Lawyers Doing Cool Things

“A law degree opens so many doors.”  We hear this all the time, but what exactly does it mean? Where do those doors lead? What sorts of career opportunities become possible with a J.D.?

Our alumni are the best evidence of this “promise".  Just look at how many of our graduates have used their J.D.s to do incredible things and forge amazingly diverse career paths.

“Lawyers Doing Cool Things With Their Law Degrees” is a series of conversations with alumni about their cool jobs, the important issues they are tackling, and how their law degrees got them there. We are intentionally focusing on alumni who are earlier in their careers and moving the dial on important issues.

The format is casual and intimate—each “Cool Things” alumni speaker will host up to 20 students in one of the law school’s gorgeous new spaces. The law school will supply the refreshments. Alumni speakers will be announced via Headnotes and sign up is by registration on a first-come-first-served basis.

Fall 2019

	Jerry Lee, J.D. 2018 Career profile: Jerry practices corporate law at White & Case LLP in New York City, focusing on technology transactions and mergers and acquisitions. She has worked with clients such as Facebook and Google. She was previously a 1L summer student at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP in Toronto. In 2017, Jerry was named one of the 54 Next Generation Women Leaders around the world by McKinsey & Company. During law school, Jerry was the Co-President of the Business Law Society, volunteered for the Wills Project, and competed in the Callaghan Memorial Moot. Jerry has a Bachelor of Science from McGill University. Wednesday September 18, 12:30 – 2:00 Find out more and register
	David Forsayeth, J.D. 2011 Dave is the Director, Legal and Corporate Affairs for Flipp Corporation. Flipp is a Toronto-based tech company with over 400 employees that has developed an App and retail technology platform that help North American consumers find value, savings, and deals in their weekly shopping, and helps retailers, consumer packaged goods companies, and quick service restaurants transition their print merchandising to the digital age. Dave has been with Flipp for 3 years, prior to which he was an associate in the Corporate Group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP  specializing in private M&A. Monday September 30, 12:30 – 2:00 Find out more and register
	Abby Deshman, J.D. 2008 Career profile:  Abby is the Director of the Criminal Justice Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Her work focuses on the rights and liberties involved in the criminal justice system, and includes issues like police powers (use of force, searches, etc.), police accountability and oversight, the operation of the criminal justice system, and issues in prisons. Tuesday October 8, 12:30 – 2:00 Find out more and register
	Omo Akintan, J.D. 2004 Omo is the Executive Director of People, Equity & Human Rights Division at the City of Toronto.  In this role she leads a team of human resources, equity and human rights professionals in delivering programs and services that strengthen and support the City's 33,000 employees, enable equitable outcomes for the City's residents and promote an inclusive, accessible and discrimination and harassment free environment for employees and service recipients. Tuesday October 15, 12:30 – 2:00 Find out more and register
	Justin Safayeni, J.D. 2009 Career profile: Justin is a lawyer at Stockwoods LLP whose practice focuses on administrative law, media/defamation law and commercial litigation. He has appeared in front of Divisional Court and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as tribunals including the Ontario Securities Commission, sports law tribunals, academic discipline tribunals at Ontario universities, and human rights tribunals. Tuesday October 22, 12:30 – 2:00 Find out more and register
	Chad Townsend, J.D. 2000 Chad Townsend is the head of Litigation at the Toronto Transit Commission.  He supervises twelve litigation lawyers and continues a busy litigation practice that has him regularly involved in trial and arbitrations.  He has conducted several jury trials at the Superior Court of Ontario.  Chad attributes some of his advocacy success to his acting training.  At law school he focused on socializing and clinic work. Wednesday October 30, 12:30 – 2:00 Find out more and register
	Elliot Pobjoy, J.D. 2009 Career profile:  Elliot Pobjoy is War Child’s Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel. As one of War Child’s two co-lead executives, Elliot leads a team of over 400 staff in Canada and in war-affected communities across the world. To support War Child’s humanitarian mission, Elliot is responsible for the organization’s business affairs, marketing, fundraising, corporate and celebrity outreach, events, and advocacy.  Elliot also handles the organization’s legal matters, issues management and negotiations at home and abroad. Thursday November 14, 12:30 – 2:00 Find out more and register
	Camille Labchuk, J.D. 2012 Career profile: Camille is the Executive Director of Animal Justice. She is one of Canada’s leading animal rights lawyers, and has worked to protect animals for over a decade. As a lawyer, Camille seeks out cases that enhance the legal interests of animals, expose hidden animal suffering, and result in meaningful policy changes. As an advocate, Camille’s work includes documenting the commercial seal kill on Canada’s East Coast, exposing cruelty in farming, protecting the free speech rights of animal advocates, and campaigns against trophy hunting, circuses, zoos, aquariums, shark finning, puppy mills, and more. Monday November 18, 12:30 – 2:00 Find out more and register