Features
Yuliya MykhaylychenkoOctober 6, 2020
Zoomterview with The Heads of O-Week
Thryn, Branden, and Meruba tell their tale of running a strange O-week Earlier this month I (virtually) sat down one-by-one with Orientation Coordinators Branden Cave […]
Annecy PangOctober 6, 2020
An Exit Interview with Petra Molnar, Former Acting Director of the IHRP
Petra Molnar reflects on her time at the IHRP, discussing the challenges of COVID-19 and the pleasure of working with students In August, Petra Molnar […]
Alexa CheungOctober 6, 2020
An Exit Interview with Lisa Cirillo, Former Executive Director of DLS
Lisa reflects on her social justice work; reveals challenges of working in public interest. In August, Lisa Cirillo left the role of Executive Director of […]
Griffin MurphyOctober 5, 2020
Pandemic Gym Options Near Campus
A guide to staying fit during the pandemic These unprecedented times have given us a valid excuse for unprecedented levels of inactivity. However, as September […]
Elaine ChengOctober 5, 2020
U of T Law Students Zoom in to Class from Across Time Zones
Law students at the Faculty of Law are given a choice this year: either attend classes partially in-person or fully remotely due to COVID-19. According […]
Amy LinOctober 5, 2020
Summer in a Bottle
In Vino Veritas We know, we know! It will already be fall by the time you read this issue of Ultra Vires but just because […]
Harry MylesSeptember 21, 2020
Back to School: COVID Edition Playlist
Will we make it through? Who knows. But in the meantime, at least you have some sweet tunes for these Pandemic Days we’re living. To […]
Lucy YaoApril 29, 2020
A Terrific-Tasting Thai Red Curry Recipe
A delicious and easy-to-make meal to show off on video Thai Red Curry Makes: 4 to 6 servings Prep. and cooking time: 30 minutes if […]
Lucy YaoApril 7, 2020
Students, Faculty Keeping Busy During COVID-19
What are students and faculty doing? To practice social distancing and limit the spread of COVID-19, the University of Toronto and the Faculty of Law […]
Angela GuApril 6, 2020
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street—In Concert
The Demon! Barber! of Fleet! Street! Murder, cannibalism, complicity, maybe even fraud and trespass—there are crimes galore in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet […]
Editor-in-ChiefApril 6, 2020
In Vino Veritas
Toward a sustainable future Now seems like an opportune time to drink responsibly. You are reading this article on your electronic device, because COVID-19 has […]
Editor-in-ChiefApril 6, 2020
We Still Gotta Eat
Food Prep Tips for Isolation The truth is that I’ve been meaning to write this article for months. Food prep tips are helpful even in […]
Ryan ShahApril 6, 2020
Ryan’s Movie Corner
Change is the only constant The theme behind this edition of Ryan’s Movie Corner was ‘change’—originally intended to coincide with the coming of spring. This […]
Lucy YaoApril 6, 2020
Tax Tips for Students
A guide for students filing 2019 personal income tax returns It’s the most wonderful time of the year: tax time! I’ve compiled some guidelines to […]
Angela GuMarch 8, 2020
Ten Cheap & Fun Things to do in Toronto
Activities for your student budget Toronto has plenty of interesting things to do in the summer, but that doesn’t mean that it’s boring in the […]
Militza BoljevicMarch 8, 2020
The Search for an Alternate Legal Path
Yale’s Rebellious Lawyering Conference explores non-conventional law jobs What does a non-conventional law job look like? In 1L (and maybe even after) it can be […]
Angela GuMarch 8, 2020
A Morning in Court with Chair Girl
A Follow-Up to Decorum Schmecorum On Friday February 7, we visited the Old City Hall courthouse to see the 10am sentencing hearing of the infamous […]
Editor-in-ChiefMarch 8, 2020
In Vino Veritas
California Love Valentine’s Day may have passed, but love remains in the air—and in the bottle. At In Vino Veritas, we have been swooning over […]
Annecy PangMarch 8, 2020
How to Make a Charcuterie Chalet
A gingerbread house made of crackers, cheese, and cured meats Picture a gingerbread house, but instead of gingerbread and frosting, it is made out of […]
Ryan ShahMarch 8, 2020
Ryan’s Movie Corner
Love in Films Romance is well-trod territory for films, and though it is not uncommon for some directors to rely on tired romantic tropes, depictions […]
Annecy PangFebruary 3, 2020
Quick and Easy No Knead Bread
A winter recipe to get that bread Okay, I know what you are thinking: how can bread be quick and easy? But trust me, this […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 3, 2020
In Vino Veritas
Deep Discounts: Our favourite bottles under $15 Karl Marx was a gourmand. He was also poor. He was fond of wine and, I am sure, […]
Ryan ShahFebruary 3, 2020
Ryan’s Movie Corner
Are you ready for the Oscars? With the second semester of the school year well underway and responsibilities quickly piling up, it’s high time you […]
Avnee ParanjapeFebruary 3, 2020
A Whole New World
In the international exchange program, experiences vary widely With exchange applications due earlier this month, many 2Ls are now eagerly anticipating the results of the […]
Kristy WongFebruary 3, 2020
Decorum Schmecorum
Your friendly neighbourhood guide to not being yelled at by a judge So your professor asked you to visit court for a 10-percent assignment. Easy […]
Sara KarmaDecember 2, 2019
From the Archives
5 Fascinating Stories from 20 Years of Ultra Vires This year, Ultra Vires is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, we have gathered […]
Melissa KlugerDecember 2, 2019
Reflections from the Founder of Ultra Vires
Melissa Kluger looks back on why she started the newspaper To be honest, I don’t feel much older than the average law student. And it […]
Claudia ShekDecember 2, 2019
Recurring Trends in Ultra Vires
Tempora mutantur, but UV stays the same Just like its readers, Ultra Vires has changed over its 20 years of existence. But a closer look […]
William MazurekDecember 2, 2019
Exam Writing Tips
Approaching Assessment To all the 1L’s out there. Congratulations! You survived your first term. Almost. Only one pedantic LRW paper and two exams stand between […]
Editor-in-ChiefDecember 2, 2019
In Vino Veritas
Reconsidering Pinot Grigio Some people dismiss Pinot Grigio as facile. We decided to investigate for ourselves. Pinot Grigio is one of Italy’s ubiquitous white wines. […]
Angela GuNovember 2, 2019
Rise and Grind (Outside the Law School)
Reviews of six study cafés near campus If you’re looking to escape your Goodmans LLP Café routine but are not sure where to start, this […]
Mike BertrandNovember 2, 2019
Making the Most of Peer Mentorship Opportunities
Upper years share their tips with 1Ls on fostering great mentor/mentee relationships Participating in a peer mentorship program can teach you to be more comfortable […]
Adrienne RalphNovember 2, 2019
Flavourful Fall Recipes
A hearty soup and a cozy banana bread to ease you into autumn Sweet Potato Soup Makes: 4 to 5 servings Prep. time: 20 minutes […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 2, 2019
In Vino Veritas
Strangely satisfying (or satisfyingly strange) selections “More ‘Frankenstein’ than ‘wolf man’”—that was the prompt I gave the In Vino Veritas team for this month’s reviews. […]
Venessa SectakofSeptember 28, 2019
Yukimi’s Parting Words
A farewell message from U of T Law’s Wellness Coordinator Yukimi Henry joined U of T Law in 2016, where she served as the school’s […]
Editor-in-ChiefSeptember 28, 2019
In Vino Veritas
Summer Recap (or Recork) Another school year is upon us and that means the return of the law school’s own wine club, In Vino Veritas. […]
Vivian ChengSeptember 28, 2019
1L Summer Experiences
Five students provide a glimpse into their summers outside of Bay Street The summer after 1L is full of opportunities—for some, a chance to gain […]
Editor-in-ChiefSeptember 28, 2019
Meet Two Varsity Athletes at U of T Law
Because law school just isn’t competitive enough… I interviewed two of my friends, Caroline and Daniel, who were crazy enough to tack on varsity athletics […]
William MazurekSeptember 28, 2019
Welcome to 1Ls
A primer on success To all the 1Ls out there: welcome to the Faculty of Law. I hope that, by now, you’ve gotten used to […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
Fall Recap: U of T Law Hockey Wins Jennings Cup
Law hockey ends 16-season championship drought The Men’s Law Hockey team completed their successful run to the intramural championship in the Fall 2018 season. Matched […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
New Director for the CDO
Interview with Neil Dennis Neil Dennis is the new Director of the Career Development Office. We took some time to sit down with him and […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
Reflections on the 2018–19 Mooting Season
A moot point UV recently ran survey, polling students on the mooting experiences they had this academic year. The main idea was to help prospective […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
New Year, New Law
Cases to look out for in 2019 These days, with the perpetual barrage of political developments possessing just enough shock value and urgency to hog […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
U of T Law Hockey Team Head to Playoffs to Defend Title
General Manager’s scouting and recruitment critical to team’s success The Men’s Law Hockey team faces a formidable challenge, as they head to the Winter 2019 […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
Defending the Role of the Defender
An interview with Professor Abbe Smith of Georgetown It was not long into law school that some family members and one of my closest friends […]
Web EditorMarch 27, 2019
Personal Statements from the Class of 2019
Oh, the places you’ll go! Every year, Ultra Vires asks graduating 3Ls and 4Ls to share their after-law school plans comparing what they said in […]
Tali CherninFebruary 27, 2019
The Past, Present, and Future of Charities and Political Activities Conference
Changes to the Income Tax Act increase charities’ freedom to engage in nonpartisan political activities Last July, Justice Morgan of the Ontario Superior Court concluded […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 27, 2019
Prof. Niblett’s Tinder Tale
Nibble on some juicy gossip Toronto Life magazine recently ran an article featuring the September wedding of our own Professor Anthony Niblett and radiologist Dorota […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 27, 2019
China as the New Hegemon
Report on the Sixth Annual China Law Conference For the past six years, the China Law Group has held an annual conference and organized a […]
Editor-in-ChiefFebruary 27, 2019
Recapping the National Black Law Students’ Association Conference
Reflecting on being black in the legal profession On February 14, the U of T Law chapter of the Black Law Students’ Association travelled to […]
Web EditorJanuary 30, 2019
A Conversation with the Playwrights Behind Fine China and A Perfect Bowl of Pho
A play and musical, respectively, on love, family, identity, and good food Fine China is a three-hander drama that tells the story of an estranged […]
Web EditorJanuary 30, 2019
A Conversation with Professor Mark Tushnet
The 2019 Cecil A. Wright Lecture: Institutions for Protecting Constitutional Democracy: Some Conceptual Preliminaries Professor Mark Tushnet, of Harvard Law School, is a deeply committed […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30, 2019
The Demise of the Journal of International Law and International Relations
Faculty shuttered JILIR despite student protests after the Munk School pulled support Last year, the Faculty of Law officially discontinued the Journal of International Law […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30, 2019
A Conversation with @BoraLaskinsHead
How to get ahead: The head of the head of the SCC shares thoughts on law school and life Bora Laskin was born in Fort […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30, 2019
Meet Goodmans LLP Cafe’s Tathiana Xavier
One of two full-time staffers, Tathiana is a daily figure at the law school A sweet soul with a bubbly personality, Tathiana Xavier is one […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 28, 2018
Financial Aid Changes Edge Towards Implementation
Rising tuition fees prompt financial aid restructuring, a donor drive, and student dissent Changes to the Faculty of Law’s financial aid program, approved at a […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 8, 2018
Cannabis Legalization: What Has Changed?
For marginalized communities, less than you think On October 17, 2018, the Trudeau government legalized recreational cannabis. In doing so, it made Canada only the […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
Confronting the Kavanaugh Hearings
Women from U of T Law reflect on recent SCOTUS appointment “It would indeed have been more comfortable for Ford to remain silent. The fact […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
J.W. and the House that Pork Built
From the archives Until recently, old editions of Ultra Vires were stored away in the basement of Falconer and in the library stacks. It seemed […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 6, 2018
Ten Years of Advocacy, Research and Education
David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights celebrates tenth anniversary From R v Conway to Barton v Her Majesty the Queen, the David Asper Centre for […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
When One Degree Is Not Enough
With input from the friends that you no longer see around the law school Robert Nanni (2L JD/MBA) Finding yourself a little low on debt? […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
LSO Considers Changes to Articling
Students, benchers, staff discuss four options; none perfect The articling crisis. Law school’s boogeyman: an intangible monster with which few of our graduates have to […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Canadian Guide to Uniform Legal Citation, 9th Edition, (The McGill Guide) Review
Palpitations for citations By: Lawrence Veregin (‘18) It has been four years since the McGill Law Journal (MLJ) last decided that every Canadian in the legal […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Review: A Summer at Advocates for Injured Workers
If you want to apply your theoretical knowledge to hands-on advocacy, a legal clinic is the best place to go. Advocates for Injured Workers (AIW) […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Review: A Summer at Blue J Legal
The perks of working at a legal startup include leading initiatives, interacting with co-founders, and volleyball intramurals. Question: What do singing at a talent […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
A Summer at BLG Calgary
Summering, Stampeding, & Socials, Oh My! When I was asked to write this article, it was jokingly mentioned that I should discuss “selling […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
A Summer at The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association
Using legal research and writing skills in the real world This summer, I worked under the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at the Canadian Wireless […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
A Summer at Davies
Learning to live past unfortunate nicknames By John Aziz (2L) I still vividly remember the putrid stench of rotten fish that had spread throughout the […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Review: A Summer at the Women’s Rights Division of the Human Rights Watch
Emotionally and professionally satisfying work in a new city There are few things more exciting than being able to explore a new city while working […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Review: A Summer at Jewish Family and Child Services
A Donner Fellow experience that combines law and social work This summer, I was privileged to work at Jewish Family and Child Service (JF&CS) as […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Review: A Summer as a Research Assistant
How to make friends with a professor, hang out with your friends, and still finish work at 5 pm Tom Collins (2L) Honghu, our Co-Editor-in-Chief, […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Review: A Summer Internship at the Justice Sector Coordination Office in Sierra Leone
The challenges of justice reform in an unstable democracy On May 8, 2018, I received confirmation that I’d be spending the next three months on […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Review: A Summer as an Intern in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Human rights work and international politics in Geneva Learning the meaning of acronyms was my first challenge when working for the UN this summer: OHCHR, […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 12, 2018
Bacchanal or Banal: Decanting the Supreme Cork
A history of a wine club One of my favourite scenes in the film This is Spinal Tap is the introduction to Stonehenge. “In ancient […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Toronto Summer 2018 1L Recruit
Amani Rauff (3L) and Honghu Wang (1L) This year’s 1L Recruit took place during reading week, February 20–22. Overall, Toronto employers hired fifty-seven students; […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Law Students Doing Cool Things: An Interview with Enbal Singer
Chloe Magee (2L) Since Eritrea was recognized as an independent state, the country has been under the control of a one-man dictatorship. Upon reaching […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
In Vino Veritas
Tom Collins (1L) Rosé is not just a summer wine, though you would be forgiven for thinking it was. There is undoubtedly something aestival about […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Oh, The Places You’ll Go (Hint: Bay Street)! Personal Statements from the Class of 2018
Amani Rauff (3L) Remember 2015? When Barack Obama was still president? When our courageous trailblazing Prime Minister provided us with his hot take that […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
When It’s More Than Exam Stress: Free, Discreet, and Easy-to-Access Support in the Legal and Local Community
If you’re struggling with a bit more than just “exam stress,” you’re not alone. When I applied to law school, I had been dealing with […]
Web EditorMarch 28, 2018
Law Ball 2018 Review: The Delicious Tom Collins
Anonymous (definitely not Tom Collins in 1L) “Tom Collins, like the drink.” I must have heard that a hundred times by now. Every class. Every […]
Web EditorMarch 1, 2018
Toronto Summer 2018 Recruitment Special
Click here to view our 2018 Recruitment Special. Shortly after in-firm week in November, Ultra Vires gathered survey responses from U of T Law students […]
Web EditorMarch 1, 2018
Faith and the Law (School)
As a third-generation secular agnostic who grew up in and around many communities of faith in a small Northern Alberta town, I’ve often held a […]
Web EditorMarch 1, 2018
Courts in BC and Ontario Find CSC’s Administrative Segregation Framework Unconstitutional, Severely Lacking in Procedural Protections
In December 2017 and January 2018, trial courts in Ontario and British Columbia declared legislative provisions authorizing prolonged solitary confinement (officially termed “administrative segregation”) unconstitutional. […]
Web EditorMarch 1, 2018
In Vino Veritas
Did you have a good Reading Week? I hope so. But I suspect you will agree with me when I say that Reading Week is […]
Web EditorMarch 1, 2018
James Schneider: The More We Learn, The Less We Know
*SPONSORED CONTENT: Ultra Vires contributed a personalized profile to this year’s law school Promise Auction. James Schneider was the generous winner. I am twenty minutes […]
Web EditorFebruary 4, 2018
New Year, New Law: Cases to Look Out for in 2018
The common law is often depicted as slow (read: averse) to change. This isn’t surprising given it was founded on the doctrine of stare decisis, […]
Web EditorFebruary 4, 2018
A Guide to Call to the Bar Venues
Thursday evening: there are two ways your night can go. Your friends are rallying for pub night and luring you in with promises of free […]
Web EditorFebruary 4, 2018
Exclusive Interview: The Boy Who Never Checked His Grades
It is the third week in January and every time a new email comes in, you jump. Grade-release season. But imagine: the email from the […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
How Difficult is a Jaydee Embiée Anyways?
Mimi Pichette (1L, JD/MBA) One of the biggest challenges facing those in the JD/MBA program is the vast difference in the academic and social approaches […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
In Vino Veritas
Tom Collins (1L) I only know one Proverb: “Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of […]
Rabiya MansoorNovember 29, 2017
Non-Fan Tries Their Luck at the Hockey Arbitration Competition of Canada
Rabiya Mansoor (3L) I’m not a hockey fan by any stretch of the imagination. Well, there was that time I was really into the […]
Web EditorNovember 29, 2017
Food Law and Policy Takes Root
Nadia Lambek (SJD Candidate), India Annamanthadoo (1L) & Madeleine Gottesman (1L)* Have you ever wondered why manufacturers can divide up sugars on a list of […]
Web EditorOctober 25, 2017
Computergate 2017
Chloe Magee (2L) Explanatory note for 1Ls: “ExamSoft” is the software used to write law school exams electronically. It enables students to download, write, […]
L. H.October 25, 2017
Women in Law, Judicial Education, and Rising Tuition: An Interview with the Honourable Elizabeth M. Stewart
L. H. (2L) & Chloe Magee (2L) We were pleased to have the Honourable Elizabeth M. Stewart, judge at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, […]
L. H.October 25, 2017
Get to Know Your New Profs: Finance, Flutes, and Feminism
This fall, the Faculty of Law welcomed two new scholars: Professors Margaret Jane Radin and Adriana Robertson. Prof. Radin, who focuses on boilerplate contracts, was […]
Web EditorOctober 25, 2017
Because it’s 2017: The Women in House Program
Chloe Magee (2L) It was treated as an historic moment in Canadian politics: during a press conference held shortly after being sworn in, Prime […]
Shari NathanSeptember 28, 2017
Does Faculty Council Need a New Constitution?
Shari Nathan (3L) & Aidan Campbell (3L) You may have missed it, but, at the bottom of a UV article from last spring (Faculty Council: […]
Web EditorSeptember 28, 2017
What is a Jaydee Embiée Anyways?
Mimi Pichette (1L, JD/MBA) The combined JD/MBA is a highly popular joint program every year, with many students joining it after beginning 1L. If you […]
Web EditorSeptember 5, 2017
On Your Marks, Get Set, Moot: Introducing Your 2017-18 Moot Court Committee
The 2017-18 Moot Court Committee With the 2017-18 mooting season (and academic year) soon to begin, your Moot Court Committee (MCC) wanted to take […]
Web EditorMarch 30, 2017
Student Experiences of Mental Health Accommodation
Editor’s Note: The entries below contain various subjective experiences of the Faculty and wider university’s health-related accommodations processes. The students who came forward with testimony […]
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