Lives of Contribution
There is no better testament to the quality of our law school than the caliber of our alumni. Faculty and students come to UVic law because of our deeply-held ethic of social contribution, and that shows in the lives and careers of some of our most accomplished alumni.
Indigenous Law
Sarah Morales (JD '04, PhD '15) is a professor of Law at the University of Victoria and was formerly a professor of Law at the University of Ottawa. She is a member of the Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island, has her JD and PhD from UVic, and her research focuses on Indigenous Law and human rights. Many of our alumni now teach in post-secondary institutions in Canada and around the world, and many of UVic's Indigenous alumni serve as leaders of their peoples.
Leader of the Profession
Herman Van Ommen (LLB '84) is a leading litigator and arbitrator, and was Regional Managing Partner of the national law firm, McCarthy Tétrault, until 2016. He is Past President of the Law Society of British Columbia, and in 2017 he was awarded the UVic Law Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2016, UVic alumni constituted 9 of 25 elected Benchers of the Law Society of British Columbia.
Public Service
Andrew Petter (LLB ’81) is President of Simon Fraser University and former UVic Dean of Law. He was a member of the BC Legislature from 1991 to 2001, serving in numerous cabinet portfolios, including Aboriginal Affairs, Advanced Education and Attorney General. He is one of five UVic alumni, of all parties, who have served as ministers in the BC and federal governments.
Administration of Justice
Freya Kristjanson (LLB '87) is a judge of the Ontario Superior Court. She was appointed in 2016 after an exemplary 25 year career as one of Canada's best administrative lawyers. She joins more than 35 UVic alumni appointed to judicial office in Canada.
Humane Professionalism
Roshan Danesh (LLB '96) is a lawyer and consultant who works across First Nations and governments on peace-building, complex negotiations and dispute resolution. He has a doctorate from Harvard and writes on law and religion.
Public Interest Law
Kasari Govender (LLB '04) is the first independent Human Rights Commissioner in BC. Formerly the Executive Director of West Coast LEAF (Legal Education and Action Fund), Kasari is one of many UVic Law graduates practicing public interest law and working to ensure equal access to justice.