In his inaugural year as Osgoode’s 20th dean, Trevor Farrow was delighted to host the annual reception celebrating the remarkable contributions and achievements of some of the school’s most talented and successful alumni.
Dean Farrow began the event by saying, “Having served as the Associate Dean for the JD program three times and as Associate Dean of Research once, I thought I understood the Osgoode community well and knew what to expect in this new role. However, since becoming dean in September, I have discovered what previous deans told me is the best part of the job: meeting alumni.”
MENTOR AWARD: ALEXANDRA MONKHOUSE ‘15
Alexandra, a partner at Monkhouse Law, specializes in employment law and litigation, focusing on major claims and class actions. She is adept at mediations, serving on Ontario’s government-appointed mediator roster. Alexandra has presented cases up to the Supreme Court of Canada and mentors young lawyers, inspiring them with her balanced approach to professional and family life.
DIANNE MARTIN MEDAL: JOHN MCKINNON ‘81
John McKinnon has been a staunch advocate for injured workers since joining the Injured Workers Community Legal Clinic in 1989. Sparked by his time at Parkdale Community Legal Services as an Osgoode student, John has spent nearly four decades championing workers’ rights, notably aiding the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups in securing intervenor status at the Supreme Court of Canada. His work emphasizes community engagement and active participation in legal reforms.
ONE-TO-WATCH: DOUGLAS W. JUDSON ‘15
Douglas W. Judson was honoured for his exceptional promise since graduating. After articling and practicing litigation at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, he founded Judson Howie LLP in Fort Frances, securing a landmark victory in Rainbow Alliance Dryden v. Webster. Active locally, he chairs the Federation of Ontario Law Associations and co-founded Borderland Pride.
ONE-TO-WATCH: JONATHAN SILVER ‘15
Jon, a senior associate at Torys LLP specializing in public and regulatory litigation, has a rich legal career. Clerking for Chief Justice Wagner, Jon has argued significant cases at all court levels, including the Supreme Court of Canada. His efforts in Kandaharian v. York Catholic District School Board led to more inclusive policies for student trustees. Jon also mentors, publishes scholarly articles, and serves on various legal board.
SERVICE: JONATHAN ROSENTHAL ‘87
Jonathan, a criminal defense attorney in Toronto specializing in white-collar and regulatory offenses, holds key roles at Osgoode, including Adjunct Professor and Director of the Trial Advocacy Program. A fervent advocate for legal education, he influences curriculum development and delivers lectures across notable legal associations. Jonathan’s dedication extends through his participation in faculty councils and his past role as the McMurtry Visiting Clinical Fellow.
PUBLIC SECTOR: KIRSTEN MANLEY-CASIMIR ’01, ’05 (LLM)
Since graduating with her JD, Kirsten has pursued advanced degrees, focusing on Indigenous governance and law. Her PhD research at UBC reconceived the “duty to consult and accommodate” Indigenous peoples. Kirsten has taken prominent roles in public service, including as an adjunct professor and co-director at Osgoode, and in various capacities within the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, where she developed crucial anti-colonial and anti-racism training. Most recently, she was appointed Director, Legal and Research for the Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves at Indian Residential Schools, furthering her dedication to policy reform and justice for Indigenous communities.
DISTINCTION: RENÉE PELLETIER ‘01
Renée, a partner at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP, specializes in Aboriginal and treaty rights litigation, and specific claims. She guides Indigenous clients on various legal matters including environmental issues and land management. Renée serves as lead counsel in Canada’s first Aboriginal title to water trial and an Aboriginal title claim for the Wolastoqey Nation. Her contributions extend to the Federal Environmental Assessment Expert Review Panel, and she has led her firm to become Canada’s largest specialized Aboriginal law practice. She co-chairs Osgoode’s Certificate Program in the Fundamentals of Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Law.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: ALEXANDRA HOY ‘78
Justice Alexandra Hoy dedicated 44 years to law, initially as a lawyer at Lang Michener and then as a judge. She began her legal career handling corporate transactions and mentoring at the firm. Appointed to the Superior Court in 2002, she dealt with diverse legal matters and was designated for class action cases. In 2011, Hoy was elevated to the Court of Appeal for Ontario, making history in 2013 as the first woman Associate Chief Justice of Ontario. She chaired the Civil Rules Committee and was involved in key legal reforms and decisions, including the carbon tax appeal. Retiring in 2023, Hoy left a legacy of judicial excellence and commitment to legal education.