Western Law Student Max Adams Selected to Clerk at Supreme Court of Canada Following Ontario Court of Appeal
March 04, 2026
Western Law student Max Adams has been selected to clerk for Chief Justice Richard Wagner at the Supreme Court of Canada, following a clerkship at the Ontario Court of Appeal after graduation.
Clerkships at Canada’s highest courts are among the most competitive opportunities available to law graduates. They offer a rare opportunity to work closely with judges, engage deeply with complex legal questions, and observe the judicial decision-making process from the inside.
Adams’ interest in appellate work grew out of his experience working at the Hamilton Crown Attorney’s Office last summer.
“Having worked at the Hamilton Crown’s Office, I wanted to see what happens after trial,” he explains. “For me, appellate work is intriguing because it requires deep engagement with doctrine. Clerking at the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada will challenge me by introducing me to areas of the law that I am unfamiliar with.”
At Western Law, Adams pursued his interests in criminal and constitutional law while working closely with faculty mentors.
“Western has provided me with incredible opportunities to pursue my criminal and constitutional law interests,” he says. “Working as a research assistant for Professor Wade Wright prepared me well to engage with and comment on complex legal issues.”
Adams also noted the role Western Law faculty play in supporting students interested in clerkships.
“Many of Western Law’s faculty have clerked at various courts, and it is helpful that they are always willing to share their experiences with students.”
Looking ahead to his clerkship at the Supreme Court of Canada, Adams says he is particularly excited to see the judicial process from the inside.
“I am most excited to work closely with people who are passionate about the law, to observe strong advocacy, and to see the decision-making process from behind the scenes.”
Adams expressed particular gratitude to members of the Western Law community who supported him throughout his legal education.
“I would like to sincerely thank Professors Wade Wright and Joanna Langille for their ongoing support, mentorship, and encouragement throughout my time at Western,” he says. “I am also deeply grateful to Ko Bhamra for her guidance and generosity, and to my family, whose unwavering support made this possible.”
Dean Mohamed Khimji congratulated Adams on the achievement.
“Clerking at the Supreme Court of Canada is one of the highest honours available to a law graduate,” said Khimji. “Max has shown exceptional intellectual curiosity and discipline throughout his time at Western. We are very proud of him and excited to see the contributions he will make to the law.”
