Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University
09/13/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/13/2024 14:13
TMU law graduate awarded prestigious prize by Royal Society of Canada
If you had asked a younger Zoë Walwyn what she wanted to be when she grew up, 'marine biologist' would likely have been at the top of her list.
"I don't know if I would have become a lawyer if it weren't for my parents, and they're not even lawyers," says Walwyn, who graduated with a JD from the Lincoln Alexander School of Law this past June.
Both of Walwyn's parents had careers in health care, and she grew up surrounded by family members who demonstrated first-hand the value and importance of helping others and the positive impact one can have on another person's life.
Her family's dedication to giving back to their community and to contributing to the well-being of others ignited a similar passion in Walwyn. She completed an undergraduate degree in global development and gender studies at Queen's University before pursuing a law degree at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University.
"I very much had the mindset that in order to make an impact, I would have to make big changes in the world, and I saw law school as a means to help me do that," said Walwyn. "I chose to pursue my legal education at Lincoln Alexander Law because of its commitment to social justice and because the law school's pillars resonated with my own values. I knew it was the right place for me."
But what Walwyn, who is a member of Lincoln Alexander Law's Class of 2024, ended up learning at law school is that you don't have to change the whole world to make a tangible impact. "Helping to make a difference in one person's circumstances is incredibly meaningful. It can change their whole world."
Master class in client care and compassion
Indeed, Walwyn's unmatched commitment to helping individuals facing injustice is why she was selected as the recipient of this year's Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize for the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. The prize is presented to graduating law students who are most likely to positively influence equity and social justice in Canada or globally upon graduation.
During her time at Lincoln Alexander Law, Walwyn served as a research assistant under the supervision of professor Kathleen Hammond. Hammond notes Walwyn's contributions to her research on reproductive rights and health equity, her volunteerism at the 519 Trans ID Clinic, and her leadership as the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for Lincoln Alexander's Black Law Students' Association (BLSA).
"Zoë is an incredible legal thinker, a wonderfully kind person, and a community builder who is committed to equity, social justice and community engagement," said Hammond. "I am thrilled that she has been recognized as she is incredibly deserving of this award."
Walwyn credits her experiences learning from engaging, committed professors and being part of BLSA as just a couple of examples of what made her time at Lincoln Alexander Law memorable. One of the most significant, however, was her work with the law school's Pardons Clinic, which she co-founded. She recounts the experience of receiving word about the outcome of a particular case just prior to her Convocation ceremony.
"When you're working with clients and have listened to their stories, you inevitably become invested in their lives. So, when I received an email about my client's successful pardon application on the morning of my graduation, I cried with happiness. The Pardons Clinic was a master class in client care and compassion and one of the most meaningful experiences of my law school career."
Next steps
With law school now behind her, Walwyn is articling at Aird & Berlis LLP in Toronto and looking ahead to what the future may hold. Next up: a judicial clerkship at the Federal Court of Canada with The Honourable Justice Lobat Sadrehashemi in 2025. As a judicial clerk, Walwyn will have the opportunity to observe Justice Sadrehashemi's style of advocacy and gain deeper insights into how judges reach their decisions - an experience Walwyn is eagerly anticipating.
"The legal process is extremely daunting for a lot of people; my hope is to create a safe place for my clients and to help them navigate this process without fear and anxiety. Regardless of where my legal journey takes me, I want to make sure that the people I work with feel seen and heard. I intend to approach my future clients and my practice with empathy and kindness."
Established by the Royal Society of Canada in 2022, the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize honours Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella's visionary intellectual contributions and celebrates her longstanding commitment to building equality and equity in Canada and beyond. The prize is awarded annually to one graduate from each Canadian law school.
About the prestigious honour, Walwyn said: "When I think about why I came to Lincoln Alexander Law and the gratifying experiences that have formed my legal education to date, this award is particularly meaningful, and I'm very grateful."
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