Articles

The following articles are published by OBA Sections, including the Student Section. Members are encouraged to submit articles.

Editor: Yoann Emian

Today
Today

Justice Joseph Callaghan: Sitting on the Bench of the Ontario Court of Justice

  • February 14, 2024
  • Rachel Allen (she/her)

Justice Joseph Callaghan is an openly gay judge currently sitting in the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto. He has been sitting on the bench since 2022, after working in the criminal justice system since 1995.

Criminal Justice, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Brown Bag Lunch – January 16, 2024

  • February 13, 2024
  • Rebecca Kennedy, Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP

On January 16, 2024, members of the Trusts and Estates Section kicked off the new year with another interesting Brown Bag Lunch meeting. They were provided with updates regarding the turnaround time for applications for a certificate of appointment, considered issues relating to trust planning, and discussed what happens when a residuary beneficiary disclaims their interest in an estate. The next two Brown Bag Lunch meetings will be held on March 19 and April 16, 2024.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Brown Bag Lunch – December 19, 2023

  • February 13, 2024
  • Rebecca Kennedy, Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP

Members of the Ontario Trusts and Estates bar showed up to the last Brown Bag Lunch of 2023 ready to discuss a variety of interesting topics and practice questions. Discussions centered around appointing a non-resident beneficiary as estate trustee without a Will, a complicated trust scenario and the decision of D’Onofrio v Riley (ONSC).

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law
Head-shot photo of author Sapphira Thompson-Bled

Why You Should Take the Chance and Apply for an Exchange!

  • February 08, 2024
  • Sapphira Thompson-Bled

Are you looking for law school experiences that could influence the rest of your life, or trying to find those that could lead to lifelong memories? Well, if you are debating between what opportunities to participate in during your law school journey, I would strongly urge you consider signing up for an exchange.

Student Forum
head-shot photo of author Nancy Bediako

Maneuvering through the NCA Process and Self-Studying: my learning journey

  • February 08, 2024
  • Nancy Bediako

Once back in Canada (after graduating with a Bachelor of Law from the University of Liverpool and spending a summer basking in the warm English sunshine and reveling in the World Cup celebrations), reality set in, and the need to chart a course became apparent. The first step was to understand the National Accreditation Committee (NCA) and navigate the process of successfully passing the NCA exams. Regrettably, my initial plan was met with unexpected obstacles.

Student Forum
head-shot photo of author Alyssa Marchese

Navigating the 1L Recruit: A Story with the Benefit of Hindsight

  • February 08, 2024
  • Alyssa Marchese

Last year, I was that ‘swamped’ law-school student – exhausted, perplexed about my desires, identity, and the secrets to navigating the unfamiliar terrain of the 1L recruitment. Yet, I emerged successfully, and through this article, I aim to divulge the insights gained, the retrospective wisdom I've acquired, and the mindset I would embrace if I were to do it all over again.

Student Forum

Rainbow Alliance Dryden et Al. v Webster: Court Rules “Groomer” a Slur Against the 2SLGBTQ+ Community

  • February 07, 2024
  • Nofil Nadeem (he/him)

In 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Rainbow Alliance Dryden et al. v Webster ruled that the word “groomer,” when used to attack the 2SLGBTQ+ and drag community, is a slur and not protected by Ontario’s anti-SLAPP laws. This article summarizes the decision and how the case accords with the recent decision of Hansman v Neufeld.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Being a Disability Ally in the Legal Profession Starts with Breaking your Silence

  • February 07, 2024
  • Lorin MacDonald

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a potent reminder of disability inclusion every year, but workplace inclusion for people with disabilities remains as bleak as ever. Lorin MacDonald provides ten tips for disability allies to advance the agenda of workplace inclusion and accessibility.

Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Law, Student Forum