Calgary Branch

Alberta

First established in 2019, the Calgary Branch was the initial team responsible for the inaugural Youth Leaders in Law conference in November 2019. YLL Calgary has since then expanded its executive board. Our team has worked with numerous lawyers, law firms, and other organizations to bring the YLL experience to youth across the city.

REGIONAL CONFERENCE

Thank You for Attending the 2025 Youth Leaders in Law Conference!

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, we hosted our most successful conference yet at the University of Calgary Law School, Murray Fraser Hall, bringing together hundreds of students, lawyers, and legal professionals for an unforgettable day of learning.

Throughout the day, attendees heard from practicing lawyers across a variety of legal fields, admissions officers, and current law students from the University of Calgary. They participated in a hands-on mock trial competition. The day concluded with an incredible in-person fireside chat with the Honourable Justice Mahmud Jamal of the Supreme Court of Canada, moderated by Rani Wong, K.C.

We were proud to offer this conference completely FREE, including a pizza lunch and snacks throughout the day. Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and speakers who made this event possible! Please scroll down to view them.

Special congratulations to the winners of our competitive mock trial, who received their awards directly from Justice Jamal. We’re grateful to everyone who took part, whether as a competitor, observer, or online attendee joining us for the fireside chat from across Canada.

Please scroll down to view our photo collage; otherwise, all photos can be found in the following Google Drive folder.

Photos

Calgary Conference Schedule

8:15 am: Registration and early mock trial prep
Observers are welcome; non-attendees are to arrive at or before 10:45 am for the conference.
9:00 am: Mock Trial
Our mock trial judges will be The Hon. Mahmud Jamal, Lillian Pan, K.C., Martin Hoornaert, Melissa Burkett, and Melissa Tennison. The judges and Bradley Smith will also be available to assist participants with their opening and closing statements and direct and cross-examinations.
11:00 am: Admissions Panel
Catherine Valestuk, Recruiting and Admissions, University of Calgary Faculty of Law, and current law school students will provide information and answer questions regarding law school admissions.
11:45 am: Lunch
Seniores pizza will be served to all participants at no cost.
12:45 pm: Panel Sessions (50 minutes each)
Students will choose to attend 2 out of 4 lawyer panel sessions: criminal law, corporate law, civil law, and family law.
Criminal Law Panel: Alex Yip, Rame Katrib, and Robin Mcintyre
Corporate Law Panel: Alex Himour, Tamara Prince, and Jennie Han
Civil Law Panel: Melissa Burkett, and Kourtney Pratt
Family Law Panel: Cindy Marshall, K.C., Bradley Smith and Curtis Kim
- 12:45 pm: First Session
- 1:45 pm: Second Session
2:45 pm: Keynote Speaker, The Hon. Mahmud Jamal, introduced by Dean Evaristus Oshionebo, UofC Faculty of Law
Fireside Chat with Justice Jamal and moderator Rani Wong, K.C. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions.
3:30 pm: Closing Ceremonies, Awards for Mock Trial
3:45 pm: Networking Event
Students will have the opportunity to meet and speak with Justice Jamal, the panel lawyers, mock trial lawyers and their peers. Food and beverages will be available.
4:15 pm: End