Osgoode Hall Law School is proud to announce that 18 of its students have secured highly sought-after judicial clerkships at the Federal Courts and across various levels of courts in Ontario. These one-year clerkships provide an invaluable opportunity for young lawyers, particularly those interested in litigation and academia, to gain hands-on experience by assisting judges with research, drafting, and editing judgments.

Among those selected for apex or appellate courts for the 2025-26 term are Jordana Borzellino ’24 at the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as Zoe Bernicchia-Freeman ’24, Emma Workman ’24, and David Jones ’25 at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Joining the Federal Court of Appeal will be Misha Potrykus ’25 and Geoffrey Vendeville ’25.

The Tax Court of Canada clerks for the 2025-26 term include Kyle Smyth ’25, Arielle Zhivko ’24, and Mariam Bacchus ’24. Linda Manziaris ’25 will clerk at the Divisional Court of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Additionally, eight Osgoode students will clerk at the Federal Court for the 2025-26 term: Alex Cachon ’25, Alexandra Robbins ’24, Ariel Goldberg ’25, Bridget Allen O’Neil ’24, Hayden Cheung ’25, Kathleen Smith ’24, Sage Hartmann ’25, and Soliyana Yared ’24.

“We are tremendously proud of and inspired by all of our students who successfully obtained clerkship positions,” said Dean Trevor Farrow. “They will have an exciting opportunity to witness and impact our judicial system from the inside while continuing to develop their legal research and analytical skills. Everyone at Osgoode looks forward to their future accomplishments and continued leadership in the profession.”

Current Osgoode students and recent alumni interested in judicial clerkships, including opportunities at the Supreme Court of Canada, are encouraged to reach out to Associate Dean of Students, Amar Bhatia, or Nicola Martin in the Career Development Office for more information.

Dean Trevor Farrow was invited to participate in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) 2024 Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice, joining an international panel titled High-Level Dialogue on People-Centred Justice and the Rule of Law to Reinforce Democracy and Build Trust. The panel explored the role of justice in strengthening democracies and addressing global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.

This year’s roundtable provided an opportunity for global leaders to exchange best practices and discuss how justice systems can become more inclusive, while supporting Sustainable Development Goal 16—peace, justice, and strong institutions. Discussions focused on improving the response of the justice sector to emerging global issues, with a special emphasis on people-centred justice strategies aimed at restoring public trust.

Dean Farrow’s contributions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in fulfilling SDG 16’s commitment to equal access to justice for all. He highlighted that advancing justice systems can directly reinforce democracy, combat insecurity, and support societal well-being. The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to building more responsive and inclusive justice systems, using innovative strategies to address justice problems globally.

Soliyana Yared ’24 has been honoured with the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize by the Royal Society of Canada. Throughout her time at Osgoode, Yared has been dedicated to advocating for social justice. She worked to advance refugee policy reform at the Refugee Law Lab, supported women facing intimate partner violence through the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, and co-authored a Black applicant stream proposal with Osgoode’s Black Law Students’ Association.  She will soon begin articling at an immigration law firm before clerking at the Federal Court.

The Abella Prize is awarded annually to one graduating student from each of Canada’s 23 law schools, recognizing the individual most likely to have a positive impact on equity and social justice in Canada.

RSC Awards celebrate exceptional contributions across disciplines and generations. This year’s winners will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 9, 2024, as part of the Royal Society of Canada’s Celebration of Excellence and Engagement.

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) comprises the Academy of Arts and Humanities, the Academy of Social Sciences, the Academy of Science, and the RSC College. The RSC promotes excellence, advises government and society, and fosters a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and globally. Learn more at www.rsc-src.ca.

Adaora Nwajiaku, a PhD student at Osgoode, was one of only three people worldwide to receive the prestigious 2024 Doctoral Award from the Hague Academy of International Law. As the leading institution in the field of international law, the Hague Academy granted her the opportunity to take its venerated course in international law and to work at the Peace Palace library in The Hague, home to both the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Dean Trevor Farrow is pleased to announce that Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, has recommended to the York University Board of Governors the promotion to Full Professor of the following four Osgoode faculty members:

Professor Carys Craig

An enthusiastic and committed educator, Professor Craig is recognized both nationally and internationally for her innovative research in copyright and trademark law. She has established herself as a cutting-edge thinker in her field, seamlessly integrating legal theory with practical applications. Her scholarly impact is both profound and widely acknowledged.

Professor Valerio De Stefano

Since joining York University as the inaugural Canada Research Chair in Innovation, Law and Society (Tier II), Professor De Stefano’s research in labour and employment law has been both prolific and transformative. Internationally acclaimed, he has a unique ability to bridge legal traditions in the global community of labour law scholars. His expertise in addressing the changing nature of work, including digital platform labour and the gig economy, positions him as a global leader in his field.

Professor Dayna Scott

Professor Scott’s ground-breaking research is at the forefront of environmental law, setting standards and challenging norms. Her scholarly impact is profound and widely recognized, particularly in the area of Indigenous jurisdiction, where her collaborative research with Indigenous communities has been pioneering, addressing critical issues of rights and resource management.

Professor Sara Slinn

Professor Slinn is a renowned expert in labour and employment law with a global reputation. Her innovative research methods combine quantitative analysis with comparative legal studies. The impact of her work, which has greatly enhanced both academic and policy debates, makes her a leading international expert on sectoral bargaining.

Additionally, Dean Farrow is pleased to announce that President Lenton recommended to the York Board of Governors the following granting of tenure and promotion to the rank of Associate Professor.

Associate Professor Emily Kidd White

Professor Emily Kidd White is an exceptionally talented and impactful scholar in the fields of legal philosophy, constitutional and international legal theory, and law and humanities. She has earned international recognition as an expert with a unique voice in the field of law and emotion.

“At Osgoode, we are incredibly fortunate to have such talented and committed scholars and educators whose contributions are pivotal to our academic excellence and growth, who are making major impacts locally, nationally and globally. Their promotion not only recognizes their exceptional work but also inspires continued leadership and excellence within our community,” said Dean Trevor Farrow.