Hometown: Garden River First Nation, Ontario 
Undergrad/Major: Bachelor of Arts, Honours Degree in Law & Justice, Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie

I have always wanted to do something that would have an impact and would allow me to be a part of something big. I wanted to be a part of making change in Canada, especially for Aboriginal people. As I matured, I realized that the area of law was an opportunity for me to make a difference in how society views Aboriginal issues and people. This was further reinforced during my time at Algoma University in the Law & Justice program. 

I was attracted to the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law as it is the first law school in Canada to be approved for an Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC). This means that as a student you will not need to article and are eligible to be licensed after graduation. Another selling point is that the school endorses and promotes Aboriginal and Indigenous law as one of its premier areas of study. This is something that is new, exciting and innovative in the area of law and I feel very honoured to be a part of this journey. In addition, the tight knit community atmosphere and smaller class size both make for a more meaningful learning experience. 

If you are thinking about becoming a lawyer or you want pursue further studies in the area of law, I would definitely encourage you to consider the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. The faculty, atmosphere, opportunity for learning and engagement are second to none. It is an environment that will allow you to grow and learn as an individual on both a personalized and professional basis.

Hometown: Owen Sound
Undergrad/Major: Western University with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours Degree with a Double Major in Criminology and Sociology.

When I was in high school, I thought I would pursue a career in policing like my brother had done. However, after taking the Law class in high school, I realized that becoming a lawyer was something I wanted to do.

I was born and raised outside Owen Sound, Ontario. Having come from a small town, studying in a place like Thunder Bay appealed to me as opposed to a bigger city. I have always enjoyed Northern Ontario as I frequently visited a cottage (or as I've learned some call it, "camp") as a weekend getaway in the summers.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Western University with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours Degree with a Double Major in Criminology and Sociology. One of my favourite things about the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law is its size. Having previously studied at a very large university, coming to a school where all of the faculty and staff know you on a first name basis has been fantastic. Asking questions, speaking in class, and requesting references is a lot more manageable when you are more than just a number.

I was not heavily involved with my school in undergrad, but since coming here I have joined many clubs and teams such as: Flag Football, Social Committee, Mental Health Committee, and the Women in Law Society. I hold executive positions now on both the Mental Health Committee and the Women in Law Society. I'm also involved with the Ontario Justice Education Network

(OJEN) which recently held a law symposium at PACI (the law building) for high school

students. As volunteers with OJEN, we also visit grade 11 and 12 classrooms and discuss select cases and legal issues. As you can see, there is an incredible amount of opportunities to get involved at Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.

To potential students who are considering applying to Lakehead or any law school, my best advice to you is to apply. Do not let the application process deter you. If going to law school is something you want to do, trust me, it's worth it.

Hometown: Port Hope, Ontario
Undergrad/Major: Classical History and Biology at Queen's University.

When applying to law school I wanted to find a school that was going to be challenging, innovative, and have a strong sense of community. I found that here at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.

Being a small faculty all of the students and staff know each other well and work together for our joint success. The students here are supportive of each other and there is a real sense of camaraderie within the student body.

Personally, I have been moved by the greater community's acceptance of our program, especially the Aboriginal Law component of Bora Laskin's mandate. This commitment has given me the opportunity to engage with complicated issues facing Canada as a whole and to engage on a personal level with local Elders and community leaders in a way I never imagined. These are lessons I will carry with me for years to come.

We are also very fortunate to have experienced legal practitioners teaching at Bora Laskin which provides a practical perspective on what true lawyering is like day to day, not just the theory of law.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with two such practitioners at their firm in Thunder Bay for both my 1L and 2L summers. This allowed me to get a feel for what private practice is truly like and was an invaluable learning experience. Starting in January of 2017 I will be finished all of my courses and starting my Placement training at a different local firm.

I have come to really enjoy living in the North and hope to practice here after graduation in Family Law and Wills/Estates.

To students considering Bora Laskin, I would urge you to be ready for change and opening your mind to new perspectives. Embrace this opportunity to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. There is no other school like it.

We hope to see you soon, and Good Luck!

Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Undergrad/Major: Lakehead University B.A.

Lakehead University's decision to open the first new law school in Canada in over 40 years, presented me with a unique opportunity to pursue a legal education, begin a challenging new career, stay in a city that my family and I know and love, and possibly be the only person ever to attend high school and law school in the same building!

I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, and attended high school at Port Arthur Collegiate Institute (PACI) before completing the Funeral Service Education Program at Humber College in Toronto. After graduation, I returned to Thunder Bay, married, had two children, and worked as a funeral director for almost 20 years.

I attended Lakehead University for undergrad studies and applied exclusively to the Bora Laskin Faulty of Law. My decision was due in part to Bora Laskin's innovative Integrated Practice Curriculum, which will allow me to begin my legal career sooner. During my first year, I found the small class sizes extremely compatible to my learning style and that the school's mandates deal with issues that I have an inherent interest in as a resident of Northwestern Ontario.

I also believe the practical skills learned during your first year at Bora Laskin Faculty of Law truly makes students more appealing to prospective employers. The Integrated Practice Curriculum has already provided me with experience in a mock bail hearing, preparing facta, and opinion letters, as well as several moot scenarios. During the summer after 1L, I was fortunate enough to be hired by a local criminal defence firm, and appeared daily in the Ontario Court of Justice. It was an incredible opportunity and provided me with a huge amount of real world experience.

I would encourage anyone interested in receiving a top-notch legal education to consider the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Undergrad/Major: University of Toronto (Erindale Campus), Double Major in English and Criminology

I was born in Mississauga and raised in Brampton. I did my undergrad at the University of Toronto (Erindale Campus) with a double major in English and Criminology.

The decision to pursue a law degree hit me halfway through my undergraduate journey. I realized that advocacy was something I wanted to do professionally. I got a small taste of that running the GSA LGBT Organization at my university and I wanted to continue down that path.

I chose Bora Laskin Faculty of Law because I liked the focus on marginalized groups and the opportunity to explore the intersectionality between poverty, women’s issues, and Aboriginal issues.

Furthermore, every course incorporates real-world experience into the assignments, making us better prepared for our transition into the workforce. The smaller institution lends itself to a unique learning experience. It is quite possible to know every single person at our faculty and our community is close and tight-knit because of that. 

I encourage students who want a different kind of law school experience to consider studying in Thunder Bay. The community needs bright, young minds and you will soon grow to love the city. 

Hometown:  Dryden, Ontario

Undergrad/Major:  Bemidji State University, Bemidji MN, Bachelor of Science

When I was applying to law school I wanted to attend a school that was both close to home, and appreciated the unique concerns that practicing law in Northern Ontario encompasses. I was able to find both of these qualities at Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.

At Bora Laskin we are taught by knowledgeable Faculty and local practitioners that genuinely care about our success. Learning from local practitioners allows for networking with the local bar, as well as the opportunity to learn hands-on aspects of everyday practice that are distinct to the region you will be working in.

I had the opportunity of working at the Lakehead University Community Legal Services Clinic during my year as a 2L. This experience allowed for extensive learning and practice in dealing with real people and real life problems. I was routinely expected to meet with clients, identify issues, write reporting letters, conduct research, write research memos and appear in courts and tribunals. The Clinic provided a fast-paced and safe learning environment for a second year law student.

For people considering attending Bora Laskin Faculty of Law I would put it to them like this; if you have an insatiable appetite for learning, and hope to be a force of change in your community, then Lakehead is the place for you!

Welcome, and good luck.