Ryan
Venn

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.