Court of Appeal for Ontario Visits Western Law
November 11, 2026
Appellate judges engaged with students and faculty as part of the Court’s Judicial Fall Outreach program, reinforcing Western Law’s commitment to leadership, reach, and connection.
LONDON, ON — On October 7, Western Law welcomed the Court of Appeal for Ontario to campus for the first time in 12 years as part of the Court’s Judicial Fall Outreach program.
Led by Chief Justice Michael Tulloch and Associate Chief Justice Michal Fairburn, members of Ontario’s appellate court spent the day engaging with Western Law students and faculty. As Western Law advances its strategic vision of Leadership, Reach, and Connection, the visit offered students valuable opportunities to learn directly from leaders shaping the provincial justice system and gain insights to support their own growth as future legal professionals.
Direct Engagement with the Bench
The visit opened with remarks from Western University Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Florentine Strzelczyk, who underscored the institutional importance of hosting the province's highest court on campus, followed by an address from Chief Justice Tulloch.
Students then met with the Justices in small-group breakout discussions. These interactive sessions gave students direct access to appellate judges, providing candid insights into appellate advocacy, judicial decision-making, and pathways in the legal profession.
Faculty Research and Institutional Ties
In the afternoon, the program transitioned to the Alumni Commons in the Schmeichel Building. Dean Mohamed Khimji welcomed the Court, followed by research presentations from Western Law faculty members Professors Erika Chamberlain, Diana Nicholls Mutter, Manish Oza, Jeffrey Warnock, and Andy Yu.
The visit also recognized enduring ties between the bench and Western Law, with several members of the Court having previously served as faculty, leadership, or students at the school, including former Dean Eileen Gillese, former faculty members Grant Huscroft and Bradley Miller, and alumnus David Paciocco.
The day concluded with closing remarks from Dean Khimji and Chief Justice Tulloch. Western Law extends its sincere thanks to Chief Justice Tulloch, the Justices, and Court staff for their time and generous engagement with our academic community, as well as the faculty and staff who coordinated the visit.
