For Queen’s Law, it is a second named professorship in less than 24 months – and a tribute to a beloved alumnus. Coming into effect for the 2017-18 school year, the Stephen Sigurdson Professorship in Corporate Law and Finance will further increase the law school’s breadth of business law offerings. Its namesake was a member of the Dean’s Council, and one of Canada’s most celebrated figures in corporate law, prior to passing away in 2016. 

“Stephen was a leading voice on our Dean’s Council, and in corporate law nationally,” says Dean Bill Flanagan. “It is only fitting that his name grace a professorship that supports leadership in corporate law and finance.” 

The Sigurdson Professorship builds on a robust existing business law program, including the Bader International Study Centre program in international business law, the Queen’s Business Law Clinic, and the Law’80 Visiting Scholar in Business Law program. 

It joins the Allgood Professorship in Business Law as Queen’s second named law Professorship. The Allgood Professorship, established in 2015, appointed Professor Mohamed Khimji as its inaugural professor in 2016. 

“This professorship marks a significant moment for Queen’s Law,” Professor Khimji says. “As we work toward the further design and development of our business law program, a second professorship will both accelerate that work and further establish Queen’s as a national leader in the field.” 

A graduate of the Queen’s Law class of ’84, Stephen Sigurdson spent the first two decades of his distinguished career at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, later joining Manulife in 2010 and serving, among other things, as its Executive VP and General Counsel, and Chief Legal Officer for Manulife globally. An award-winning lawyer recognized for his leadership in corporate law, Sigurdson passed away in 2016. 

“The outpouring of recognition and support for this professorship was remarkable,” Dean Flanagan says. “From his former classmates to colleagues, people remembered both Stephen’s contributions to corporate law and his exemplary character as a warm, generous and deeply ethical lawyer. I am pleased and proud to have this professorship bear his name; it will be a fitting tribute to Stephen and his many contributions to both the profession and our school.” 

The Sigurdson Professorship was created through the generous contributions of Queen’s Law alumni and donors, who raised a $1.5 million endowment to support the position. 

The Professorship will be officially announced at Celebrate Queen’s Law, an annual alumni event in Toronto, on May 4, 2017.