Cheryl-Anne Pine, class of 2011

Prince George, British Columbia
Graduating with a Juris Doctor degree

How did you pick your major of study, and why did you choose the University of Windsor?

I chose Windsor Law because of its dedication to access to justice, the unique opportunity it offered to spend a semester clerking with the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, and its reputation for strong clinical learning programs. There were no law schools out west that offered a comparable commitment to social justice and so the move to Windsor was a natural fit.

What were your expectations of university? Has the University of Windsor met those expectations?

My experience at Windsor Law has far surpassed my expectations. I am very impressed with the caliber and passion of my fellow students and have been blown away by the close-knit Windsor Law community. Windsor Law staff, Faculty and administration make a concerted effort to get to know students. Coming from a large undergraduate university, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know some of my professors.

What would you say is the most important thing you have learned at university: about yourself, about other people, about your field of study, or about the world?

Trust in yourself, listen to your passion and learn from those around you along the way.

What would you say has been the most memorable part of your UWindsor experience?

The most memorable part of my UWindsor experience has been the semester that I spent in the Windsor Law-Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories clerkship program. In addition to expanding my understanding of the law, it provided me with unique insight into the life and culture of Northern Canada as well as the experience of legal practice in the North. The program, practical learning experience and exposure far surpassed anything that I could have imagined. I had the opportunity to work with and learn from renowned and inspirational Justices and to participate in court circuits to smaller communities in the Northwest Territories including; Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Wha’ti and Fort Simpson. I am confident that I will carry these experiences with me for the duration of my career.

Please tell us why you are proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011.

I am proud both because of the students who comprise my graduating class and because of the role that Windsor Law plays in the legal community at large through its unique dedication to access to justice.

Did you have a course, professor or classmate who inspired you?

I have had many professors and classmates that have inspired me over my time at UWindsor. Professor David Tanovich’s course on the law of evidence pushed me to my limits and challenged me to go beyond what I thought possible. Sessional Professor Jasteena Dhillon’s course on International Human Rights vastly expanded my understanding of human rights. In addition to bringing her expertise to Windsor Law, Professor Dhillon uses her passion and experience in the field to inspire students to look beyond the confines of traditional, mainstream legal practice. Sessional Professor Jill Makepeace also had an incredible impact on my legal education. The experience and knowledge that she brings to students interested in criminal law is invaluable.

While Windsor law draws a diverse student body with a wide range of legal interests, all students share a common commitment to engaging in their community in one way or another. To name just a few that have inspired me (and there are many); Alex Weaver for her commitment to access to justice and women’s rights, Bhavin Bilimoria for his work in bringing the White Ribbon campaign to new levels at Windsor Law, and Melissa Wright for her tireless work on behalf of the Windsor Students’ Law Society.

What are your plans following graduation?

Following graduation I will be clerking with the Calgary Court of Queen’s Bench. Thereafter, I will be completing my articles with Alberta Justice.

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Reproduced from the Daily News