Renewable Entrance Scholarship and Awards
Davies Fellows Award
In 2022, as part of their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, the Osgoode alumni at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP created this award to provide financial support to facilitate access to legal education by exceptional students from equity-seeking groups. Together with matching funds from Osgoode Hall Law School an endowment was created.
The endowed funds will be used to support one Davies Fellow each academic year for a student entering into the JD program who demonstrates financial need and exceptional promise, as shown by personal or professional accomplishment, including their overcoming of challenging personal or societal circumstances in areas such as income, mental health, racial, cultural and gender inequalities, or physical and learning challenges. The award is renewable for the upper years of the JD program provided the student is in good standing in the program and continues to demonstrate financial need and exceptional promise.
Harley D. Hallett Renewable Entrance Scholarships
The Harley D. Hallett Renewable Entrance Scholarships were established by the estate of Elizabeth A. Hallett (1912-1993) in memory of her late husband, His Honour Judge Harley Donald Hallett (1912-1977), a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, class of 1939, who practised law (1939-1946) and served with distinction as Magistrate and Provincial Court Judge (1946-1977) in St. Catharines, Ontario.
The renewable entrance scholarships supported by the Harley D. Hallett Scholarship Fund are among the most prestigious at Canadian law schools. Hallett Scholars are selected on the basis of academic background and performance taking into account financial need. Preference may be given to candidates who have completed graduate degrees or honours programs. A candidate’s demonstrated interest and background in business studies, criminal law or criminology may also be taken into account.
The number of scholarships to be awarded is determined by the Harley D. Hallett Scholarship Fund Committee. Several entrance scholarships will be awarded annually to the top students who enter the first-year program at Osgoode with at least an A- average. Recipients who maintain a B+ average and continue to demonstrate financial need will receive a further funding in each of the second and third years of their undergraduate law program. The fund supporting the scholarships was partially matched by the Ontario Government and accordingly some awards are available to Ontario residents only as defined by the Ontario Students Opportunity Trust Fund guidelines.
The Harley D. Hallett Renewable Entrance Scholarships were established by the estate of Elizabeth A. Hallett (1912-1993) in memory of her late husband, His Honour Judge Harley Donald Hallett (1912-1977), a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, class of 1939, who practised law (1939-1946) and served with distinction as Magistrate and Provincial Court Judge (1946-1977) in St. Catharines, Ontario.
The renewable entrance scholarships supported by the Harley D. Hallett Scholarship Fund are among the most prestigious at Canadian law schools. Hallett Scholars are selected on the basis of academic background and performance taking into account financial need. Preference may be given to candidates who have completed graduate degrees or honours programs. A candidate’s demonstrated interest and background in business studies, criminal law or criminology may also be taken into account.
The number of scholarships to be awarded is determined by the Harley D. Hallett Scholarship Fund Committee. Several entrance scholarships will be awarded annually to the top students who enter the first-year program at Osgoode with at least an A- average. Recipients who maintain a B+ average and continue to demonstrate financial need will receive a further funding in each of the second and third years of their undergraduate law program. The fund supporting the scholarships was partially matched by the Ontario Government and accordingly some awards are available to Ontario residents only as defined by the Ontario Students Opportunity Trust Fund guidelines
The Honourable William G.C. Howland Award of Excellence Entrance Scholarships
The Honourable William G. C. Howland Award of Excellence Entrance Scholarship was established by the Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Association and has been funded as a renewable entrance scholarship through a generous bequest from the estate of the late William Goldwin Carrington Howland, O.C., O.Ont., C.St.J. (LLB’39; LLD 1984). He practiced law, lectured on mortgages, served as Chair of the Legal Education Committee of the Law Society of Upper Canada at the time that Osgoode Hall Law School became affiliated with York University, and served with distinction as Treasurer of the Law Society and as Chief Justice of Ontario.
Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who enter the first year of the JD Program or a Joint Program at Osgoode with an A- average or better. Recipients who maintain a B+ average will receive further funding in each of the second and third years of the undergraduate law program.
Scotiabank Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Scotiabank is committed to the principles of equity, inclusion and diversity. It has established this award to support a student admitted to the first year of the JD program. Applicants must write a one-page essay on how they will positively impact the legal profession and the Black or Indigenous community over the next three years by combatting racism and furthering inclusivity. They must also have demonstrated work or voluntary experience supporting the Black or Indigenous community or other marginalized or disadvantaged groups. Preference will be given to individuals who self-identify as a member of the Black community or the Indigenous community. The total value of the award per academic year is $10,000 and may be renewed for each of the second and third year of the degree. In order to maintain eligibility, recipients must be in good standing to advance in the JD Program and submit a reflective statement on their thoughts and experiences during the past year including but not limited to their learnings to date about systemic racism in law to Osgoode Hall Law School’s Office of Student Financial Services. By applying for this award students are consenting to have their reflective statement shared with the donor.
Alison J. Youngman/Stikeman Elliott Entrance Award at Osgoode
Alison Youngman (LLB, 1984) was a partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP when she passed away from cancer in 2009. The partners at the firm established this award to commemorate her life and extraordinary achievements, especially her passion for volunteerism. This award will be granted to a student entering the JD program at Osgoode Hall Law School with a minimum B average, who demonstrates the same passion for volunteerism, is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person and an Ontario resident, who demonstrates financial need. The award will be renewed in second and third year provided the recipient maintains good academic standing and remains in financial need.
Osgoode Centennial National Scholarship Funds
The Osgoode Centennial National Scholarship Funds, established through generous donations to the Centennial Campaign of 1989 to 1994, support the role of Osgoode Hall Law School as a premiere national law school, drawing students from across the country. These scholarships may be awarded in conjunction with other Osgoode Hall Law School awards.
Osgoode Centennial Entrance Scholarship for Alberta
The Osgoode Alumni in the province of Alberta, together with other donors to the Centennial Campaign, have established this scholarship to be awarded annually to an entering student from Alberta. The scholarship is to be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and aptitude for legal studies.
Osgoode Centennial Entrance Scholarship for British Columbia
The Osgoode Alumni in the province of British Columbia, together with other donors to the Centennial Campaign, have established this scholarship to be awarded annually to a student from British Columbia who is entering first year at Osgoode Hall Law School. The scholarship is to be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and aptitude for legal studies.
Osgoode Centennial Entrance Scholarship for the Maritime Provinces
The Osgoode Alumni in the Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, together with other donors to the Centennial Campaign, have established this scholarship to be awarded annually to a student from one of the Maritime Provinces who is entering the first year of the JD Program. The scholarship is to be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and aptitude for legal studies.
Osgoode Centennial Entrance Scholarship for Northern Ontario and Northern Canada
This scholarship has been established with donations to the Centennial Campaign, and is to be awarded annually to a student from Northern Ontario or from Northern Canada who is entering first year at Osgoode Hall Law School. The scholarship is to be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and aptitude for legal studies.
Sir Leonard C. Outerbridge ’14 Entrance Scholarship (Newfoundland)
Newfoundland Osgoode Alumni established this scholarship in honour of the late Sir Leonard C. Outerbridge, Class of 1914, distinguished lawyer, businessman, and Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland. It is to be awarded annually to a student from Newfoundland who is entering the first year at Osgoode Hall Law School, on the basis of academic excellence, public service and aptitude for legal studies.
Osgoode Centennial Entrance Scholarship for the Prairie Provinces
Osgoode Alumni in the Prairie Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, together with other donors to the Centennial Campaign, have established this scholarship to be awarded annually to a student from one of the Prairie Provinces who is entering the first year of the JD program at Osgoode. The scholarship is to be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and aptitude for legal studies.
Osgoode Centennial Entrance Scholarship for Quebec
This scholarship has been established with donations to the Centennial Campaign, and is to be awarded annually to an entering student from the Province of Quebec. The scholarship is to be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and aptitude for legal studies.
Annual Entrance Scholarships
Award of Excellence Scholarship Fund
The Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Association has established the Award of Excellence Scholarship Fund. The income from the fund will be used to award scholarships to students entering the first year of the JD Program or a Joint Program (JD/ MBA/MPA; JD/MES). The awards are given to students entering Osgoode with an average of at least A- who show promise of continued academic excellence. Several scholarships supported by the fund were founded to honour the recipients of the Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Association’s Award of Excellence Robinette Medals. The scholarships are awarded on a rotational basis and consist of:
John D. Arnup Entrance Scholarship
A leading counsel and member of the Court of Appeal for Ontario from 1970 to 1985, the Honourable John Arnup, O.C., Q.C. was honoured as an alumnus of the Osgoode Hall Class of 1935. His distinguished career has enhanced the quality of the legal profession and the reputation of Osgoode Hall Law School.
Brendan O’Brien Entrance Scholarship
Mr. Brendan O’Brien, a graduate of the Osgoode Hall Class of 1932, practiced mostly civil litigation and rose to the top of the profession, serving as a bencher and as Treasurer of the Law Society of Upper Canada. For many years, he taught civil procedure at the Osgoode Hall Law School.
G. Arthur Martin Entrance Scholarship
G. Arthur Martin, Class of 1938, was another very distinguished Osgoode alumnus. He was honoured for the outstanding contribution he made to Canadian law both as a judge on the Court of Appeal for Ontario and as an esteemed teacher of generations of lawyers.
John J. Robinette Entrance Scholarship
A gold medal alumnus of the original Osgoode Hall, Class of 1929, J.J. Robinette gained public renown for his superb role as a defence counsel in a number of high profile criminal cases. He became the best known lawyer in Canada, frequently appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada in several leading constitutional and civil cases. It is fitting that the Osgoode Hall Law School’s Award of Excellence medal, the Robinette Medal, is named after him.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Entrance Scholarships
The firm of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Toronto, has established five entrance scholarships which will be awarded annually to students entering the first year of the JD Program with outstanding pre-law academic records.
Bogoroch & Associates Entrance Award
The law firm of Bogoroch & Associates, and Richard Bogoroch, are committed to preserving access, diversity and excellence in legal education. Through their generosity, the Bogoroch & Associates Entrance Award has been established to assist students with their aspirations of achieving a law degree. Among the largest and most prestigious at Osgoode this award, valued at $16,666 is available to an entering student, in the first-year of the JD program who demonstrates financial need and academic achievement. Preference will be given to a student from a disadvantaged group.
The recipient acknowledges a moral obligation to improving the lives of others professionally through pro bono work and/or charitable contribution.
Louis J. Brody, Q.C. Entrance Scholarship Fund
The Louis J. Brody, Q.C. Entrance Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 in memory of Louis Brody (1904-1984), by his brother William Brody, C.A.
The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need to Ontario students entering the JD/MBA Program.
Louis Brody, born and educated in Toronto, a graduate of the Osgoode Class of 1927, had a long and distinguished career as a commercial lawyer in Windsor, Ontario. During World War II, he enlisted in the Essex Scottish Regiment, serving with the Judge Advocate General’s department in Italy, France, and England, rising from the rank of Private to the rank of Major. He died in 1984, a well-known and respected solicitor who took pride in his membership in the legal profession.
Recipients must be Canadian citizens/permanent residents or protected persons, residents of Ontario, and demonstrate financial need.
The Honourable Charles and Anne Dubin Entrance Award
The Honourable Charles Dubin ’44 and Anne Dubin ’51 were two distinguished graduates of Osgoode, who had prominent careers in the law; he as a judge on the Court of Appeal of Ontario and then Chief Justice, and she as a pioneering female lawyer in the area of corporate law who served as a director on many companies and non-profit organizations. They were always recognized as a ‘team’ and were devoted to one another for over 50 years.
This award is given annually to students entering the JD program who have high academic standing in comparison to the others who were admitted. Recipients must be Canadian citizens/permanent residents/protected persons, Ontario residents and demonstrate financial need.
Allan Findlay Memorial Entrance Scholarship
This scholarship, established by the partners of the late Allan Findlay, Q.C., is to be awarded to a student entering first year selected on the basis of pre-law academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities including athletics, debating, student government, drama and the student newspaper. The scholarship is also offered at the law schools at Queen’s University and the University of Western Ontario. The scholarship will be awarded by Osgoode Hall Law School every third year starting in 1986-87.
Harris Awards for Indigenous Law Students
Milton E. Harris, Chairman and CEO of Harris Steel Group Inc. generously donated these awards to support Indigenous students registered at Osgoode Hall Law School. It is his intent that the funds will provide students with the resources necessary to complete a legal education, which will enable them to benefit their communities. The awards will be given to Indigenous students who have been admitted or are currently registered in the JD Program who have financial need and good academic standing.
Hennick Scholars Program
This program provides awards to the best students entering the joint JD/MBA program. Students will be selected on the basis of academic excellence and financial need. The awards will be directed primarily at students entering the first year of the Joint Program, but may also be given to a student entering his or her second year (having completed an initial year of either business or law study). Recipients must have an outstanding academic record, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, a resident of Ontario and demonstrate financial need.
Peter W. Hogg Memorial Award
Peter Hogg will always be remembered as one of Osgoode’s most beloved professors and Canada’s leading constitutional law scholar. He joined the Osgoode faculty in 1970 and taught trusts, tax and, of course, constitutional law. His student evaluations were effusive in their praise. Peter always read the evaluations closely because he wanted to be a better teacher. He was Dean from 1998 to 2003, during which time he developed a Plan for the Law School that served as a beacon for Osgoode’s development. He also started a fundraising campaign that saw the first renovation of the Osgoode building. Much to his surprise, Peter was a very effective fundraiser. No one could say no to Peter. In his final interview for Osgoode’s alumni magazine, Continuum, when asked about retiring from the School he said, “I should say that at the time mandatory retirement applied, so I didn’t have any choice about leaving the Osgoode Hall Law School. I had to leave. But it’s easy to answer what I miss most about Osgoode. I miss the students.”
This award was created with the donations of many Osgoode alumni and friends. The funds were generously matched by Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP, where Peter became the Scholar in Residence after his retirement from Osgoode. It will be given to a student in, or entering, the JD program who demonstrates both academic merit and financial need.
The Honourable R.E. Holland, Q.C. Award
The family, friends and colleagues established this award to commemorate his dedication to the administration of justice in Ontario and to assist a promising student. It will be awarded annually to a student(s) entering the JD program at Osgoode Hall Law School who has a record of academic excellence and who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to a student(s) from outside of Ontario.
Ignat Kaneff Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Ignat Kaneff was born in Bulgaria and at age 14 left for Austria before immigrating to Canada at age 24. Soon thereafter, he founded the Kaneff Group of Companies, a greater Peel region-based real estate development and construction company. The Ignat Kaneff Scholarship for Academic Excellence was established by his family in honour of his 80th birthday to commemorate his strong dedication to his community and his commitment to promoting equal opportunities through higher education among all Canadians.
This Scholarship will be awarded to an entering JD student who has a record of academic excellence in her or his undergraduate studies. The recipient must be a Canadian citizen/permanent resident/protected person, an Ontario resident and demonstrate financial need.
Benjamin Laufer Memorial Entrance Scholarship
In memory of Benjamin Laufer, a member of the 1979 graduating class of Osgoode Hall Law School, this scholarship will be awarded annually to a student entering the first year of the JD Program. It will be awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need.
Kenneth Laundy Entrance Scholarship
For many years Kenneth Laundy taught both at Osgoode Hall Law School and the Faculty of Administrative Studies. To honour his long standing affiliation, a fund has been established to create the Kenneth Laundy Entrance Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a newly admitted JD/MBA student who has achieved outstanding academic performance. The selection will be made by the Joint Program Admissions Committee.
Stephen George Leggett, Q.C. Memorial Entrance Scholarship
This annual scholarship was established by Suzanne Holland Leggett, in memory of her husband, Stephen George Leggett, Q.C. (1936-1994). Stephen Leggett was an alumnus of the Osgoode Hall Law School Class of 1960, and was one of the leading Crown Attorneys in Ontario for 30 years. This scholarship is to be awarded annually to a student entering the first year of the JD Program, based primarily on financial need but also on academic excellence.
The Honourable Bert James MacKinnon Scholarship
An entrance scholarship was established in honour of the late Honourable Bert J. MacKinnon, Associate Chief Justice of Ontario. The scholarship may be awarded each year to a student entering first year at Osgoode Hall Law School who demonstrate: scholastic ability; qualities of truthfulness, unselfishness, courage, and sympathy; leadership ability, including moral force of character, interest in others and in public affairs; and fondness for and success in athletic activities. A candidate must also be a Canadian citizen or resident, and a graduate of a Canadian university.
Jim MacNeill Award
The joint JD/MES Program was established in 1974 to encourage the integration of these two critical fields: environmental studies and law. The Jim MacNeill Award is named in honour of Jim MacNeill’s outstanding contribution to promoting sustainable development. This Award supports in-coming JD/MES students during their first year at the Faculty of Environmental Studies & Urban Change.
R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation Scholars Award
Through the R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation Scholars Award, the R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation has continued to show its support for York University by creating several awards to support Durham Region students wishing to study at York. Two such awards are available to students with financial need entering Osgoode Hall Law School, who have a home address in or graduated from a high school in the Regional Municipality of Durham. The funds supporting the awards were matched by the Ontario Government and accordingly are only available to Ontario residents as defined by the OSOTF guidelines.
McMillan LLP Awards
These awards have been established through the generosity of the law firm of McMillan LLP. Up to ten awards are available annually to entering students and/or students who have completed their first year of studies in the JD program. Of the ten awards, at least two awards will be made available each year to students entering, or in their second year of, the combined JD/MBA program. To be eligible, students must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. The funds supporting the awards were matched by the Ontario Government and accordingly are available only to Ontario residents as defined by the OSOTF guidelines.
Patrick J. Monahan Award
Established by Patrick Monahan, Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School (2003 – 2009), to assist students who are entering the first year of study of the JD program. Recipients must have high academic standing in comparison to other students admitted to the program. Recipients must be Canadian citizens/permanent residents/protected persons, Ontario residents and demonstrate financial need.
Joel Organek Entrance Scholarship
The Joel Organek Entrance Scholarship will be awarded each year from income earned on a scholarship trust fund established in memory of Joel Organek by his family, friends, clients and colleagues. Mr. Organek was a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and a partner at Gowling, Strathy and Henderson. A scholarship will be awarded annually to a student entering the first year of the Bachelor of Laws Program at Osgoode on the basis of academic excellence and financial need.
Robert Orr Entrance Scholarship
The Robert Orr Entrance Scholarship will be awarded each year to a student entering the first year class at Osgoode Hall Law School. The scholarship will be awarded principally on the basis of academic excellence as demonstrated by the recipient’s performance in her/his pre-law studies at a Canadian university. Other factors, including the recipient’s participation/leadership in extracurricular university or community activities may also be considered.
Osgoode Hall Law School Entrance Scholarship
Osgoode Hall Law School has created these entrance scholarships as part of its ongoing commitment to increasing the financial accessibility of law school. They are available to outstanding incoming law students with a demonstrated capacity for legal education. A portion of the funds will be reserved for those who also demonstrate high financial need.
Osgoode Hall Law School Equity Entrance Awards
The Osgoode Hall Law School Equity Entrance Awards are awarded annually to three students entering their first year at the Law School. They have been created to assist students from historically disadvantaged groups, who may have multiple responsibilities and limited supports.
Newton Rowell Entrance Scholarship
The Newton Rowell Entrance Scholarships were established in 1992 by the Honourable H.N.R. Jackman in memory of his grandfather, the Honourable Newton Wesley Rowell. These scholarships are awarded annually to students entering the first year of the JD Program on the basis of academic excellence and a demonstrated interest in and commitment to public service. Applications are encouraged from students across Canada including Francophone students from the Province of Quebec.
Scotiabank JD Entrance Scholarship
The Scotiabank JD Entrance Scholarship will be given annually to a student entering the JD program who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and financial need.
The Honourable Ronald E. Sobier Entrance Award
Ronald E. Sobier graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1961. He went on to practice at the firm McCarthy & McCarthy in the area of Corporate and Commercial Law and was made a partner in 1971. He was appointed to the Tax Court of Canada in 1990 where he served until his death in 1998. The award was endowed to honour his love for the law and the many contributions he made. It will be awarded annually to a student entering the first year of study at Osgoode Hall Law School who has excellent academic standing, a record of community or extra-curricular involvement and demonstrated financial need. Recipients must be Canadian citizens/permanent residents and residents of Ontario.
N. A. Taylor Entrance Scholarship Fund
Two or more N. A. Taylor Entrance Scholarships will be awarded each year to students entering the first year class at Osgoode Hall Law School, funded by income earned on a fund established by N. A. Taylor in 1993. Mr. Taylor, a graduate of the Class of 1930 at Osgoode, had a distinguished career in law and business and has been a loyal and generous supporter of Osgoode Hall Law School and York University. The N.A. Taylor Entrance Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence. Consideration may also be given to the financial situation of potential recipients and to their pre-law contributions to the social, physical and/or cultural well-being of their communities.
Torkin Manes LLP Bursary
As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to create opportunities for Black students to pursue law as a career where financial circumstances may otherwise be an impediment, Torkin Manes LLP has established a bursary to help alleviate a portion of the cost of the first year of law school. Two bursaries, each in the amount of $13,500, will be awarded annually to two Black law students with demonstrated financial need entering their first year of the JD program.
Waterloo Region Law Association Entrance Scholarship
The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student entering the JD program. Recipients must have a minimum A- average, a record of community service, and demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students with a connection to the Kitchener-Waterloo Cambridge region.