From left: John Cameron, LLB 1991, Cornell Wright, JD/MBA 2000, Miriam Levin, JD 2009, John Laskin, LLB 1976, Karrin Powys-Libbe, LLB 1994
From left: John Cameron, LLB 1991, Cornell Wright, JD/MBA 2000, Miriam Levin, JD 2009, John Laskin, LLB 1976, Karrin Powys-Libbe, LLB 1994

This donor profile is from the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of Nexus.

There’s a strong and historical bond between the law firm Torys and the Faculty of Law, says partner Peter Jewett, LLB 1972. “It’s a family-like feeling of community,” he says with a warm laugh.

“Our founder JSD Tory very much supported the modern law school, when a group of professors broke away from the Law Society of Upper Canada’s education program. His twin sons Jim and John Tory Sr. graduated at the top of the first class, landing first and second. And Caesar Wright, the first dean, became counsel to the firm.”

Over the years, many more alumni launched their careers at Torys, and today, more than one third of the partners have Faculty of Law pedigrees. In addition, four out of the last five deans have either been members of the firm [Ron Daniels, Mayo Moran] or are current members [Robert Prichard, Frank Iacobucci].   

So when new building plans were announced, Torys listened.

Jewett says, while the law school has many needs, there comes a time when rejuvenating the physical facilities trumps all other needs. “It will allow the school to continue to attract renowned faculty, and provide the space it needs to conduct research projects that it probably cannot currently house. These two factors have an immediate impact on the quality of education for students.”

Says Jewett: “I think alumni are persuaded about that need now.”

Aaron Emes, partner, LLB 1998, agrees. He says the response from Torys partners was overwhelming. “Our alumni were eager to support this building campaign, recognizing its importance to an institution to which they feel an incredibly strong connection.” 

Torys’ gift translated into a new era of generosity in Canadian law firm giving. And that’s a good feeling, adds Jewett. “It’s the kind of thing a firm like ours should do. We’re full of alumni who have benefitted dramatically from going to this law school. And it’s right and appropriate that we shoulder a major load in giving back, and invite the people who come behind us to share in the same opportunity.”

After all, that’s what family is for.