Denise Brunsdon, JD/MBA ’15, finds meaning and connection through monthly giving
February 13, 2025
For Denise Brunsdon, JD/MBA ’15, Partner at Bennett Jones LLP, giving back to Western Law through a monthly gift is a meaningful way to express gratitude and maintain her connection to our community. Brunsdon recently spoke to us about her fond memories of law school, what motivates her now and why supporting higher education is more important than ever.
Was there a particular experience or lesson learned during your time at Western Law that you still think of now?
Practicing litigators taught my procedure course, and it was an eye-opener. They were blunt, funny and enthusiastic. Now that I’m a litigator I feel the spark they ignited in me for the kinetic and unpredictable nature of litigation. I also remember the enthusiasm of the professors. Their love of the law was infectious.
What was the highlight of your experience at Western Law either inside or outside of the classroom?
I remember most fondly the production nights of the Western Journal of Legal Studies. I was blessed to be the Editor-in-Chief for two years, and the camaraderie and excitement of those often-late nights stay with me. At that time, the law review had restarted only a few years earlier, and we took such care to publish thoughtful, technically strong, novel and forward-thinking legal work. I hope we succeeded.
Why is it important for you to give back to Western Law?
Thoughts and acts of gratitude make me feel connected to community and support my mental health. Western Law played an essential role in the life I currently enjoy. Expressing my gratitude through a monthly donation connects me to the Western Law community.
How do you hope that your support of Western Law impacts our students and will inspire others to contribute?
Alumni need to pitch in now more than ever. Between inflation and Ontario’s tuition caps, alumni can fill the gap to maintain top professors, quality infrastructure and maintain or grow the level of services. Western Law tends toward a smaller average class size than other law schools in Canada, and I believe it contributes to the school’s collegial environment. It also means Western Law alumni has a smaller donor pool. Every gift makes a difference.
What motivates you in your career and in your roles in the community?
Sometimes I must say to my clients “the law isn’t where you or I want it to be right now, but let’s give it everything we’ve got, hope for the best and plan for the worst.” My practice includes complex, novel, and digital-evidence heavy commercial and intellectual property litigation. Western Law taught me the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to adapt the law into our highly digitized world. The law is incrementally changing all the time and being a small part of that change – decision by decision – while doing my best to maintain the repute of and courtesy in the profession fuels me.
Learn more about supporting Western's Faculty of Law through a monthly gift.
