Chief Justice Marc Noël of the Federal Court of Appeal and Dean Mark Walters, Law’89, spoke with Carly Williams, Law’21.
Chief Justice Marc Noël of the Federal Court of Appeal and Dean Mark Walters, Law’89, spoke with Carly Williams, Law’21, and many other students at a campus reception. “We are impressed with the intelligence and collegiality of the Queen’s students we see,” said Chief Justice Noël, referring to those who go on to clerk at the Court. “Do think of applying to clerk this January. It’s a great job.”

“The work of our national court is greatly assisted by law clerks who come from all across the nation.” With those words, Chief Justice Marc Noël of the Federal Court of Appeal introduced a special message to Queen’s Law students before their professors and FCA justices. “Historically, Queen’s has punched above its weight in the hiring process. It especially did so this past year. Out of 15 law clerks, one-third have come from Queen’s. That’s an all-time record. 

“Congratulations,” he continued. “Numbers are one thing; quality is more important. We are impressed with the intelligence and collegiality of the Queen’s students we see.” 

Chief Justice Noël delivered opening remarks at a reception held in the University Club on October 24, giving students an exclusive opportunity to speak with FCA justices, including Justice David Stratas, Law’84. 

“Meeting with the Federal Court of Appeal justices was informative and inspiring,” said Carly Williams, Law’21. “I especially appreciated hearing about their varied career backgrounds and what they enjoyed most about their work. It is a great reminder for us students to enjoy the learning process throughout our education and career – and to embrace the unforeseen opportunities that come our way.” 

Law Students’ Society President Colette Koopman, Com’19/Law’20, agrees. “Meeting the justices of the Federal Court of Appeal was a great pleasure. Being able to talk to some of the leading jurists in Canada and learn more about them personally was fascinating. They were all friendly and excited to talk to students. They genuinely cared about what was happening at law schools today.”

Students are not the only Queen’s Law community members who have caught the attention of the FCA. “We rely on the scholarship of Queen’s Law professors in our daily work,” said Chief Justice Noël. “During our visit to Kingston, we are meeting for continuing legal education. Four members of the Queen’s Law faculty, past and present, are lecturing to us.” He was referring to Professor Art Cockfield, Law’93, Professor Emeritus David Mullan, LLM’73, Professor Grégoire Webber, and Dean Mark Walters, Law’89. 

After the Chief Justice spoke about the role and work of the Federal Court of Canada, he introduced Dean Walters. “We know you are a scholar of national renown given your past occupancy of the prestigious F.R. Scott Chair in Public and Constitutional Law at McGill University,” he said. “I’ve heard that when people abroad are looking for someone from Canada for high-level academic conferences on the history and theory of Westminster constitutions, you are at the very top of their list. This is an impressive achievement.” At the court’s request, Walters spoke about the future of legal education. 

Carly Williams appreciated this opportunity to experience what she called “one of the best parts of being a law student: diving into a new realm of knowledge and learning from experts in the field. Having the chance to speak with Federal Court of Appeal justices and Dean Walters is no exception – it is gratifying to share what I love about Queen’s Law and studying the law in general, and to see their enthusiasm reflect my own.” 

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By Lisa Graham