On 27 November 2024, Angela Swan taught her final contract law class at Osgoode Hall Law School. After more than 60 years of teaching, this final class brings to a close of a remarkable teaching career that has shaped generations of lawyers and transformed contract law in the legal profession. A nationally recognized lawyer and educator, Angela has not only mentored countless students, but also contributed significantly to the development of legal teaching and scholarship at Osgoode and in Canada. Her final class was celebrated with flowers and cupcakes, a fitting tribute to an instructor beloved by her students.
“Professor Swan is known for her engaging teaching style and approachable nature. I frequently saw Angela in the law school’s bistro early in the morning, meeting with groups of first-year law students, fully immersed in conversation. I am so grateful for her remarkable contributions. Angela has left an enduring impression both inside and outside the classroom,” said Trevor Farrow, Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School. “She has inspired so many people, including several of my faculty colleagues, who are proud to be among Angela’s former students.”
Widely regarded as a leading authority in contract law, Angela’s career has spanned more than six decades. She has educated generations of students, shaped Canadian contract law, and provided expert legal counsel in some of the country’s most complex cases.
Angela’s scholarly contributions are significant, including a wide array of papers, reviews, books, case comments, and annotations on various topics, including contract law. Her seminal work, Canadian Contract Law, remains a foundational text in law schools across Canada and has been cited multiple times by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Beyond academia, Angela is often consulted as an expert witness in high-stakes legal matters, where the combination of her scholarly understanding, practical experience, and ethical judgment are highly regarded.
Throughout her career, Angela has received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Law Society of Ontario in 2019, an honorary degree from McGill University in 2021, and the Ontario Bar Association’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2016. In 2007, her book Canadian Contract Law was awarded the prestigious Walter Owen Book Prize.
Angela’s final class at Osgoode was not just a farewell, but also a moment to reflect on her profound influence on legal education. Through her unwavering dedication to the development of students and lawyers, Angela has made a remarkable contribution to the legal profession in Canada.
As Osgoode bids farewell to one of its most beloved and distinguished adjunct faculty members, Professor Swan’s legacy will continue to inspire students, practitioners, and scholars for generations to come.