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.

Youth Leaders in Law Access to Justice Now Open for 2025-2026

Hosted by YLL and sponsored by Calgary Family Law Associates, Access to Justice is a contest open to all high school students in Canada that is held annually alongside the YLL national conference. Each year, a prompt related to a current, prominent sociopolitical event is released and participants have the opportunity to submit an interpretive entry of the prompt in any form of expression that they wish.

🗓️ Deadline: February 20, 2026
🎓 Eligibility: Students in Grade 9-12 in 2025-2026 Academic Year

We are closing submissions at 40 entries so avoid leaving it to the last minute! Apply and make a difference!

Submission Form

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Breaking Into Practice: A YLL Law Career Chat 2025-2026

Breaking Into Practice: A YLL Law Career Chat is an online, interactive pre-conference event designed for students interested in pursuing a career in law. Join two current law students and a junior articling student as they share their experiences navigating law school, securing internships and articling positions, and transitioning from the classroom to legal practice. This session will offer practical insights, honest advice, and an open Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions about the realities of legal education and early legal careers. Whether you are just beginning to explore law or already planning your next steps, this conversation is meant to demystify the path into the legal profession.

Registration Deadline: Saturday, January 24, 2025 at 11:59 MDT
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Eligibility: High school students (Grade 9 - Grade 12) with an interest in learning about a career in law

Registration Form

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