Students-At-Law

2022 | 2023

Cameron Axford

Cameron graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2022 with a Juris Doctor. While studying at law school, he was involved with Pro Bono Students Canada in the Radio Pro Bono program and participated in the BLG/Cavalluzzo Labour Law Moot. Prior to law school, Cameron studied journalism at the University of Toronto and Centennial College, receiving a BA with High Distinction from the former. He has worked for a major Canadian daily newspaper as a writer. Cameron has experience doing volunteer work for social development programs in Nicaragua and in leadership roles in domestic philanthropic initiatives.

2021 | 2022

Lynne Westerhof

Lynne graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law in June 2021. During law school she was involved in several extracurricular activities, including as a participant in the Donald G. H. Bowman National Tax Moot, as President of the U of T chapter of the Christian Legal Fellowship, and as a Division Leader and Caseworker in family law at Downtown Legal Services. Lynne worked as a summer student for Social Capital Partners where she researched the legal context of employee ownership trusts and did additional research for a tax professor about non-profit social enterprises. Prior to law school, Lynne received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English from the University of British Columbia.

2020 | 2021

Martin Wissmath

Martin graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in 2020. While studying at Osgoode, Martin participated in the Parkdale Community Legal Services clinic intensive in the fall of 2019, volunteering in the Immigration Division. Martin also participated in mooting and negotiation competitions, along with volunteering as an upper year representative for the Osgoode Labour and Employment Law Society. Prior to law school, Martin obtained a journalism certificate from Langara College in Vancouver after graduating with an interdisciplinary major from the University of British Columbia. He worked as a reporter and photographer at local newspapers in Alberta and B.C.

2019 | 2020

Urshita Grover

Ms. Grover graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law in 2019 and is a Student-at-Law at Carters. While attending law school, Urshita worked at a technology law firm, Limpert & Associates, assisting on client matters and conducting research in IT law, and also worked as a research intern for a diversity and inclusion firm, Bhasin Consulting Inc. She has volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada, and was an Executive Member of the U of T Law First Generation Network. Prior to attending law school, Urshita obtained her Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, with majors in Neuroscience and Psychology.

2018 | 2019

Christina Shum

Christina graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2018. While attending Osgoode, Christina interned at International Justice Mission where she provided research on bonded labour laws, and summered at CGI where she focused on contractual matters in IT law. She also volunteered as a community mediator and was Vice-President of Osgoode’s Women’s Network and Co-President of the Osgoode Peer Support Centre. Prior to attending law school, Christina obtained her Bachelors of Music Therapy from the University of Windsor and her Associate Diploma in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

2017 | 2018

Luis R. Chacin

Luis graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2017 with a Master of Laws in Canadian Common Law. Prior to this, he worked in the financial services industry in Montreal and Toronto for over 9 years, assisting both individual and institutional clients. Having previously worked as legal counsel in Venezuela, Luis has a broad perspective on both the civil and the common law traditions. He is involved in fundraising activities for various organizations and is interested in real estate, investments and taxation issues, particularly as they pertain to charities and non-profit corporations.

Jessica Foote

Jessica graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2016 with a Juris Doctor, and has earned an Honours Baccalaureate in Business Administration from the University of Guelph. Jessica was awarded the Women’s Opportunity Award from Soroptimist International, as well as certificates from the Canadian Institute of Management, and for Business Studies with Honours. While attending law school, Jessica furthered her commitment to social justice by volunteering for the Family Law Project, and at a Criminal and Family Law firm. Prior to commencing her articles, Jessica gained legal experience working for a Personal Injury Law firm.

Tessa Woodland

Tessa graduated from Queen’s University, Faculty of Law in 2016. While attending Queen’s, Tessa interned with the Department of Justice’s Judicial Affairs Section where she learned about policy creation, and researched domestic and international legal issues. Tessa completed the International Public Law program at the Bader International Study Centre during the summer between first and second year of law school. Prior to law school she studied in French Immersion at the University of Ottawa graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, with a minor in Global Affairs.

2015 | 2016

Tom Baker

Tom graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and commenced his articles at Carters Professional Corporation in 2015. Prior to law school, he completed Bachelor degrees in Classical Studies and Psychology, as well as a Master’s degree in Classical literature. He has published several scholarly articles in academic journals and was an associate editor for the Osgoode Hall Law Journal. During law school, he completed the mediation intensive program and was an executive member of the Entertainment and Sports Law Association. He also represented Osgoode in trial advocacy competitions at both the provincial and national levels.

Shawn Leclerc

Shawn graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, in 2015. While attending his law studies, Shawn gained legal experience through an internship with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada where he researched various legislation and legal issues. Prior to attending law school he graduated with distinction from the University of Lethbridge with a B.A. in Anthropology. Shawn spent 11 years in automotive sales and finance, as well as over 15 years as a volunteer and board member in various charitable organizations. Shawn has participated in overseas mission trips where he was engaged in humanitarian work.

2014 | 2015

Bart Danko

In 2014, Bart completed the MES/JD (Master of Environmental Studies/Juris Doctor) joint program at York University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies and Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to this, he graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences (Honors) in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Toronto, with High Distinction. His thesis while in the MES program consisted of climate change activism through the promotion of municipal green roof policies. His work was displayed at the Focus on Sustainability Film Festival and won the 3MT Graduate Thesis Competition at York University. While at Osgoode, Bart was an active member of the Environmental Law Society, the Critical Urban Research Laboratory, the Institute for Research & Innovation in Sustainability, and the Innocence Project. He worked for the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice alongside a national network of legal practitioners, where he designed research projects and created content used to promote access to justice across Canada. He also sat on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice, where he founded a workshop to bring together leading Canadian academics and law students to address the “Cost of Evidence.” Bart volunteers with Peel Regional Police as an Auxiliary Constable and is co-founder of a group that speaks about social justice at high schools in the Peel region.

Anna Du Vent

Anna graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law in 2014. Prior to attending law school, Anna completed a Master of Arts (MA) in International Development Studies. She wrote her MA thesis on international volunteerism. She also graduated “with distinction” from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in History and English. While in law school, Anna volunteered for the Canadian Association of Refuge Lawyers as Chair of the University of Ottawa chapter and co-Chair of the National Student Committee. She was also a Research Assistant for the Legal Writing Academy, where she worked extensively with first-year law students to develop their legal writing and research skills. Anna also gained legal experience at a Ottawa immigration and criminal law firm, as an intern at the Department of Justice, and as a volunteer at South Ottawa Community Legal Services. Prior to law school, Anna worked in youth programming and community service organizations in Canada, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Peru, and Jamaica.

2013 | 2014

Adriel Clayton

Adriel graduated from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, in 2013. He also holds a B.A. (Hons.) in “Ethics, Society and Law”, Religion, and Political Science from the University of Toronto.  While at law school, he participated in an international exchange to the University of Leicester, where he won an award in Jurisprudence. Adriel has served as the vice-president for both the Christian Legal Fellowship Windsor Student Chapter and the University of Toronto Chinese Christian Fellowship. He has experience as a photojournalist in Nepal, a research analyst in Indonesian politics, and has participated in various grassroots development projects in Myanmar and Thailand, and in Laos where he worked with a team to establish a not-for-profit coffee plantation.

Dianne Hajdasz

Dianne graduated from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law in 2013 with a Juris Doctor.  Prior to attending law school, Dianne graduated with high distinction from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science and from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Education.  While in law school, Dianne volunteered with the Health Law Students’ Association and the Women’s Legal Mentorship Program.  During her legal studies, Dianne participated in international law school exchanges in Puerto Rico and in Poland, through an American law school where she learned comparative law of the United States and European Union.  Dianne gained legal experience as a research assistant for a University of Ottawa Faculty of Law professor, and as a legal intern at a Toronto health law firm.

2012 | 2013

Tanya L. Carlton

Tanya graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law in 2011.  Prior to attending law school, Tanya earned a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biochemistry from Bishops University and a B.Ed. from the University of Western Ontario.  After teaching high school math and chemistry for several years, she took a hiatus and started a family.  Throughout this time, she maintained her status as an Ontario Certified Teacher and served as an elected Municipal Councillor.  Before articling with Carters, Tanya gained legal experience during the summers as a research assistant for several Ottawa-based teaching lawyers.

Dean E. Blachford

Dean graduated from McGill University in 2012 with degrees in civil and common law. During his legal studies, Dean coordinated McGill’s High School Outreach Program which provides legal and civic education to underprivileged youth.  Dean also proudly served on the board of directors for Montreal’s Mile End Community Mission. Prior to his legal studies, Dean spent two years teaching grade four in Inukjuak, Nunavik. Before leaving the North, he co-founded a summer program, called Proud Reunions, for children and youth in the region. Dean continues to oversee the program, which has affected hundreds of young people.

2011 | 2012

Christine Kellowan

Christine graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School with a Juris Doctor. Prior to attending law school, Christine graduated from York University's Faculty of Arts with a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science, summa cum laude. While in law school, Christine was a Senior Contributing Editor for The Court and a volunteer with Pro Bono Students Canada. Before articling with Carters, Christine gained legal experience working in the Compliance Division at the Ontario’s Independent System Operator of the electricity market. She also interned at a Toronto law firm and the National Legal Institute in Mongolia.

Kristen D. van Arnhem

Kristen graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, in 2011 on the Dean’s List of Honour for ranking in the top ten percent of her class. Prior to attending law school, Kristen graduated with Distinction from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She has participated in two international law school exchanges in Australia and Puerto Rico. Before articling with Carters, Kristen gained legal experience as a summer student working for a family law firm in Guelph. Kristen has volunteered with Ottawa’s Supervised Access Program, Legal Aid Clinic in Ottawa, and was a note taker for students with disabilities.

Michelle Thériault

A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, 2011, Michelle has an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Criminology (summa cum laude) from the University of Ottawa, and worked in the charitable sector as a social worker from 2002 to 2008. During law school, Michelle was a caseworker in Community Legal Education, a division leader in Criminal Law at the Legal Aid Clinic, a Research Assistant, and she co-established and sat on the Steering Committee of the University of Ottawa branch of the Law Union, a group for students interested in social justice. Currently, Michelle is on the Board of Directors for the John Howard Society of Ontario.

2010 | 2011

Jason Todoroff

Jason graduated from the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law with a Juris Doctorate. Prior to attending law school Jason graduated with a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science and History from the University of Waterloo. In addition, Jason holds an Airline Transport Pilot License and worked in the aviation industry as a commercial pilot and flight instructor. Before his articling term at Carters, Jason worked for the firm as a summer student for two years and gained experience in a number of practice areas here at Carters. Jason also contributed to articles published in the Charity Law Bulletin and contributed to the 2008 and 2009 editions of Charities Legislation and Commentary (LexisNexis).

Colin Thurston

Colin graduated from Queen's University, Faculty of Law, in 2010. In addition to his academic course load, Colin dedicated much of his time to his volunteer work. Colin volunteered at the Queen's Legal Aid clinic throughout his three years at Queen's and his responsibilities grew from hands-on legal research, writing, and litigation, to supervision and training of his fellow law students, and eventually to input on clinic operations from a policy level. Colin has gained litigation experience before numerous courts and tribunals and received numerous awards recognizing his work. Colin was awarded the Sabbath Prize in Wills and Estate Planning from Queen's University, Faculty of Law.

Kate Robertson

Kate graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, in 2010. Prior to attending law school, Kate obtained her Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in Philosophy, Politics and Law from Binghamton University. During her studies, Kate competed at the Division One level on a volleyball scholarship, which led to her induction into the National College Athlete Honour Society and the East Coast Athletic Academic Award of Merit. While in law school, Kate was elected as a Vice President for the Common Law student council. She also gained significant legal experience as a Policy Analyst and Charities Officer for the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), where she was responsible for reviewing charitable applications and assisting with legal research and writing for current CRA policies.

2009 | 2010

Ryan Prendergast

Ryan graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, in 2009. Prior to attending law school, Ryan graduated from Glendon College at York University, First Class, with a B.A. in History and a Certificate in Law and Social Thought. While in law school, Ryan was a student caseworker for the Criminal Division at the University of Ottawa Community Legal Aid Clinic. He also completed a volunteer research project for Ecology Ottawa on municipal by-laws. Before articling with Carters, Ryan gained legal experience as a summer student working for the Crown Attorney's Office in Toronto.

Jennifer Schwass

Jennifer graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. While at law school, Jennifer was awarded the Samuel Rubinoff Prize for Legal Research and Writing, the Maritime Law Book Prize in Legal Ethics, and the Hyman Bergel Prize in Advanced Torts. During her years at Osgoode she enjoyed serving as Treasurer and Secretary of Justlaw, an organization for students with an interest in social justice, and as the Legal and Literary Society Representative for the Women's Caucus. Prior to her legal studies, Jennifer received a B.A. in political science and graduated on the Dean's List from the University of Western Ontario. Currently articling with Carters, Jennifer also gained experience during past summers at a legal aid clinic in Toronto and with a sole practitioner in rural Ontario.

Heather Reardon

Heather graduated cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 2008 and from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law in 2009. Before attending law school, she obtained a B.A. from Mount Allison University with a major in International Relations and a minor in Religious Studies. During law school, Heather obtained legal experience as a clinician at the Michigan State University Rental Housing Clinic and was a member of Michigan State's Niagara International Law Moot Court team. Heather has also worked as an intern with the Department of Justice and a Member of Parliament.

2008 | 2009

Pamela Shin

A graduate of the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law, Pamela was active in the client counselling, contract drafting, and mooting competitions, as well as a number of programs and clubs, including Pro Bono Students Canada, Negotiation/Mediation practice and the Christian Legal Fellowship executive council. Pamela was nominated by her peers at Western Law for the Malcolm J. McKinnon Award and was awarded the Gold Medal for achieving the highest GPA in her undergraduate degree program. Currently articling with Carters, Pamela also gained experience as a summer student at a management counsel labour and employment boutique in Toronto.

Jeremy I. Tam

Jeremy graduated from the University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Law. Prior to his legal studies, he graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, focusing on Urban Studies, History, and Sociology. Outside of law school, Jeremy gained experience as a summer student at two Hong Kong law firms, interning at International Justice Mission Canada, researching and writing for Pro Bono Students Canada, and serving as President of the UWO Christian Legal Fellowship.

2007 | 2008

Kimberley A. Cunnington-Taylor

Kim obtained her LL.B from the University of Ottawa. While at law school, Kim participated in the 2006 Canadian Corporate/Securities Law Moot Competition, representing the University of Ottawa as one of four members of the team. Kim's team placed 2nd overall in the factum in a field of 9 teams. Kim was also the tutor and peer advisor for first year mature students. In addition, she developed and presented a seminar to first year students entitled Time Management and Efficient Use of Technology. Prior to attending law school, Kim graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Ottawa, majoring in both Criminology and Sociology. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Kim worked with the Ottawa office of a national law firm as a corporate law clerk, specializing in business law, tax, and not-for-profit law.

Kimberley A. LeBlanc

Kimberley graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to attending law school, she graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and a minor in Social Psychology from the University of Guelph. While at Guelph, Kimberley volunteered with Best Buddies Canada, the Centre for Students with Disabilities and the Legal Resource Room. She also participated in the Canada Revenue Agency's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program at Queen's University. Through Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) at Osgoode, Kimberley was placed with ARCH: A Legal Resource for Persons with Disabilities. She volunteered with PBSC's Family Law Project at Osgoode and later became the school's Project Coordinator for the 2006 - 2007 program.

Derek B. Ross

Derek graduated from the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law. While in law school, Derek received the Janet Stewart Award in Immigration and Refugee Law. He was also active in Western Law's mooting program and represented Western at the Niagara International Moot Court Competition held at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Derek also spent a semester studying on exchange at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles where he received a CALI Award for Excellence. Derek worked as a summer law student at Carters in 2005 and in 2006 and has gained experience in a number of areas of Carters' practice. He has contributed to articles published in The Lawyers Weekly, the Charity Law Bulletin and the Church Law Bulletin and assisted in the compilation of the 2006 and 2007 editions of Charities Legislation & Commentary (LexisNexis Butterworths). Derek is also a member of the Christian Legal Fellowship and served as president of its UWO Student Chapter in 2006.

2006 | 2007

Sean S. Carter

Sean is currently attending his third year at Osgoode Hall Law School. He completed his first year of law studies at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Michigan, where he was named to the Dean's List. Prior to attending law school, Sean graduated with a B.A. (Hons) in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Toronto. Since 2000, Sean has worked with Carters as a summer and research student, and during that time he has developed an interest in international anti-terrorism law and its impact on charities and NGO's worldwide. Sean edits Carters' www.antiterrorismlaw.ca website in this area and has both presented on the subject and had a number of articles that he co-authored which were published in The Lawyers Weekly as well as the Anti-terrorism and Charity Law Alert. In the summers of 2006 and 2007, Sean worked at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP as a Summer Student, participating in the summer secondment program in 2007 being seconded to the Ontario Human Rights Commission.