Patricia Jackson (LLB 1977) has built a career arguing some of Canada’s most high-profile and complex legal battles – all while advancing civil liberties and education behind the scenes. 

Renowned for her work as a litigator at one of Bay Street’s top law firms, Jackson is known for her sharp advocacy, commitment to issues of freedom of expression and her decades of volunteer service to the University of Toronto and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

The following convocation awards for Class of 2025 were announced today at the JD program reception:

Angus MacMurchy Gold Medal and Gallant Ho Prize

Awarded to the student in the graduating class with the highest cumulative average

Professor Brenda Cossman (LLB 1986), Goodman-Schipper Chair and Associate Dean, Research, has received the 2025 Hero Award presented by the Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance Section of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA).

 Melissa Kluger, Prof. Jim Phillips and Yola Ventresca (photos courtesy of the Law Society of Ontario)

Rob Cunningham (LLB 1986) and R. Douglas Elliott (JD 1982) have been named recipients of the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.