarship at Osgoode and in Canada. Her final class was celebrated with flowers and cupcakes, a fitting tribute to an instructor beloved by her students.

“Professor Swan is known for her engaging teaching style and approachable nature. I frequently saw Angela in the law school’s bistro early in the morning, meeting with groups of first-year law students, fully immersed in conversation. I am so grateful for her remarkable contributions. Angela has left an enduring impression both inside and outside the classroom,” said Trevor Farrow, Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School. “She has inspired so many people, including several of my faculty colleagues, who are proud to be among Angela’s former students.”

Widely regarded as a leading authority in contract law, Angela’s career has spanned more than six decades. She has educated generations of students, shaped Canadian contract law, and provided expert legal counsel in some of the country’s most complex cases.

Angela’s scholarly contributions are significant, including a wide array of papers, reviews, books, case comments, and annotations on various topics, including contract law. Her seminal work, Canadian Contract Law, remains a foundational text in law schools across Canada and has been cited multiple times by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Beyond academia, Angela is often consulted as an expert witness in high-stakes legal matters, where the combination of her scholarly understanding, practical experience, and ethical judgment are highly regarded.

Throughout her career, Angela has received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Law Society of Ontario in 2019, an honorary degree from McGill University in 2021, and the Ontario Bar Association’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2016. In 2007, her book Canadian Contract Law was awarded the prestigious Walter Owen Book Prize.

Angela’s final class at Osgoode was not just a farewell, but also a moment to reflect on her profound influence on legal education. Through her unwavering dedication to the development of students and lawyers, Angela has made a remarkable contribution to the legal profession in Canada.

As Osgoode bids farewell to one of its most beloved and distinguished adjunct faculty members, Professor Swan’s legacy will continue to inspire students, practitioners, and scholars for generations to come.