Western Law launches 2024-2029 Strategic Plan
April 15, 2024
Our society frames some of its most pressing issues – whether climate change, international conflict, the pursuit of equality, or the misconduct of public officials and corporate actors – through the lens of litigation, rights, and legal accountability. As we grapple with a broad spectrum of global challenges, the need for highly educated lawyers has never been greater.
Western Law is pleased to launch our 2024 - 2029 Strategic Plan, which rises to meet this moment of disruption – in our society, in our profession, and in higher education.
The strategic plan details five priorities that will guide the Faculty over the next five years: 1) Providing A Transformational Learning Experience, 2) Empowering Students to Expand their Horizons, 3) Expanding the Spectrum of Learning Opportunities in Law, 4) Accelerating our Research Trajectory and 5) Cultivating Community.
These priorities will position us to build on our longstanding and emerging strengths, educating lawyers who will become leaders in the profession and in broader society, and establishing Western Law as a centre of legal knowledge and scholarly exchange at the university and in our local, national, and global communities.
Development of the plan began in 2021-22 with the establishment of four faculty working groups that focused on defining our identity, research, compulsory curriculum, and electives and special programs.
Dean Erika Chamberlain explained that, during a period of substantial faculty renewal, it was important for the views of our new appointees to be represented. “I was inspired by my colleagues’ excitement about our future. We are redefining the place of Western Law at a modern research-intensive university.”
There was broad faculty participation in the working groups and in the development of a working draft. Staff, the Western Law Advisory Council, the Young Alumni Advisory Council, and the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) also provided feedback and insights prior to launch of the plan.
This is the first full strategic plan for Western Law since 2014. An interim plan was developed in 2019 while we awaited development of the University-wide strategic plan – Towards Western at 150.
With law as the reigning discourse of our time, we are at a critical moment for legal education and scholarship. With this plan, Western Law continues to be well-positioned to educate the lawyers and leaders of tomorrow.
