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Marc Njoh, 31, from Bamenda, Cameroon (JD '16)

“I’m originally from Bamenda, Cameroon, in West Africa, but Halifax is my adopted home. For my undergraduate work, I completed an honours degree in political science with a minor in Law and Society at Dal. Then, before starting law school, I worked at the Cunard Centre for the summer.

“Choosing the Schulich School of Law was a no-brainer. I had taken some classes at the law school for my Law and Society minor and caught ‘Weldon Fever.’ Schulich Law just seemed right for me. I was drawn to the Indigenous Blacks and Mi’kmaq Initiative and to the school’s national and international profile.

“There were many highlights during law school. Having the opportunity to take on active leadership roles at Schulich and to recruit other leaders to run student affairs was not only a great honour, but it also gave me an understanding of the governance structure of the law and a chance to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people I know.

Having the opportunity to take on active leadership roles at Schulich and to recruit other leaders to run student affairs was not only a great honour, but it also gave me a chance to work with some dedicated and talented people. During second year, welcoming our daughter, Nahla, in the middle of one of Halifax’s biggest snowstorms was certainly memorable.

“During second year, welcoming our daughter, Nahla, in the middle of one of Halifax’s biggest snowstorms was certainly memorable. My wife, Shannan, and I almost had to trek it all the way from home to the hospital in the storm because our car was snowed in. A fellow Weldonite, who just happened to be at the right place at the right time that day, gave us a ride the rest of the way. After Nahla was born, a number of my colleagues brought gifts for her and for her big brother, Carson. The support from my fellow students to our family was truly special.

“Teaming up with John Boyle and Ben Pearson to spearhead the Canada Law Students Games in Halifax was another great experience. We had a strong team of volunteers, the larger student body became fully engaged, and the games were a huge success, with Dalhousie winning the most sought-after trophy.

“As an undergraduate, I had been president of the Dalhousie African Student Association for the 2012/2013 academic year, an experience that taught me how to navigate Dal student governance and prepared me to take on leadership roles at Schulich. I began by campaigning to be the representative of Section A, highlighting my work with DASA as part of my platform, which led to my election.

Now that graduation is here, I’m happy to have finished school for now and excited to enter the workforce as a young professional. I have dreamt of this moment since my first debate in middle school at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in a small village in Africa. This is such an exciting time for my family and me.

“My favourite courses were Public Law, Clinical Practice, Law Reform, Class Actions, and Equity and Trusts. The mentorship I received from Professors William Lahey, Diana Ginn, and Archie Kaiser enhanced my academic experience and won’t be forgotten. I developed great respect and admiration for the Schulich faculty and learned something valuable from every one of my professors. 

“Now that graduation is here, I’m happy to have finished school for now and excited to enter the workforce as a young professional. Knowing that I’ll always be able to provide for my family and contribute to my community is extremely rewarding. I have secured an articling position with Stewart McKelvey’s Halifax office, which is life-changing. I have dreamt of this moment since my first debate in middle school at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in a small village in Africa. This is such an exciting time for my family and me.

“While I’m articling in Halifax, I’ll be preparing to write the Nova Scotia Bar exam. I also intend to volunteer as secretary and board member of the African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes (ADAM) and to continue working on the Healing from Canada to Cameroon project, which I started last Christmas with the support of many friends and partners both within and outside the law school. Through this project, I brought medical supplies and monetary contributions to Akofonguba Community Health Center in Cameroon and contributed to the construction of the only secondary school in that community.

“Although I’m happy to start practicing law, I’ll miss the flexibility and energy of the student experience. I’ll also miss being a member of the Dalhousie Domus Legis Society, the oldest law society in Canada. I’m really miss the comradeship of the members and the social events, such as the collaboration between Domus and Weldon Arts and Culture Society in organizing the comedic debates.”