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Congratulations to the Schulich School of Law’s Class of 2024! As we near Convocation, we are featuring Q&As with graduating law students who are reflecting on their time at Weldon.

Today we're talking to Kyla Young.

Why did you want to attend the Schulich School of Law?

I had narrowed my choices down to the University of Ottawa and Dalhousie, as I wanted to have exposure to health law courses. Dalhousie’s law school had more of the specific courses I was interested in, as well as offering the opportunity to receive the Health Law & Policy specialization. Having lived in Ottawa for the previous eight years, I was also ready for a change.

In what ways were you involved with the law school community?

I was a 1L representative on the Dalhousie Feminist Legal Association (DFLA) and vice co-chair in 2L. I also participated in two Pro Bono Dalhousie projects, one of which transitioned into a summer internship position.

What does the Weldon Tradition mean to you?

The Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service means using the privilege of my knowledge and education to advocate for vulnerable populations.  It also means educating community members who may not have the same privilege of their rights and entitlements.

This helped shape my law school experience by motivating me to re-establish the Halifax branch of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF). LEAF has allowed me to hold fundraisers, host community events, and give informative presentations on a variety of topics to share valuable knowledge and skills with others. 

What is your favourite law school memory?

I loved having the opportunity to use my scientific background from my previous degrees to bolster my new legal education.

The Dalhousie Health Justice Institute (DHJI) allowed me to participate in a practicum about medical abortion in the global south, learning from leaders in the field, taught by Professor Joanna Erdman. This, in turn, afforded me the chance to write a directed research paper under her supervision, investigating how non-legal researchers approach and explain the law when it comes to abortion.

I also was able to do a semester-long placement at the Department of Health and Wellness in the Policy and Legislation branch which was incredibly valuable in learning how government processes work. 

What will you miss most about Schulich Law?

I’ll miss the dear friends I’ve made who are returning home to places across the country after graduation. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

I hope to continue advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations and eventually be able to do so on a greater scale, potentially internationally.

I’ll also continue to work with LEAF and provide educational workshops throughout the summer for various community organizations on workers’ rights, reproductive justice, consent, and media literacy.