John Turchin
By Lucianna Ciccocioppo
John Turchin, LLB 1978, attended Reunion last fall and had such a great time reconnecting with his classmates at law school that, just two days later, he made a donation to the Campaign for Excellence without Barriers.
“Our family has a long and enduring connection with this university more broadly. We’re a fourth generation U of T family: my grandfather was a medical school graduate, my dad graduated in political economy from University College, I’m a law school grad, and my daughter is a graduate of the medical school. My son-in-law is also a U of T grad having completed his Global Professional LLM a few years ago. So we have a very strong family connection to the university. I had given to U of T before because of the family connection, and after Reunion I thought I should give a gift directly to the Faculty of Law.”
Turchin recalls tuition during his time at law was well under $1,000 a year. “Back in 1975 to 1978, if you had a summer job, you could earn your tuition in 4-6 weeks. You could have earned your tuition for the year by July. And the rest of your money you could save for living expenses.” Knowing tuition is an issue for law students these days, he wanted to give back.
He also shares his law school experiences as a mentor. “This was the first year I volunteered, and I have enjoyed it tremendously.” Turchin listens, advises, and answers the many questions a first-year student likely has, such as coming up with the best possible studying techniques, making the adjustment from undergraduate life to law school, thinking and reasoning about the law, and prepping and strategizing for exam time.
“I wanted a closer connection to the law school, having recently retired, so the timing was good. I have always enjoyed teaching and mentoring young lawyers in our office. It was an easy decision to become a mentor.”
Turchin says he is very grateful for the “full and stimulating career this law degree has given me” with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, where his practice focused on environmental, energy, and trade law issues. “I had a wonderful practice that I adored, and the law school provided the springboard to do that.”
Now, Turchin wants to do his part in helping qualified law students with financial need to access the great legal education he had at the Faculty of Law.
“I think this Campaign sends a wonderful message to prospective students. To see the law school so well supported by alumni, I think it says to them you’re in a very, very special place here. Take advantage of all the opportunities you’re going to have.”