Congratulations to the Schulich School of Law’s Class of 2024! In the coming weeks, we’ll feature Q&As with graduating law students who will reflect on their time at Weldon.
Today we're talking to Caleb MacDonald.
Why did you want to attend the Schulich School of Law?
I connected with Schulich Law’s commitment to the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service, the idea that regardless of the path we take as lawyers, we share an obligation to use our legal knowledge for the common good. As someone who served with the military and RCMP for 20 years, public service is something I take seriously.
Admittedly, another reason I chose the Schulich School of Law was geography. I am originally from Nova Scotia and as a mature student, married with children, uprooting them to move across the country was not our first choice, but something we would have been willing to do if necessary.
In what ways were you involved with the law school community?
The students at the Schulich School of Law are part of a tight-knit group, perhaps because we all attend law school in the same building or because we are all chasing a common goal. Likely because of my age—I'm closing in on 40, and the majority of my classmates were in their early to mid-20s—I felt like I took on a paternal role in the community. I connected classmates to my peers in industry, government, or NGOs, reviewed resumes, and did mock interviews. I hosted get-togethers and invited stressed students to come play with my dog, read to my kids, or hold our chickens, whatever they needed at the time.
What does the Weldon Tradition mean to you?
The ability to study or practice law is a privilege that confers power. As Uncle Ben told Peter Parker, "With great power comes great responsibility." Before attending law school, I had thought that pro bono was the only way lawyers could give back. However, research, advocacy, amicus curiae, advancing public policy etc., are all ways in which we can, and should, give back.
What is your favourite law school memory?
My favourite law school memory is when I competed at the Jessup Moot! While this endeavour took more than six months of preparation, more work than the rest of my course load combined, and at times had me questioning both the reasons I applied and my sanity, it was an incredible experience. I can't overstate the commitment it required, but it came with excellent mentoring, interesting problems, and the chance to work alongside an incredible team.
What will you miss most about Schulich Law?
The thing about Schulich Law I will miss the most is the people. No institution exists without the people who make it what it is. The students, the faculty, the support staff, and the leadership are all world-class.
What are your post-graduation plans?
This summer, I was invited to attend the Migration Conference 2024 in Mexico City and to observe a trial at Guantanamo Bay for one of the 9/11 planners. I will then be taking the Accelerated Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) course followed by articling with Grace Allen Immigration Law here in Halifax, as the work they do is inspirational.
Post articles, I intend to research, volunteer for, and deploy to situations at the nexus between conflict, disaster, and migration.
Recent News
- Schulich Law Librarian Recognized for Work on Open Access Legal Citation Guide
- Associate Professor Anthony Rosborough ft in "Right to repair movement sees progress but advocates say it's no easy fix"
- Schulich School of Law ft in "'The search for the truth is becoming more elusive,' says former Supreme Court Justice"
- Professor Elaine Craig ft in "The Current with Matt Galloway: Pornhub blocks access over age verification"
- Schulich Law 1L Student Wins Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award
- Associate Professor Michelle Williams & Dean Sarah Harding ft in "'A tapestry of our shared history': Quilt unveiling illustrates African Nova Scotian Strategy's embrace of community"
- Top 10 Schulich Law News Stories of 2024
- Professor Emeritus Wayne MacKay ft in "Legal Column: What does Canadian law say about dispensing with political leaders?"