Melissa Kluger, Prof. Jim Phillips and Yola Ventresca (photos courtesy of the Law Society of Ontario)
Professor Jim Phillips and alumni Melissa Kluger (LLB 2001) and Yola Ventresca (LLM 2007) have been recognized by the Law Society of Ontario.
Phillips and Kluger are recipients of the Law Society Medal, recognizing exceptional contributions and dedication to the legal profession. Ventresca received the Laura Legge Award, recognizing women lawyers from Ontario who have exemplified leadership within the profession.
The society honoured Phillips for his contributions to Canadian legal history as a teacher, scholar and since, editor-in-chief of the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History.
“Jim has a profound passion to advance Canadian legal history and has earned recognition for his invaluable scholarly contributions to the field,” said University Professor and Dean Jutta Brunnée, James Marshall Tory Dean’s Chair. “His scholarship has not only impacted Canadian law, but also our understanding of Canadian identity. We are delighted to celebrate his well-deserved LSO Medal.”
Kluger graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 2001. She later brought together her backgrounds in law and journalism to launch Law and Style Media Inc., and its flagship publication, Precedent Magazine. For almost 20 years, she has leveraged this platform to connect the legal community, celebrate its diversity and champion change.
Ventresca, who graduated with a Master of Laws in 2007, is a partner at Lerners LLP, where she leads a litigation practice specializing in labour, employment, education, and health law. A first-generation Canadian of Lebanese descent, Ventresca champions mentorship, challenging traditional approaches to professional development for junior lawyers, especially women in law. She is also an active speaker and a dedicated contributor to various charitable and advocacy efforts.
“As dean, it is deeply rewarding to see U of T Law graduates pursuing heir passions and distinguishing themselves as leaders within the profession and wider community,” Brunnée said. “We are thrilled that Melissa and Yola have been recognized by the Law Society.”
