The Court of Appeal for Ontario joined over 200 law students at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law on October 27 as part of their outreach program.

The Court of Appeal is the senior court for Ontario, hearing appeals from the province’s two trial courts: the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice.   

The day featured many events where students interacted with Judges of the Court, including several breakout panel discussions on legal topics of interest, offering students and faculty members a chance to delve into matters pertinent to students' legal education and prospective careers. 

"Students and faculty were honoured at the unique opportunity to engage in deep conversations with the Judges of the Court of Appeal, who are among the leading legal minds in the country," said Dean Reem Bahdi. "The feedback from students was that they will carry this experience with them for the rest of their legal education into their careers.”  

The Court of Appeal Judges also met President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Gordon, Chancellor Mary Jo Haddad, Dean Bahdi, and Windsor Law faculty during their visit.

While speaking with law students inside the newly built Don Rodzik Moot Court, the Honourable Justice Michael Tulloch, Chief Justice of Ontario, told those gathered “I see clearly that this is a building that speaks to a commitment on the part of Windsor Law to create an environment and a legal education that represents its student body, now and well into the future.” 

Chief Justice Tulloch further encouraged students to “stick to the path of cooperation and dedication to ensure that our justice system is responsive, accessible, and reflective of society.” 

This is the first visit from the Court of Appeal to the newly transformed Ron W. Ianni Building following a prior visit to the original law building in 2011. 

The event preceded the Transforming Windsor Law Reopening & Celebration featuring a weekend full of lively events with Windsor Law alumni, community members, donors, and dignitaries.