One of the hallmarks of a Queen’s Law degree is the commitment that many alumni take on to become community leaders and to make a positive difference in the world. Now an innovative Queen’s Law initiative is engendering that same spirit of public service in students right here in Kingston.

There’s a long history of the Faculty’s students offering pro bono services – at the Queen’s Law Clinics that since January 2015 have been located in downtown Kingston – and of volunteering in the local community. However, students now are partnering with the Faculty and local alumni “to be involved” in a more concerted and focused way. 

“All members of the legal profession ultimately have a public duty to ‘give back’ and to be community leaders,” says Assistant Dean of Students Heather Cole, Law’96 (Artsci’91, MPA’00). “We hope that as our students get into the habit of doing so, they’ll carry a sense of engagement and commitment with them when they graduate and into the communities where they practice.”

Cole, who was an avid volunteer during her own student days hails the benefits of student engagement in the local community. She says she got far more back than she gave of her time and energy. “All students benefit from opportunities to expand their experiences beyond the classroom,” she notes. 

Doing so helps broaden perspectives, gain real-world skills and can lead to networking opportunities. It also helps enhance the reputation of the school and its graduates, showing the local community that law students can be invaluable resources and excellent volunteers.

Heather Cole and Aimee Burtch, Manager of Recruitment and Admissions Outreach, have been working with local alumni to develop a strategy to increase community engagement.  They are currently seeking members for a Kingston Community Advisory Group. “We already have a few interested alumni, but we would love to have more, especially those who are already actively involved with community agencies and organizations,” says Burtch. “We would like to build a number of strong partnerships and strengthen the ties with our local alumni and the Kingston community.”

A student-faculty golf tournament in September raised $1,500 for the Kingston chapter of Pathways to Education, which supports at-risk youth and helps vulnerable teens graduate from high school.

In February, Queen’s Law will team-up with the Kingston Frontenacs, the city’s Major Junior A hockey team, for “the Winter Classic” – a special evening for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Participants will enjoy a pre-game skate with players from the Queen’s Law men’s hockey team, attend a private reception, and then cheer-on the Frontenacs as they face-off against the Oshawa Generals. All proceeds from the evening will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area. 

Planning also is underway for Queen’s Law to partner with that club and Kingston Police for an educational-recreational summer camp on law and leadership for youth this summer. “Having our members in a program with adult role models is extremely positive for their development,” says Harold Parsons, Executive Director. 

“Our summer camp partnership with Queen’s Law and Kingston Police will expose our members to career opportunities in law, policing, and community services, and will build positive relationships.”

Heather Cole echoes those sentiments. “Providing role models for kids is really just one aspect of the vital roles that lawyers play in society – as legal advocates, community leaders and role models,” she says.  

“We’ll continue rolling out joint events and promoting volunteer opportunities for our students. Getting involved and giving back are ideals Queen’s Law strongly believes in.”

For more information on QL’s student engagement initiative, to explore opportunities for your community group or cause, to get involved in the Alumni Advisory Committee, or to become a student volunteer please contact Heather Cole.

By Ken Cuthbertson