Justice Renu Mandhane Delivers Lerners LLP Women in Law Lecture
February 17, 2026
(l-r) Dean Mohamed Khimji; Justice Renu Mandhane; Prof. Erika Chamberlain; Yola Ventresca, Managing Partner, Lerners; Betsy Kechego, Elder from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Justice Renu Mandhane of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice delivered the second annual Lerners LLP Women in Law Lecture on February 9, 2026, exploring how community and relationships shape legal careers in "From Isolation to Autonomy: The Power of Community in Your Legal Journey.” The event was organized by Professor Erika Chamberlain, whose leadership continues to strengthen this important series.
Betsy Kechego, Elder from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
The afternoon opened with a teaching on reciprocity and relationality by Betsy Kechego, Elder from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. This flowed into Justice Mandhane's address, in which she praised the women who provided friendship, mentorship, teaching and support over the course of her career so far.
Reminding the audience that "no one succeeds alone," she expressed gratitude to the professors who inspired her, the boss who demanded excellence and pushed her beyond her comfort zone, and the allies who encouraged her to apply for roles as Director of the International Human Rights Clinic at the University of Toronto and then Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Justice Mandhane also stressed that mentorship can be horizontal, not just hierarchical, explaining how much she learned from her students and from her professional friends. She encouraged students to bring their authentic selves to the legal profession and to build a community with shared purpose.
"Autonomy," she said, "is created through supportive relationships rather than through independence and isolation."
Justice Renu Mandhane
Justice Mandhane concluded with a powerful message: "You do not have to earn belonging. You do not have to perform independence. And you do not have to navigate this profession alone. Let your relationships make you bold. Let your community make you free."
The Lerners LLP Women in Law Lecture series was established in 2024 to inspire current and future women leaders in the legal profession.
Western Law extends its gratitude to Lerners LLP for their continued partnership in supporting the Women in Law Lecture series, and to Professor Erika Chamberlain for her dedication in organizing this year's inspiring event.
