Queen’s Law students will have more opportunities to learn about legal ethics and professionalism thanks to philanthropic support from Canadian law firm McCarthy Tétrault.

Upper-year law students will be required to take a course in legal ethics and professionalism. They will also learn from legal experts in the field thanks to the support from Canadian law firm McCarthy Tétrault.

Beginning in September 2014, all second-year law students will be required to take a course in legal ethics and professionalism. The new mandatory course, to be offered in both fall and winter terms, is part of a broader initiative that will help place Queen’s on the forefront of research and teaching in this important field.

“This program demonstrates the law school’s commitment to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, instilling them in our students from the beginning of their time at Queen’s,” says Dean Bill Flanagan. “The generous gift from McCarthy Tétrault will deepen and enrich our students’ experience, and provide an opportunity for legal experts to share their professional insights and experiences with the Queen’s community.”

The total cost of the three-year initiative is $105,000. Other components of the program include:

• A presentation to first-year students by an expert panel from private practice, the bench and the Law Society of Upper Canada; 
• An annual public lecture series; 
• A new fellowship program involving research and teaching; and
• A course prize.

“We are proud to support the Initiative Campaign, investing in the next generation of professionals in their pursuit of excellence,” says Paul Steep, Law ‘80, partner at McCarthy Tétrault and a member of the Dean’s Council. “We recognize the significant contribution Queen’s Law makes in attracting the best and brightest talent, and are pleased to call many Queen’s alumni our colleagues.”

Dean Flanagan recently announced the appointment of Tom Harrison, Law ‘01 (Artsci ‘89, Ed ‘92), as the first McCarthy Tétrault LLP Fellow in Legal Ethics and Professionalism. Mr. Harrison is currently a PhD candidate in Queen’s Law focused on professionalism issues for judges and lawyers. The former Crown counsel has taught a legal ethics course at Queen’s the past two years. He will take the lead on implementing the new program.

The Initiative Campaign is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the university’s history. The goal is to raise half a billion dollars to ensure Queen’s future as a destination for exceptional people. The campaign will nurture a supportive campus community, enhance the student learning experience, and secure a global reputation in discovery and inquiry.

By Nancy Dorrance