Class of 2024 welcomed into law school, legal community
September 07, 2021
Western Law welcomed the Class of 2024 on Sept. 7 with an in-person Professional Induction Ceremony.
The ceremony, which took place at North Campus Building, marks a significant milestone in the lives of these future practitioners and scholars of law.
The group of 185 incoming students – admitted from an applicant pool of over 2,800 – signed Western Law’s Professionalism Pledge, in which they promise to conduct themselves with honesty, integrity and civility, and to use their education and leadership abilities to serve the greater good.
In her remarks, Dean Erika Chamberlain shared memories of her experience as a student at Western Law. She also explained how lawyers play a fundamental role in sustaining our modern democracy, promoting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and standing up for the disenfranchised.
“In law school, you will learn that there are at least two sides to every story, and you will gain the ability to empathize with a broad range of people. You will appreciate that even unpopular people and unpopular causes deserve a competent advocate,” she said. “It is an honour to call yourself a lawyer, and the privileges of our profession come with important responsibilities.”
Her sentiments were echoed by the president of the Ontario Bar Association, Karen Perron, who delivered the keynote address.
“As lawyers, we are in a privileged position to make a real difference in the world,” said Perron. “And together, we are stronger and so much more powerful – as agents of equality and critical change – than we could ever be alone.”
Other ceremony speakers included Quinn Ross, managing partner at The Ross Firm, who brought greetings as a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario, as well as Rahul Sapra, president of the Student Legal Society.
Facts about Western Law’s Class of 2024
Number of students: 185
Applications: Over 2,800
Average age: 23
Gender split: 56% female, 41% male, 3% undeclared
Students with master’s degrees: 29
Canadian provinces and territories represented: 8
