Building connections

Few of us at the law school would have imagined when the global pandemic was declared on March 11, 2020, that more than a year later, we would continue to deliver courses remotely for a third term, with Toronto still facing lockdown measures. 

It has been an incredibly challenging time for so many. Our students would normally enjoy the camaraderie of an in-person experience, but had to connect virtually instead, due to public health requirements. For our graduating class this spring, the pandemic has meant half their law school experience was remote.

Connection during this global moment is more important than ever, as is reaching out when one is struggling. Our student mental health and wellness program manager, Terry Gardiner, is leading efforts – in addition to many student-led initiatives – to offer new approaches to mental health at the Faculty. We are grateful for the gifts supporting these endeavours, made through the earlier Excellence Without Barriers campaign, including a generous gift to health and wellness made by Arnie Cader (LLB 1965).

Building connections between our students, alumni and faculty is a central aspect of helping our graduates prepare for exemplary leadership. In this issue of Nexus, we share some of the incredible work our students and alumni are taking part in: A long history of dedicated service to the province’s Aboriginal Legal Services; students at Downtown Legal Services are working hard on a complex refugee and immigration case to reunite three Uyghur men with their families in Canada; and Pro Bono Students Canada’s new partnership with Epstein Cole LLP has established a new Family Justice Centre.

As we mentioned in our last issue, experiential learning opportunities have been expanding at the Faculty, notwithstanding the constraints of the pandemic. In the current Nexus we highlight our partnership with the Rotman School of Management, non-profit board governance program, OnBoard, which 3L student Brian Huang says is an experience that directly translates to developing skills for a legal career.

We also have a little fun in this issue by connecting our students and donors to the most prolific of actors, Kevin Bacon. 

Among the key priorities for our faculty is the promotion of Inclusive Excellence – striving towards being the richest intellectual community we can be and helping to build a legal profession without inequities. Both goals are enhanced when we bring together students, alumni and scholars with diverse viewpoints and lived experiences – in short, when we make new connections. 

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Nexus. 

Jutta Brunnée
Dean, University Professor and James Marshall Tory Dean’s Chair