Law student organizers and alumni panelists pose together in the moot courtroom at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law during the Future of Law conference. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
By Sara Meikle
Students, legal professionals and community members gathered at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law on March 5 and 6 for the Future of Law Conference, a two-day event examining innovation and change within the legal profession.
Organized by the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues (WRLSI), the annual conference drew more than 150 registrants across two days.
Attendees included visitors from law faculties across Canada, as well as participants from other departments at the University of Windsor — a reflection of the conference’s growing reputation and interdisciplinary appeal.
“We were thrilled with the turnout from students and excited to see the growing momentum around the annual conference,” said Rachel McCallister De Abreu, editor-in-chief of WRLSI.
The conference was accredited for professional development credits, and several sessions were officially recognized for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) hours by the Law Society of Ontario.
A keynote address by Chief Justice Michael Tulloch of the Ontario Court of Appeal grounded the conference in current realities and practical solutions.
An alumni panel exploring high-profile criminal cases was another conference highlight. The discussion featured four lawyers practising in different areas of criminal law — Julie Santarossa (JD ’08), Lisa Carnelos (JD ’92), Natasha Daley (MSW/JD ’22) and Elizabeth Brown (JD ’03) — and examined the realities of legal practice and the professional responsibilities that accompany complex cases.
“The discussion brought candour and real-world perspective to students considering careers in criminal law. The panel’s raw honesty brought a more tangible approach to all of the aspiring lawyers in the room,” McCallister De Abreu said.
Across sessions, a common message emerged: the legal profession is in constant evolution. While artificial intelligence was frequently referenced as a current focal point, speakers emphasized that new issues will continue to reshape the field.
Chief Justice Tulloch urged students to remain current and continue learning throughout their careers, regardless of practice area — a message echoed by visiting alumni.
From an organizational perspective, McCallister De Abreu said teamwork and communication were central to the event’s success, both within the WRLSI editorial board and among moderators, speakers and faculty administration.
She credited members of this year’s editorial board — Keren Harrison, Mo Hussain and Nick Kinnish — for their significant contributions and emphasized how meaningful it was to receive support from across the Faculty.
Dean Reem Bahdi attended much of the conference, and the University’s president, J.J. McMurtry, joined the panel reception dinner, underscoring institutional support for the initiative.
With growing attendance and expanded professional accreditation, this year’s conference reinforced its role as a dynamic forum for critical reflection, professional development and community building — equipping the next generation of lawyers to meet a profession in motion.