News
Rebecca RosenbergFebruary 28, 2022
JLSA Commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day
U of T Law reflects on Holocaust survivors’ stories On January 27, U of T Law’s Jewish Law Students’ Association (JLSA) commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 26, 2022
Volume 23 – Issue 4 – January 26
We’re back! In this issue, you will find a summary of recent Supreme Court trends, an interview with Lenczner Slaght’s Paul-Erik Veel on the law […]
Sabrina MacklaiJanuary 26, 2022
To Zoom and Back
Faculty of Law announces return to in-person instruction starting February 7 On December 15, the University of Toronto announced that all in-person activities, including examinations, […]
Nicolas WilliamsJanuary 26, 2022
A December of Frustrations
Fall examination period marred by disruptive switch online and dispute over digital access to study materials While students are settling into the new semester, many […]
Natasha BurmanJanuary 26, 2022
Headspace App Pilot Project at the Law School
SLS hope Faculty funds guided meditation app in the future In November 2021, the Students’ Law Society (SLS) announced that they would be collaborating with […]
Annecy PangJanuary 26, 2022
Ruff Times Cured by Doggie Day
A paw-some time On November 29, students, staff, and faculty brought their canines to school for Doggie Day. Students, either individually or in groups of […]
Natasha BurmanJanuary 26, 2022
Minimum Wage for Articling Students to be Reconsidered in February
Law Society benchers will reconsider the proposed minimum wage requirement for Ontario articling positions In 2018, following a two-year review of the lawyer licensing process […]
Rebecca RosenbergJanuary 26, 2022
Free Snacks and Beverages Provided by the Faculty During Fall Exam Period
Students give a glowing review to the refreshments provided during a stressful time During the fall examination period, the Faculty provided students with free snacks, […]
Tom RussellJanuary 19, 2022
University of Toronto Inviting Student Input on its Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
St. George campus students asked to weigh in on February 2 Content Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault. From February 2-7, the University […]
Tom RussellDecember 3, 2021
CAUT Votes to end Censure on U of T at the 91st CAUT Council
Update on the IHRP Scandal for the Month of November 2021 Last week, at the 91st Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Council, the CAUT […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 25, 2021
Volume 23 – Issue 3 – November 25 (Recruit Special)
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for! In this issue, you will find our annual recruit special, including 2L Summer 2022 hiring numbers from […]
Meaza DamteNovember 25, 2021
JD Application Numbers Soar Despite Pandemic
Faculty Council discusses new partnerships, graduate programs, and JD admissions On October 27, the Faculty Council met for the second time this academic year. The […]
Sabrina MacklaiNovember 25, 2021
Graduate Students to Join JD Clubs
SLS proposal would allow graduate students to participate in JD student clubs The Students’ Law Society (SLS) is moving forward with an agreement with the […]
Vivienne SternNovember 25, 2021
SLS Hal-law-week Rundown
Just treats with this year’s Halloween festivities Between October 27 and 28, the Students’ Law Society (SLS) put on “Hal-law-week”, which included seven Halloween-themed events […]
Tom RussellNovember 25, 2021
Julius Alexander Isaac Moot Hits Close to Home
Moot problem based on the CJC’s decision not to sanction Justice Spiro The Julius Alexander Isaac Moot topic was announced on November 12. This year’s […]
Dongwoo KimNovember 25, 2021
Smart Cities and Public Digital Rights in the Era of COVID-19
Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Group discusses how the pandemic has impacted the smart city agenda On November 10, the Faculty of Law’s student-run Privacy and […]
Annecy PangNovember 25, 2021
Concerns with Living and Working Conditions in Chestnut Student Residence
Student outlines inadequate heating, mental health support, and emergency medical response equipment A student living in Chestnut Student Residence (Chestnut) shared their concerns with the […]
Tom RussellNovember 25, 2021
Towards a Climate-Positive Campus
President Meric Gertler announced university’s plans to divest from fossil fuels On October 27, University of Toronto President Meric Gertler announced three new measures to […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 28, 2021
Volume 23 – Issue 2 – October 28
Happy Halloween! In this issue, you will find both tricks and treats with controversies at the recent Call to the Bar, New York summer 2022 […]
Annecy PangOctober 28, 2021
Bay Street Firms Increase First-Year Associate Salary to $130,000
Lock-step changes across the Toronto associate compensation grid On September 8, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP announced increases to its Toronto associate compensation grid. The […]
Nancy ChenOctober 28, 2021
Diversifying Student Representation on the Admissions Committee
Students’ Law Society to fill additional student positions on committee For the first time, the Faculty of Law asked the Students’ Law Society (SLS) for […]
Hye-seon JungOctober 28, 2021
The Short-Lived Return of Call to the Bar
Call to the Bar has been paused in light of COVID-19 concerns and booking difficulties After a year and a half of being virtual, the […]
Nicolas WilliamsOctober 28, 2021
New School Initiatives to Tackle Racial Injustice and Discrimination
U of T Law introduces a series of educational workshops on anti-racism, anti-Semitism, and anti-Islamophobia On September 29, U of T Law’s Dean Jutta Brunnée […]
Harry MylesOctober 28, 2021
University Holds Final UMLAP Consultation Town Hall
Recap of the final town hall for students to provide feedback about the mandated leave of absence policy On October 5, 2021, the University of […]
Annecy PangOctober 28, 2021
First Faculty Council of Academic Year Discusses Governing Documents
Dean Brunnée outlines equity initiatives On October 6, the Faculty Council met for the first time in the 2021-2022 academic year. Dean Jutta Brunnée welcomed […]
Editor-in-ChiefSeptember 29, 2021
Volume 23 – Issue 1 – September 29
The articles contained in this issue will be published to ultravires.ca within the week. Print copies are available on stands across the law school starting Thursday, September […]
Nik KhakharSeptember 29, 2021
Supreme Court Justices Abella, Karakatsanis, and Jamal Judge 2021 Grand Moot
Exceptional advocacy at U of T Law’s annual ceremonial moot Every fall, the Faculty of Law hosts its annual Grand Moot, sponsored by McCarthy Tétrault. […]
Tom RussellSeptember 29, 2021
CAUT Censure on Pause while U of T Releases Revised Guidelines on Donor Interference in Hiring Decisions
Updates on the IHRP scandal for the month of September, 2021 Since the beginning of the school year, there have been some major developments in […]
Sabrina MacklaiSeptember 29, 2021
Retired Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Donates Library to U of T Law
A glimpse into the reading habits of a former Supreme Court Justice After 17 years at the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC), Justice Rosalie Silberman […]
Willem Crispin-FreiSeptember 29, 2021
Start of Semester Update from the SLS
A note from the President of the Students’ Law Society Welcome back to the beginning of another school year! With a return to the Jackman […]
Rebecca RosenbergSeptember 29, 2021
U of T Law Introduces Course on Critical Race Theory
A course on critical race theory in the Canadian legal context available now On September 9, the Law Records office notified upper year students that […]
Sabrina MacklaiSeptember 29, 2021
Course Requirements Force Mooters Out
Shuffling of competitive mooters leads to confusion As in the past, the upper year competitive mooting tryouts attracted widespread participation, with 84 individuals trying out […]
Adrienne RalphSeptember 29, 2021
Meet the Mooters 2021
Teams for 15 competitive moots selected The 2021–2022 upper year competitive mooting tryouts took place between September 14 and 16. 84 people tried out for […]
Sabrina MacklaiSeptember 29, 2021
Changes to the 1L Curriculum, Again
Small groups return to a full-year format The 1L curriculum has changed yet again, this time returning to its pre-pandemic format. Since the decision to […]
Sabrina MacklaiSeptember 28, 2021
SLS Fall General Election Results
Eight 1Ls join the SLS following a hotly contested election Every September, the Students’ Law Society (SLS) runs their Fall General Election to recruit primarily […]
Tom RussellJuly 18, 2021
Dean Brunée and University of Toronto Comments on the Resumed Hiring for IHRP Director
What is the future of academic freedom at U of T? On June 7, the University of Toronto Faculty of Law announced that the hiring […]
Sabrina MacklaiJuly 2, 2021
Governing Council Discusses the Future of the IHRP
President Gertler is hopeful the IHRP director hiring controversy is moving towards a resolution On June 24, 2021, the Governing Council of the University of […]
Tom RussellJune 28, 2021
CAUT Censure of U of T Deemed Not to Impact Students’ Employability
Career development office has not been contacted by any employers regarding the censure Law students across the country have been preparing for the upcoming summer […]
Sabrina MacklaiJune 4, 2021
U of T Law Confirms Plans for an In-Person 2021-2022 Academic Year
Students expected to return to Toronto for the Fall 2021 semester On June 4, Assistant Dean Sara Faherty informed upper-year students via email of the […]
Rebecca RosenbergJune 2, 2021
A Wrap on Lawstudents.ca
The popular forum for the Canadian legal community will be permanently closing June 11. After 16 years online, the administrators behind lawstudents.ca have decided to […]
Vivian ChengMay 17, 2021
Criticisms over the Cromwell Report Erupt with CAUT Censuring U of T
End of term brings censure, resignations, and concerns from staff and students CAUT Censures U of T On April 22, the Canadian Association of University […]
Sabrina MacklaiMay 2, 2021
Posthumous Call to the Bar for Jamal Akim Howlader
Law Society of Ontario creates new policy on posthumous calls to the bar Jamal Akim Howlader, a 2020 JD graduate from the University of Toronto […]
Ivy XuMay 2, 2021
SLS Petitions the Dean on Rising Tuition
Open letter on tuition receives over 350 signatures of support A school year is incomplete without another round of discussion on the law school’s rising […]
Sabrina MacklaiMay 2, 2021
The 2021 Chief Justice Richard Wagner Awards
First year law student Graeme Wyatt received the award for the University of Toronto’s Pro Bono Students Canada chapter On Friday March 26, the Pro […]
Annecy PangMay 2, 2021
Faculty Council Discusses Mental Health Consultations and Equity Concerns
Final meeting focuses on mooting, clerkships, and more On March 31, the Faculty Council met for the sixth and final time for the year. Dean […]
Sabrina MacklaiMay 2, 2021
Faculty Council Discusses Financial Aid and Employment Prospects
Meeting focuses on rising tuition and employment with updates from the Financial Aid Committee and the Career Development Office On March 24, the Faculty Council […]
Vivian ChengMay 2, 2021
A Cautiously Optimistic Plan Towards an In-Person Fall 2021 Semester
U of T Law plans for a return to an in-person fall term On March 4, Vice-President & Provost Cheryl Regehr and Vice-President of Human Resources […]
Graham RotenbergMay 2, 2021
New Spring 2021 Exam Accommodations
Faculty of Law to allow students one no-questions-asked deferral on an exam or paper due to pandemic-related mental health challenges On Thursday, March 11, Associate […]
Jacqueline HuangMay 2, 2021
Recapping This Year’s Hockey Arbitration Competition
2020-21 HACC’s online platform allowed for greater reach across North America On March 13, U of T Law’s Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS) hosted […]
Vivian ChengMay 2, 2021
2021–2022 SLS Election Results
A hotly contested election brings exciting results Despite an entirely virtual 2021 Students’ Law Society (SLS) election season, there was nothing lackluster about the candidates […]
Tomas JirousekMay 2, 2021
A Week of Indigenous Law and Legal Ethics Teachings
The series of teachings provided U of T law students with concrete ways to engage with Indigenous law and legal ethics University of Toronto Faculty […]
Daniel GaoMay 2, 2021
From Stage to Screen: Law Follies Goes Virtual
Annual comedy show is a hit among students, faculty, and alumni For the first time in history, Law Follies was delivered virtually. On March 19, […]
Angela FengMay 2, 2021
The Promise Auction’s 10th Anniversary
Promise Auction’s Trivia Night raises over $6,000 for local Indigenous organizations The Promise Auction is an annual fundraising event that raises money for Indigenous organizations. […]
Vivian ChengMay 2, 2021
Independent Review of the IHRP Hiring Controversy Concludes No Wrongdoing
The Honourable Thomas Cromwell conducts external review of the Faculty’s conduct On March 29, the University of Toronto’s Office of the President released the Honourable […]
Editor-in-ChiefApril 7, 2021
Volume 22 – Issue 6 – April 7
The articles contained in this issue will be published to ultravires.ca in the coming weeks.
Vivian ChengMarch 4, 2021
Grand Moot 2020 Recap
The law school’s annual ceremonial moot goes virtual This year, the Grand Moot took place virtually over Zoom and live streamed on Youtube on January […]
Natasha BurmanMarch 4, 2021
Official Launch of the Future of Law Lab and the Investor Protection Clinic
The Faculty of Law introduces two new programs aimed at impacting the future of the legal profession On February 10, the University of Toronto Faculty […]
Angela GuMarch 4, 2021
Dean Brunnée Chairs First Faculty Council of Term
Council meeting discusses new Dean’s priorities, mandatory TRC course, and sessional dates On February 10, Professor Jutta Brunnée chaired her first Faculty Council as Dean […]
Jonathan HouMarch 4, 2021
Ontario Asian Law Students’ Associations Celebrate a Virtual Lunar New Year
Connecting across cultures and campuses The celebrations to welcome the Year of the Ox have been more understated compared to the usual festivities. However, the […]
Editor-in-ChiefMarch 3, 2021
Volume 22 – Issue 5 – March 3
The articles contained in this issue will be published to ultravires.ca within a week of print publication.
Alexa CheungJanuary 27, 2021
Professor Jutta Brunnée Appointed Dean at U of T Law
Jutta Brunnée replaces Edward Iacobucci as the new Dean of the Faculty of Law On December 12, 2020, students received news of Professor Jutta Brunnée’s […]
Angela GuJanuary 27, 2021
SLS and IIO Launch the 2021 Reconciliation Resolution Challenge
A new opportunity for students and faculty to engage with historical and contemporary Indigenous topics On Wednesday, January 13, the Students’ Law Society (SLS) and […]
Alisha LiJanuary 27, 2021
The Top Ten SCC Cases of 2020
Lawyers discuss the most impactful cases of 2020 On November 24, 2020, the Toronto Law Association held its seventh annual roundup of decisions from the […]
Safa BajwaJanuary 27, 2021
In Memory of Jamal Howlader: The Jamal Howlader Bursary at U of T Law
New bursary established in memory of exceptional student and friend Jamal Akim Howlader, a 2020 graduate from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, passed […]
Angela GuJanuary 27, 2021
UBC Allard Law Students Document Alleged Peer Non-Compliance With Public Health Orders
Career Services Office requests deletion of student-crowdsourced spreadsheet The University of British Columbia’s Peter A. Allard School of Law’s Career Services Office (CSO) asked students […]
Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 27, 2021
Volume 22 – Issue 4 – January 27
The articles contained in this issue will be published to ultravires.ca within a week of print publication.
Annecy PangJanuary 25, 2021
Comment by Assistant Dean Faherty Prompts Questions About Systemic Racism
Students demand increased faculty commitment to anti-racism and accountability On January 20, 1L students attended a mandatory joint professionalism training (JPT) session on Zoom led […]
Sabrina MacklaiNovember 27, 2020
No Change in Start Date for Winter Term Classes
U of T Law opts to carry on as planned On November 20, the University of Toronto’s President Meric Gertler informed the university community that […]
Graham RotenbergNovember 27, 2020
The (New) New York Recruit
Formal OCI process put on hold amidst uncertain times 2020 has been a scary, strange, and different year. The halls of the Faculty of Law […]
Ivy XuNovember 27, 2020
All Eyes on Mi’kma’ki
U of T Law students organized teach-in on the lobster fishery dispute The latest lobster fishery dispute in Nova Scotia has generated discussions around Aboriginal […]
Angela GuNovember 27, 2020
Annual Faculty Council Meeting on Tuition and Budget
SLS addresses disappointment over tuition; brings attention to the recent passing of Jamal Howlader (JD 2020) On Wednesday November 18, Faculty Council held its annual […]
Ivy XuNovember 27, 2020
Equity Work in the Wake of BLM Protests and COVID-19 Pandemic
SALSA Co-President shares thoughts after meeting with Trudeau The University of Toronto’s South Asian Law Students’ Society (SALSA) attended a virtual town hall with Prime […]
Sabrina MacklaiNovember 27, 2020
Preventing “Zoom-Bombing” at the Faculty of Law
Panel discussion by U of T Law student group disrupted by Internet trolls The Faculty of Law is home to a large number of student-run […]
Editor-in-ChiefNovember 25, 2020
Volume 22 – Issue 3 – November 25
For a better mobile reading experience, read Ultra Vires on Issuu here. The articles contained in this issue will be published to ultravires.ca within a week of print […]
Sabrina MacklaiNovember 2, 2020
Changes to the 1L Professionalism Training
Students from five equity-facing groups respond to the Faculty’s changes in mandatory first year equity training On September 22, Assistant Dean Sara Faherty informed the […]
Avnee ParanjapeNovember 2, 2020
Faculty Council Faces Hiring Scandal
Meeting marked by tension and silence On October 7, the Faculty Council held its first meeting since the International Human Rights Program (IHRP) hiring controversy […]
Ivy XuNovember 2, 2020
IHRP Hiring Controversy: U of T Announces Review after Persistent Pressure
Faculty Council meeting triggered actions from the administration The hiring controversy continues to develop at University of Toronto Faculty of Law. In September, Dean Iacobucci […]
Sabrina MacklaiNovember 2, 2020
Faculty Council Discusses IHRP and Admissions
Council meeting discusses IHRP controversy, changing 1L demographics, and postponement of budget and tuition details On October 21, the Faculty Council met for the second […]
Adrienne RalphNovember 2, 2020
Meet the Mooters 2020
Teams for 12 competitive moots selected The 2020–21 upper year competitive mooting tryouts took place between September 14 and 16. This year, 86 people tried […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 28, 2020
SLS’ Halloween Plans
Get ready for a spooktacular October! MONDAY, October 26 Pumpkin Carving Contest A pumpkin carving contest to start the spooky season! Students had the opportunity […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 28, 2020
Volume 22 – Issue 2 – October 28
For a better mobile reading experience, read Ultra Vires on Issuu here. The articles contained in this issue will be published to ultravires.ca within a week of print […]
Avnee ParanjapeOctober 15, 2020
In-person teaching suspended as city rolls back to Stage Two
Administration announces classes indefinitely shifting to remote delivery for the Fall On the evening of Saturday, October 10, about a month after the start of […]
Annecy PangOctober 5, 2020
Five Equity-Facing Groups Pen Open Letter to the Deans’ Office
Students call for the Faculty to improve equity training, hire more racialized faculty, and modify curriculum to recognize legacy of colonialism On August 10, five […]
Annecy PangOctober 5, 2020
Changes to the 1L Curriculum (2020-21)
Associate Deans Decide to Make the Small Groups One Semester for the 2020-2021 Academic Year Students entering 1L in Fall 2020 will have their small […]
Graham RotenbergOctober 5, 2020
Students’ Law Society Election Results Are In
Students’ Law Society elects 11 new representatives for 2020-21 school year The Students’ Law Society (SLS) added 11 new representatives to its ranks following the […]
Web EditorOctober 5, 2020
Start of Semester Update from the SLS
A note from the President of the Students’ Law Society Congratulations to everyone for making it through the first month of this strange, new world! […]
Editor-in-ChiefOctober 1, 2020
Volume 22 – Issue 1 – October 1
For a better mobile reading experience, read Ultra Vires on Issuu here. The articles contained in this issue will be published to ultravires.ca within a […]
Editor-in-ChiefSeptember 25, 2020
IHRP Director Hiring Controversy: Resource Page
Disclaimer: The views in these resources do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ultra Vires editorial board. Members of the Ultra Vires editorial board […]
Annecy PangJune 16, 2020
U of T Alleges Trademarks Infringed by Student Meme Group Merch
Students planned to donate proceeds to support Black Lives Matter movement On Thursday, June 4, the moderator and admin (modmin) team of the “UofT Memes […]
Alisha LiJune 6, 2020
Upcoming 2L Toronto Summer Recruit Moved to Winter Term
Panelists give advice as LSO changes 2021 summer recruit timeline in response to COVID-19 On Tuesday, May 26, the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) released […]
Vivian ChengApril 6, 2020
Mandatory Credit/No Credit System Implemented
Faculty of Law makes unprecedented decision for Winter 2020 semester amidst COVID-19 pandemic On Friday, 20 March 2020, U of T’s Faculty of Law implemented […]
Editor-in-ChiefApril 6, 2020
Faculty Council Discusses 1L Curriculum Changes
Professors weigh in opinions on the proposed changes to small group and LRW On March 11, 2020, the Faculty held its penultimate Faculty Council meeting, […]
Avnee ParanjapeApril 6, 2020
Is the Rule of Law Sound?
Conference examines the instability of the rule of law in theory and practice In one of the last major events before the campus shutdown, law […]
Angela GuApril 6, 2020
PBSC holds Volunteer Appreciation Event
Event marks launch of Chief Justice Richard Wagner Awards for student volunteers On Thursday March 5, the U of T and Osgoode chapters of Pro […]
Avnee ParanjapeApril 6, 2020
Slashing Small Group
Curriculum change proposal leaves students and faculty blindsided Earlier this March, the law school community received an email informing them of a plan to significantly […]
Avnee ParanjapeMarch 8, 2020
60 Minutes with the Minister of Justice
David Lametti talks mandate letters, MAID, and Public Service at the Faculty of Law Earlier this month, Minister of Justice and Attorney General David Lametti […]
Angela GuMarch 8, 2020
Anna Su Discusses International Human Rights Law, AI
On Wednesday February 12, Professor Anna Su gave a talk at U of T’s Center for Ethics as part of its Ethics@Noon series. The talk […]
Sara KarmaMarch 8, 2020
Faculty Council Addresses Student Choice Initiative, Sessional Dates
Awards office announces $300,000 of endowed funds Dean Edward Iacobucci opened the fifth Faculty Council meeting of the academic year by thanking all who attended […]
Angela GuMarch 8, 2020
Student Consultation on EDI Statement
A student consultation meeting was held at lunch on Wednesday, January 29 as part of the effort to update the Faculty of Law’s equity, diversity […]
Angela GuFebruary 3, 2020
An Interview with Professor Gillian Hadfield
Hadfield’s work occurs at intersection of law, AI On January 16, 2020, Professor Gillian Hadfield delivered the keynote presentation at the CIFAR Canada-US AI Symposium […]
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