A Warm Welcome

Photo Credit: Sarah Buski

Allison Kuntz, Law '03 (second from left) of sponsorin firm, Ogilvy Renault LLP poses with Welcome Day Committee members Assistant Dean of Students Jane Emrich, Law '77, Jill Daley, Law '07, Sharon Wilmot, Law '07, Karen Park, Law '07 and Patti Evans, Admissions/Registration Assistant in Macdonald Hall on Friday, March 9, 2007.

Queen's Law welcomed a new group of potential students at this year's Welcome Day, held on March 9, 2007. Prospective Queen's Law attendees spent the day touring the school, attending seminars, and meeting students, professors, staff and alumni.

The warm, collegial atmosphere made a wonderful impression on many of the guests, including Andrew Cooley, Monika Wilk and Carl Hinzmann. Andrew, who is currently completing a degree in philosophy, was especially impressed with the International Law Spring Program in England at Herstmonceux Castle, Queen's International Study Centre (ISC). As someone attracted to pursuing a defined distinct professional career in international business law and intellectual property, the ISC program holds a particular allure for him. "The Welcome Day seminars really opened my eyes to the international exchange opportunities available here," said Monika, noting the myriad of overseas study opportunities available to Queen's Law students. Carl, completing a degree in Finance, found that the school's collegial atmosphere really set it apart from other law schools. "They have done a really great job of selling the program and environment here," he acknowledged.

After a delicious lunch, the day led into a Queen's Law Career Services info session. During the session, prospective students had the opportunity to hear students and alumni discuss the ins and outs of attending Queen's Law, their diverse backgrounds, and about how their career plans have been shaped by their experiences here. The session, moderated by Gillian Ready, Assistant Dean of Administration and Finance, and Jane Emrich, Assistant Dean of Students, consisted of a panel of students and alumni.* Assistant Dean Ready noted that the supportive and helpful atmosphere in the session was something future students could expect to enjoy throughout their attendance at Queen's Law. She acknowledged that "while programs such as Career Services are similar at most of the Canadian law schools, ours is distinguished by the friendly and accessible assistance available."

Allison Kuntz, a Queen's Law alumna who is now a third year associate at the Toronto law firm of Ogilvy Renault LLP was pleased to sit on the panel and offer her thoughts and guidance to the room full of potential Queen's Law students. Kuntz, who attended Welcome Day before starting law school in 2000, chose Queen's because of its smaller, supportive, collegial atmosphere. The decision gave her an edge because it meant being at a school that was the right fit. "The environment was right for me here," said Kuntz.

Attendees had a full day of tours and information sessions about Queen's Law's academic and clinical programs. Presenters highlighted the Queen's Law Journal, Pro Bono Students Canada, international exchanges, internships, bursaries and loans, and the faculty's Education Equity, Academic Assistance and Career Services programs. Rounding off the events were a sample mini-class offered by Professor Stan Corbett and a talk from Kingston Mayor Harvey Rosen, Law ‘75. At the end of the day, attendees were ready for an evening of socializing at the Joy Supper Club reception. The reception was hosted by the Law Students' Society and sponsored by Ogilvy Renault LLP, the law firm that generously supported this year's Welcome Day at Queen's Law.

Prospective students who missed Welcome Day still have an opportunity to learn more about Queen's Law. Applicants can visit the Queen's Law website (see http://law.queensu.ca/prospectiveStudents.html) or contact the school via telephone or e-mail (see http://law.queensu.ca/contact/admissionsOffice.html). Upon request, applicants can meet and arrange a tour with a current student.

This year's Welcome Day was a wonderful chance for former, current and potential students to share their experiences in applications, acceptance, attendance and careers. Assistant Dean Emrich was very pleased with the attendance and positive feedback received about the day and was hopeful it would have a positive effect on prospective students' decision processes. "We hope to demonstrate that our academic programs and the culture of the law school live up to our reputation for academic excellence and a collegial community."

*Panel members included Jill Daley, Law ‘07, Allison Kuntz, Law ‘03, Sharon Wilmot, Law ‘07, Claire Houston, Law ‘07, Tim Robbins, Law ‘08, Erin Dann, Law ‘07 and John Uhren, Law ‘08.