Professionalism
Western Law strongly believes in the importance of professionalism for aspiring law students, current law students and all members of the legal profession. To that end, in September 2016, we instituted an annual Induction Ceremony for our incoming law students, the first of its kind in Canada.
Beginning law school is a special milestone, marking both the achievement of a goal and the start of a new challenge. We celebrate this occasion with our students on their first day with a formal event that welcomes them to the law school and the legal profession. The program begins with greetings from the Dean, followed by a Keynote Speaker, who addresses the privileges and duties that being a lawyer entails, and greetings from the Law Society of Ontario.
Students are asked to affirm their commitment to professionalism at law school by reciting and signing our Professionalism Pledge. Each student is then presented with a gift from the Faculty of Law commemorating this important achievement.
Previous keynote speakers have included Madame Justice Eileen Gillese (Ontario Court of Appeal), Dale Lastman (Goodmans LLP), the Honourable Justice Jeanine LeRoy (Ontario Court of Justice), Barbara Legate (Founding Partner of Legate Personal Injury Lawyers), Mr. Justice Clayton Conlan (Superior Court of Justice), Karen Perron (President, Ontario Bar Association 2021/22), Quinn Ross (Managing Partner of the Ross Firm), Mr. Justice Jonathon George (Ontario Court of Appeal), and Mr. Justice Charles Chang (Superior Court of Justice).
Professionalism Pledge
I accept the privilege and responsibility of becoming a law student at Western University. I support an environment conducive to the intellectual and personal growth of all who study, work and live here.
I pledge, to the best of my ability and judgment, to conduct myself with honesty, integrity and civility. I will strive to use my education and leadership ability to serve the public good and I will hold myself to the high standards that are expected of persons who will one day enter the legal profession.
