University of Windsor Faculty of Law

With over 600 students, 30 faculty members, and 6,500 alumni, Windsor Law provides students with an excellent legal education in a supportive community-based environment. Access to justice and transnational law are our two institutional themes. Professors, staff, students and alumni are dedicated to making access to legal education, the legal system and, ultimately, access to social justice, more attainable for all members of society. Our unique location at the Canada-U.S. border opens up teaching, research and cross-border clinic opportunities that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Interdisciplinary research and teaching are valued and facilitated through our joint degree programs, graduate program, clinical learning opportunities and collaborative approaches. A comprehensive curriculum combined with experiential learning is at the heart of the Windsor Law experience. In addition to the Canadian JD, Windsor Law offers a comparative Canadian and American dual-degree program with the University of Detroit Mercy, allowing students to obtain in three years the degrees necessary for practice on both sides of the border. Students may also choose combined JD/MSW and JD/MBA degrees with Windsor’s School of Social Work and Odette School of Business. The Faculty has a research-based LLM graduate program that welcomed its first students in 2016. For more information, visit www.uwindsor.ca/law.

Faculty of Law
Motto	Bonitatem, disciplinam, scientiam
Motto in English	Goodness, discipline, knowledge
Established	1967 (1967)
Type	Faculty (law school)
Academic affiliation	University of Windsor
Location	Windsor, Ontario, Canada 42°18′24″N 83°3′57″W / 42.30667°N 83.06583°W / 42.30667; -83.06583Coordinates: 42°18′24″N 83°3′57″W / 42.30667°N 83.06583°W / 42.30667; -83.06583
Dean	Christopher Waters[1]
Academic staff	74
Students	642[2]
Website	www.uwindsor.ca/law/

History

In 1966, then University of Windsor President, Dr. John Francis Leddy, proposed to the University’s Board of Governors that they collectively seek approval from the Minister of Education, for a Law School.

Following the Minister’s approval in 1967, Dr. Leddy recruited Dr. Mark R. MacGuigan, then Law Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, as the Windsor Faculty of Law’s first Dean.^[3] Dr. MacGuigan, along with the newly appointed faculty members, were required to address several essential tasks in order to prepare the Faculty of Law for the first incoming class. Some of these tasks included building a campus to house the Law School, designing a curriculum, and admitting the first class for the 1968 fall term.

Dr. MacGuigan was elected to Parliament in June 1968. Walter Tarnopolsky was appointed as Dean of Windsor Law on July 1, 1968. On September 24 and 25, 1970, the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law campus opened.^[4]

Deans

YEAR(S) ACTIVE	DEAN
1967	The Honourable Justice Mark R. MacGuigan. B.A. (St. Dunstan's), M.A., Ph.D. (Toronto), LL.M., S.J.D. (Columbia). Founding Dean.
1968 – 1972	The Honourable Justice Walter S. Tarnopolsky, B.A., LL.B. (Sask.), A.M. (Columbia), LL.M. (L.S.E., London); of the Bar of Saskatchewan and of Osgoode Hall.
1972 - 1975	McLaren, Jon O.S. LL.B. (St. Andrews), LL.M. (University College, London) (Michigan).
1975 - 1983	Ianni, Ronald W. B.A., B.Comm. (Windsor), LL.B. (Osgoode Hall), C.U.E.C.E. (Dip.), I.H.E.I. (Dip.) (Paris), Ph.D. (L.S.E., London); of Osgoode Hall, Barrister‐at‐Law; Member of the Ontario Bar.
Sept. 20 – Dec. 20 1981	Kerr, Robert W. B.A. (New Brunswick), LL.B. (Dalhousie), LL.M. (Harvard), J.S.D. (California); Member of the New Brunswick Bar. Interim Dean.
1983 - 1985	Menezes, Julio. LL.B.; LL.M. (Yale). Acting Dean.
1985 - 1990	Gold, Neil. B.A. (York), LL.B. (Toronto), LL.M. (York); of Osgoode Hall, Barrister‐at‐Law, also of the Bar of British Columbia.
1990 - 1995	Berryman, Jeffrey B. LL.B. (Hons.), M.Jur. (Auckland, New Zealand), L.L.M. (Dalhousie); of Osgoode Hall, Barrister‐at‐Law. Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
1995 - 1996	Gold, Neil. B.A. (York), LL.B. (Toronto), LL.M. (York); of Osgoode Hall, Barrister‐at‐Law, also of the Bar of British Columbia. Acting Dean.
1996 - 1999	Judge Juanita Westmoreland‐Traoré. LL.B. (Montréal), Ph.D. (Paris II).
1999 - 2000	Mazer, Brian M. B.A., LL.B. (Saskatchewan), LL.M. (Alberta), of Osgoode Hall, Barrister‐at‐Law. Interim Dean.
2000 - 2011	Bruce P. Elman. LL.B. (Dalhousie), LL.M. (Harvard). Chair, Law Commission of Canada.
2007	Mazer, Brian M. B.A., LL.B. (Saskatchewan), LL.M. (Alberta), of Osgoode Hall, Barrister‐at‐Law. Acting Dean
July 1 – Dec. 31 2011	Tawfik, Myra J. B.A Hons. (McGill), LL.B (McGill), B.C.L (McGill), LL.M (Queen Mary College, London-Intellectual Property Law), of Osgoode Hall, Barrister-at-law, also of the Bar of Quebec (1986-2000) Acting Dean.
2012 – 2015	Cameron, Camille. B.A. (Nova Scotia), LL.B. (New Brunswick), LL.M (Cambridge)
2015 – Present	Waters, Christopher.  B.A. (Toronto), LL.B. (Queens), LL.M (McGill), D.C.L (McGill).

Windsor

Windsor is a city located in Ontario, Canada. It is the southernmost city in the country. It is located directly across from Detroit, Michigan; the Detroit River separates the two cities. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge connect the two cities and make it easy for individuals to travel to and from Windsor and Detroit.

Windsor boasts numerous attractions around the city. These attractions include but are not limited to the Windsor Art Gallery, Caesars Casino, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Capitol Theatre, St. Clair Centre of the Arts, Odette Sculpture Park, Windsor’s downtown core and the riverfront.

Clinics

University rankings
Global rankings
Canadian rankings

Windsor Law runs two anti-poverty clinics that are located in downtown Windsor. The Faculty of Law, in conjunction with Wayne State University Law School runs a Transnational Environmental Law Clinic and an International Intellectual Property Law Clinic with the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Law.

Legal Assistance of Windsor

The University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, in conjunction with Legal Aid Ontario runs a legal aid clinic in downtown Windsor called Legal Assistance of Windsor (LAW). The clinic aims to provide low-income residents in Windsor with access to justice by way of free legal services. It also provides students with a learning environment in which they are able to gain valuable hands on legal experience.

Legal Assistance of Windsor is staffed by lawyers, social workers, law students, and social work students. It provides services to the public in the areas of social welfare and disability, employment insurance, criminal injuries compensation, tenant protection, immigration and refugee law, human trafficking and counseling and crisis intervention.^[5]

Community Legal Aid

The University of Windsor runs a second legal clinic, Community Legal Aid (CLA), located in downtown Windsor. The clinic is a Student Legal Aid Services Society (SLASS) clinic, which is staffed primarily by volunteer law students and overseen by supervising lawyers, called review counsel. The clinic offers free legal services to those that qualify financially and jurisdictionally as well as to all full-time undergraduate students of the University of Windsor. CLA operates primarily in the areas of criminal law, landlord tenant law, highway traffic and provincial offences, student affairs, family law, and small claims matters.^[6]

By working with members of the community, the clinics engage in individual and systemic advocacy to improve the quality of life of citizens in the community and to address the underlying social and economic conditions creating income insecurity and poverty. Whether through the academic program or volunteer program, students learn effective practice skills, professional conduct practices and develop a continuing ability to engage in a reflective practice which incorporates a critical analysis of our justice system.

International Intellectual Property Law Clinic

The University of Windsor, Faculty of law and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law have collaboratively created the International Intellectual Property Law Clinic (IP clinic). The IP clinic is an exceptionally unique clinic because it is the only intellectual property clinic that services clients in several jurisdictions and allows students to participate in the practice of international IP law. The IP clinic has received certification from both the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is building a strong collaborative relationship with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office CIPO).^[7]

The IP Clinic mainly provides intellectual property advice and services to small business and individuals working on entrepreneurial projects, including student entrepreneurs and innovators.^[8]

Among the services provided by the clinic, participating students conduct patent and trademark searches, draft, file and prosecute applications and provide strategic advise on international intellectual property matters. Students also participate in comprehensive training sessions at the USPTO.^[9]

Transnational Environmental Law Clinic

Windsor Law, in conjunction with Wayne State University Law School, have created the first ever Transnational Environmental Law Clinic in North America. Student’s that wish to participate in the clinic must have either completed Environmental Law that is offered at Wayne State Law or be concurrently enrolled in the course as they participate in the clinic.^[10]

Students benefit from the classroom and clinical components of the program because it provides them with the opportunity to implement classroom learning in a clinical environment. Students work with the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center as well as other community organizations and public interest groups during clinical hours.^[11]

Air quality, environmental justice, Great Lakes water quality and quantity, invasive species and renewable energy are only some of the environmental legal issues that students in the clinic deal with. Among many other things, students in the clinic provide legal assistance to state and national environmental organizations, develop clean energy funding mechanisms for local governments, and work towards protecting water quality in the Great Lakes.^[12]

Programs

Windsor Law offers students several different degree programs to choose from when pursuing their legal education. Prospective students may choose between the Juris Doctor (JD) program, Canadian and American Dual JD, Masters of Business Administration (MBA)/JD, Masters of Social Work (MSW)/JD, and the Masters of Laws (LLM) program.

Juris Doctor (JD) Program

Students admitted to the Juris Doctor (JD) Program may either enrol in full-time or part-time studies. Full-time students complete the program’s requirements in three years and part-time students complete the program in six years.^[13]

First year courses in the JD program are predetermined and compulsory for all students. First year students will be enrolled in the following courses: Property, Contracts, Access to Justice, Criminal Law and Procedure, Legal Writing and Research, Constitutional Law and Torts.^[14]

Second year students in the JD program are required to take Civil Procedure in either of the fall or winter terms. Civil Procedure is the only compulsory course during second year. However, it is important to note that students must take the following courses in either their second or third year: the Legal Profession, Judicial Review and Administrative Action, and Business Associations.^[15]

Apart from compulsory courses, students have the freedom to choose courses that interest them. Students also have the ability, with permission, to take courses outside of the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. Some courses may be taken at Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy, both of which are located in Detroit, Michigan.^[16]

Canadian and American Dual JD Program

The Canadian and American Dual JD program is a unique program between the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law and the University of Detroit Mercy, Faculty of Law, which allows students to earn two law degrees in the same amount of time needed to earn one. In only three years, students receive a transnational legal education by simultaneously studying both Canadian and American law at the two institutions.

Students in the Dual JD program have the advantage of participating in two moot competitions during their first year as opposed to students in other programs who normally participate in one moot only. This experience allows students to strengthen their advocacy skills. Additionally, students also have the opportunity to participate in the externship program offered at the University of Detroit Mercy, Faculty of Law and complete an externship during the summer months following first year.

Like students in the JD program, students in the Dual JD program are required to take compulsory courses during their first year. Dual JD students must complete the following courses during their first year: Canadian and American Property Law, Canadian and American Criminal Law, Canadian and American Contracts, Canadian Constitutional Law, and Comparative Legal Writing and Research. Students must also take American Civil Procedure and Canadian and American Professional Responsibility during the summer months following first year. Dual JD students must also take Canadian and American Evidence, Canadian and American Torts, Canadian Civil Procedure, Business Organizations, and American Constitutional Law during second year.

Masters of Business Administration (MBA) / JD

The University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law and Odette School of Business have combined two rewarding degrees into one program of study. The two degrees can be earned in only four years when taken in conjunction of one another rather than five years if taken separately.^[17]

Students in the MBA /JD program benefit from being members of two exceptional faculties on the University of Windsor campus. These students have the opportunity to participate in events and programs offered by the two faculties.^[18]

Masters of Social Work (MSW) / JD

The University of Windsor, Faculty of Law and School of Social Work have combined two exceptional programs into one stream of study. Students pursuing both degrees through this program can earn their degrees in four years. Those that pursue a MSW and a JD separately will need five years to receive their degrees.Students in the MSW/JD must complete all of the requirements of the JD program.This program allows students with an interest in social justice to receive an education that combines legal studies and social work.

LLM Program

The University of Windsor, Faculty of Law offers a truly unique and rewarding research based LLM program. Students in the LLM program at Windsor benefit from the program’s two unique characteristics. First, emphasis is placed on Access of Justice and Transnational Law, Windsor Law's two international themes. Second, students in the LLM program also have the ability to complete a certificate in University teaching and ultimately participate in teaching during their studies.^[19]

Students have the freedom to choose between two different streams that the LLM program offers. Based on their interest, students may elect to complete either a regular LLM or a combination of an LLM and a Certificate in University Teaching and Learning. An LLM will require one year for completion while an LLM combined with a Certificate in University Teaching and Learning will require two years for completion.^[20]

The LLM stream allows students to further research and become more knowledgeable of a single legal or socio-legal issue of their choice. Students in both the LLM and Certificate in University Teaching and Learning program must complete the same requirements as those in the LLM stream in addition to completing the following courses: law teaching, lecturing, course design and pedagogical assessment. Students in both the LLM and Certificate in University Teaching and Learning program receive the designation of Teaching Fellows. Students in both streams benefit from the guidance, support, knowledge, and experience of faculty members and Windsor Law.^[21]

Journals

Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues

The Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues (WRLSI) is one of the few multi-disciplinary legal academic student-run journals in Canada. First published in 1989, the WRLSI was initially published annually. However, due to the increase in submissions received and recognition of its journal, the WRLSI now publishes two volumes each year containing essays from academics, the judiciary, practitioners, law students, and university students both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. As an inter-disciplinary law journal, the WRLSI strives to use the study of law as a vehicle for social change. Its journal endeavors to be a resource for professionals, students and academics. The theme of "Access to Justice" maintained by the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor has influenced our mandate to publish papers that explore law in its social context, and the impact that social issues can have on the law. Domestic and international concerns relevant to Canadian society also play a key focus in articles selected for publication. Legal libraries both nationally and globally subscribe to the WRLSI. The legal journal has also been made available through electronic databases such as Quicklaw/LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Hein Online.^[22]

While the journal primarily publishes academics and practitioners, the Annual Canadian Law Student Conference is a unique annual event that showcases the research and scholarship of LL.B., J.D., LL.M., and Ph.D. students across Canada, as well as provides a forum for discussion and feedback from practitioners and peers. Windsor Law’s Windsor Review of Legal & Social Issues hosted the 9th Annual Canadian Law Student Conference on March 17 – 18, 2016. The Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues invites all law students to submit original, scholarly work on any legal topic with a Canadian nexus to be considered for presentation at the upcoming Annual Canadian Law Student Conference.

Windsor Yearbook of Access to Justice

Created in 1979, the Windsor Yearbook of Access to Justice was the earliest Canadian journal devoted to the trans-cultural and international study of individuals and groups excluded from the protections of domestic or international legal orders. The Yearbook is independently refereed. It publishes French and English papers and book reviews, is faculty-run and is supported by a distinguished Advisory Board. The Yearbook encourages a wide diversity of essays from a broad range of disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, philosophy, psychology, history and comparative literature as well as law.^[23]

Windsor Yearbook of Access to Justice is produced semi-annually with the assistance of grants from the Ontario Law Foundation and support from the Faculty of Law of the University of Windsor. From time to time, additional support has included grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Canadian Bar Review

The Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor is the current host of the Canadian Bar Review (CBR). In January 2016, Windsor Law was announced as the new host of the CBR for a term of five years. The CBR, published by the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), is a bilingual legal journal, and the most cited legal journal by the Supreme Court of Canada.^[24]

Dean Waters and Professor Tanovich of the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law are co-editors of the CBR. Janet M. Fuhrer, previous president of the CBA said, “I am pleased to welcome Professors Tanovich and Waters as co-editors of the Bar Review. They bring impressive academic credentials and experience that will serve the journal well at this time."^[25]

Admissions

The University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law takes a holistic approach to its admissions policy. Windsor’s admissions program is unique from other law schools in order to ensure that the incoming class is representative of Canada’s diverse communities and population.

Candidates have the ability to provide the Admissions Committee with their reasons for wanting to obtain a legal education as well as any information that they believe may support their application.

Every year, the Admissions Committee is comprised of: the Associate Dean, the Assistant Dean of Student Services, professors, and students. The committee considers seven criteria when reviewing application and determining whom to extend offers of admissions to. All seven factors are weighed equally.

The Seven Factors^[26]

1. University Program

2. Work Experience

3. Community Involvement

4. Personal Accomplishments

5. Career Objectives

6. Personal Considerations

7. Law School Admission Test

Advocacy Program

Students at Windsor Law participate in one moot during their first year of studies if they are enrolled in the JD Program and two moots if enrolled in the JD/JD Program. Participation in these moots enables students to implement classroom learning through appellate-style advocacy. Students interested in this form of experiential learning style may participate in a range of competitive moots and advocacy competitions offered to upper-year students. Some competitive moots and advocacy competitions may also be taken for academic credit hours.^[27]

Several of the moots and advocacy competitions that the Faculty of Law participates in are:^[28]

· Aboriginal Moot (Kawaskimhon)

· Canadian Corporate Securities Law Moot

· International Criminal Court Moot Competition

· Ontario Trial Lawyers Association Moot

· Canadian Client Consultation Competition

o 2014-2015 - 1st Place Team.

· Diversity Moot (Julius Alexander Isaac)

o 2010 - 2011 - First Place Team.

· Jessup International Law Moot (Philip C.)

· Oxford International Intellectual Property Moot

· Winkler Class Actions Moot

o 2014-2015 First Place Team.

· Walsh Family Law Negotiation

· Bora Laskin Moot

· Walsh Family Law Moot

o 2015-2016 1st Place Team.

· Bowman National Tax Moot (Donald G.)

o 2014-2015 - 1st Place Team.

o 2010-2011 - 1st Place Team.

· Gale Cup Moot

o 2011-2012 - 4th Place Team.

· Matthews Dinsdale Arbitration

· Wilson Moot

o 2012 - 2013 - 1st Place Team.

· Willms & Shier Environmental

See also

• List of law schools in Canada

References

External links

• University of Windsor Faculty of Law
• Students' Law Society
• University of Windsor
• University of Windsor Students' Alliance
• CanLII - Canadian Legal Information Institute