Emerging Leader Impact Award

Reflecting our commitment to fostering a community of excellence and inspiration, the award honours a remarkable graduate who embodies the esteemed values of the Weldon Tradition, seamlessly merging outstanding professional achievements with a significant commitment to community. These exceptional alumni serve as beacons of inspiration to our students and fellow alumni, illustrating that success transcends personal accomplishments and is fundamentally measured by the positive influence one imparts on the broader community.

Eligibility

The Emerging Leader Impact Award seeks to recognize individuals who not only excel in their professional pursuits but also demonstrate a deep and sustained commitment to making a positive impact on the broader community.

Nominees should demonstrate excellence in some aspect of the legal profession within the first ten years of graduation from the Schulich School of Law in addition to one or more of the following:

• Community Impact: Exhibits a significant and positive impact on the community through dedicated volunteerism and sustained acts of service.

• Commitment to Social Justice: Demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing social justice, equity, and fairness through their professional and volunteer efforts.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Displays leadership and mentorship qualities, inspiring and influencing others to contribute positively to their communities.

• Demonstrated Advocacy: Engages in advocacy for legal and social issues, contributing to positive change and making a meaningful impact.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Collaborates effectively with diverse groups and stakeholders to address societal challenges and promote positive change.

• Inspiration to Others: Serves as an inspiration to current and future students, encouraging them to actively engage in community service and ethical leadership.

Requirements

• Both the nominee and the nominator must be graduate of the Schulich School of Law

• The nomination package must contain at least:
  
  
  • One letter of nomination outlining the candidate’s contributions and/or achievements as defined in the above eligibility requirements 
    
    
  • An outline of the nominee’s professional achievements (either their CV, their LinkedIn profile, or a biography) 
    
    
  • Note: We encourage and welcome the inclusion of letters of support as part of the nomination package. While not mandatory, these letters provide valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance the overall nomination. Letters of support can be written by individuals other than alumni, allowing for a diverse range of perspectives to contribute to the nomination process.

• Recipients of the Weldon Award for Unselfish Public Service, Bertha Wilson Honour Society Inductees and honorary degree recipients from Dalhousie University are eligible for nomination.

• The candidate cannot be nominated posthumously.

• Self-nominations will not be accepted.

• Nominations are considered for one year. To be considered for a subsequent year, the nomination package must be updated and resubmitted.

1. A call for nominations will be sent out via email in February to all law school alumni, posted on the law school’s website and shared on social media channels.

2. All nominations received by the Alumni Office are forwarded electronically to the Selection Committee for review and then will meet to review each nomination and select one recipient.

3. The Selection Committee will consist of:

• The DLAA PresidentThe DLAA Young Alumni Officer
• a Schulich School of Law faculty member
• a Schulich School of Law graduate from Western Canada (recent graduate within 10 years)
• a Schulich School of Law graduate from Central Canada (recent graduate within 10 years)
• a Schulich School of Law graduate from Eastern Canada (recent graduate within 10 years)
• the Director of Alumni Relations (as a non-voting member)

4. The Selection Committee’s choice will be forwarded to the Dean for approval. The Dean will then call and congratulate the recipient.

5. A press release will be issued, and the recipient’s name and photograph will be published on the law school website, shared on social medial channels, announced at the alumni reunion, and featured in Hearsay.

6. Recipients will receive a framed certificate that will be presented during the alumni reunion.