Enjoying an evening of camaraderie and celebration with a spectacular view from the third largest building in the nation’s capital is what Queen’s Law grads were doing on May 9. Alumni of all ages attended a spring alumni reception at Gowling WLG. 

Jeff Mutter, Law’86, a partner with the firm and the event host commented in particular about the significant number of younger alumni and Gowlings lawyers in attendance. “In the 33 years that I’ve been involved in hiring and working with young lawyers here, I can tell you the quality of the articling student and lawyers we get from Queen’s is always first rate,” he told the crowd. “They are well taught, well rounded and collegial. That is proof positive to me that the law school is doing it right.”

One of those younger grads was Jess Spindler, Law’16, Director of Legal Services, Liberal Party of Canada. “It was a wonderful to connect with classmates living and working in Ottawa, and to meet alumni from different years who all share a love of the law school.”

A highlight was the presentation of the Justice Thomas Cromwell Distinguished Public Service Award to the Honourable Judith (Judi) Beaman, Law’75. Having served in a number of roles in Ontario and federally, including as a Judge of Ontario Court of Justice and Regional Senior Justice for Eastern Ontario, Beaman’s distinguished career spans 35 years. In 2016, she was appointed to lead the Ontario commission that examined the impact of unreliable hair testing by the Toronto-based Motherisk Drug Testing Laboratory. (Watch for an upcoming story on this award winner.)

Dean Bill Flanagan updated the enthusiastic audience about the latest school news, including the increasingly popular undergraduate Certificate in Law program, the recently launched Graduate Diploma in Legal Services Management program and the new Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law. 
  
Justice David Stratas, Law’84, of the Federal Court of Appeal, spoke about Flanagan whose 14-year deanship comes to a close on June 30. “Dean Flanagan has transformed this law school,” he said. “It was always a special place and a good place. It is now an exceptional place.” 

Spindler added: “He has contributed so much to life at the law school, from developing new clinics and student supports, all while maintaining the collegiality and spirit Queen’s is so known for.”

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By Lisa Graham