It has been another busy year for all of us at Western Law.
With our new strategic plan in place, we are engaged in an ambitious renewal program. Focused on curriculum reform, we are committed to our goal to be the preeminent business law school in Canada.
Our first year students will have the option this year of enrolling in corporate law in their winter term. This option will allow students more academic flexibility to pursue other courses in their upper years and will be an opportunity unique to Western Law.
We have introduced curricular streams for our students to help them plan their academic and future careers. An important part of this change will be the introduction of capstone courses for our 3L students. These courses will combine theoretical and practical considerations and provide students with the insights and instruction of experienced practitioners, as well as leading academics and judges.
I am also delighted to report that we have finished the third and final year of the extensive renovations to the school itself. The changes completed this past year include another student commons area and a greatly expanded and upgraded Chambers. We have retrofitted one of our classrooms with the latest technology in order to provide our instructors and students with the best tools for innovative teaching and classroom experiences.
Although they will be missed as colleagues, we were proud to see two members of our faculty, Grant Huscroft and Bradley Miller, appointed to the Ontario Court of Appeal this year in recognition of their high regard within the legal community. It is also with pleasure that we have announced the appointment of Professor Christopher Nicholls as the W. Geoff Beattie Chair in Corporate Law. Chris is a distinguished scholar and leader of our business law program.
We are pleased to welcome two new additions to our faculty – Kate Glover and Jacob Shelly. Kate and Jacob are distinguished young scholars who I know will contribute to the revitalization and strengthening of our faculty.
Finally, I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to alumni and other friends of Western Law who have shared advice and guidance and provided financial support, allowing us to meet our strategic goals and objectives. In particular, the generous contributions of Yamana Gold and Catalyst Capital will help us be at the forefront in developing dynamic academic, interdisciplinary and experiential programs for our students in sustainable resource development and financial restructuring.
We are committed to providing the best legal education and collegial student experience, allowing students to thrive at Western Law, as well as personally and professionally following graduation.
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