RENU MANDHANE TO LEAD HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONThe provincial government has nominated Renu Mandhane as the next chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Mandhane has been with the University of Toronto since 2008, where she serves as executive director of the international human rights program at the faculty of law. Before that, she worked as a criminal lawyer representing survivors of domestic and sexual violence and federally sentenced prisoners.
While Mandhane’s nomination is subject to review by the standing committee on government agencies, the government expects her to replace interim chief commissioner Ruth Goba in the fall.
“I am excited to work with my fellow commissioners to serve Ontarians through relevant and impactful engagement that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Mandhane.
AIRD & BERLIS SPONSORS U OF T STARTUP PROGRAMAird & Berlis LLP is the new sponsoring legal partner of the University of Toronto’s early-stage technology program.
The program is a 12-month incubation and acceleration program co-managed by the university and MaRS that allows selected U of T-affiliated early-stage startup companies to incorporate, use office space, receive mentorship, and access $30,000 in funding.
“We are thrilled to partner with [Aird & Berlis] and leverage their legal expertise for our startups and emerging companies,” said Kurtis Scissions, co-director of the program.
“We look forward to counselling the successful companies and individuals who graduate from UTEST, and to continue working with UTEST to build a successful growth program for early-stage entrepreneurs,” said Rebecca Kacaba, partner at Aird & Berlis and leader of the firm’s startups team.
LAW STUDENT REMEMBEREDClassmates, family, and friends are remembering Stefan Djordjevic following the death of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law student this month.
Before his death on Aug. 8, the scholar and athlete worked as a private tutor, a peer-mentor for first-year law students, and a volunteer at Downtown Legal Services. He was also a student ambassador for the Ontario Bar Association.
Outside of law school activities, Djordjevic was a varsity athlete with the University of Toronto’s water polo team.
Funeral services for Djordjevic took place on Aug. 14.
POLL RESULTSThe results of the latest
Law Times online poll are in.
According to the poll, there’s significant opposition to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to call a more-than-two-month long federal election campaign. A whopping 85 per cent of respondents oppose the move and feel it’s a tactical ploy for the Conservative party to gain an advantage in the campaign. Only 15 per cent of respondents agree with it.
Earlier this month, Harper called the election for Oct. 19. Among his reasons for the long campaign was the need to bring political activities under common election rules given that parties were already undertaking campaign-style activities.
