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PBSC Announces Recipients of the Sixth Annual Chief Justice Richard Wagner Award

Updated: 6 days ago



Photos by Hugo Tavera


Established in 2019, the Chief Justice Richard Wagner Award honours outstanding PBSC volunteers across Canada who embody our core values of dignity, equity, and humility. The 2025 awards, sponsored by our National Law Firm Partner McCarthy Tétrault, were presented to this year’s exemplary recipients at Chapter-led events and celebrations across the country.

The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, attended a joint award ceremony hosted by McGill University, Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal. He spoke about the role that pro bono can play in reinforcing public trust in the justice system and ensuring that the law is for everyone. He presented the Chief Justice Richard Wagner Award to the recipients at each of the three Chapters and expressed his congratulations to all PBSC volunteers for their work dismantling barriers to justice across Canada.

Congratulations to our 2025 Chief Justice Richard Wagner Award recipients!




Samantha Ayala (she/her)

University of Victoria Faculty of Law

“Volunteering with PBSC has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As a Justice Education Society volunteer I was able to use my previous customer service experience to provide Ask JES users with legal information in an accessible and condensed manner. Throughout this experience I have been able to become more familiar with the justice system while also contributing to removing barriers to legal information.”




Benjamin Foucault (they/he/she)

University of British Columbia Faculty of Law

“My year with PBSC has been a truly unforgettable experience. Through my placement with West Coast Environmental Law, I honed my legal research, writing, and client intake skills. I drafted legal memos, conducted intake interviews for public access environmental law issues, and created an illustrated guide on building meaningful relationships with First Nations. More than anything, this experience has given me the confidence to represent clients and be my authentic self in the legal profession. As a trans and disabled person, I haven’t always felt like I belonged in professional spaces, but the incredible Access to Justice team has mentored and supported me in developing both my advocacy skills and my sense of self. I’m deeply grateful for the relationships I’ve built and for the encouragement that has helped me step into my role as a future lawyer with pride.”




Pria Martina Flanagan (she/her)

Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law

"I am incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to work with the Canadian On Paper Society for Immigrant Physicians Equality (COPSIPE) for the past two years. The mentorship I have received from my supervising lawyer, Rosemary Pawliuk, has been invaluable, shaping my growth as an advocate. Through my work researching critical issues for active litigation, I have not only refined my legal research skills but also contributed to COPSIPE’s mission of breaking down systemic barriers for immigrant physicians. It has been deeply rewarding to support an organization that is working to make a tangible difference in the lives of professionals and the broader community."




Brandon Fleming (he/him)

University of Calgary Faculty of Law

"Everyone who attends law school recognizes the privilege of their education. Participating in PBSC allowed me to apply my education in a meaningful way right from the start of first year. It was a great privilege to develop a new trial project over the last few years alongside my incredible co-leads, countless dedicated volunteers, the PBSC group at U of C, and our amazing partner lawyer. I hope this project continues to provide meaningful and engaging legal education while also inspiring others to expand PBSC's reach through new initiatives."




Kasia Guidinger

University of Saskatchewan Faculty of Law

“My time volunteering with PBSC over the past three years has been a highlight of my law school experience. The Becoming a Lawyer project has always been especially meaningful to me, as youth mentorship is crucial and plays an integral role in access to justice. I have had the privilege of working with and receiving mentorship from the incredible volunteers at PLEA and the Law Society, whose support has helped our team reach hundreds of youth across Saskatchewan. The team members I have worked with over the years will remain lifelong friends, and I hope our efforts inspire future generations to pursue a legal education.”




Logan Nadeau (he/him)

University of Manitoba Faculty of Law

"The Family Law Video Project through the Community Legal Education Association allowed me to apply the skills in digital media production I learned in past programs through a legal lens. Each of my project members were instrumental in making the videos we produced accessible and informative public legal education resources. I share this award with Jacob Sidhu, Joel Perreaux, Summer Stevenson, and Kathryn Lyon. I dedicate this to the important work the PBSC does year after year, and will pay it forward as I move onto my third year of law school and eventual graduation from Robson Hall!"




Jana Abu Deyah (she/her)

Lakehead University Faculty of Law

"Working directly with Environment North Canada has been a personal and meaningful experience. It has been the experience I was looking for when trying to understand what it means to work in environmental law. Through my work on nuclear waste disposal in Northern Canada, I gained invaluable insight into the intersection of law, policy, and environmental advocacy. Researching legal frameworks, analyzing challenges, and contributing to community discussions deepened my appreciation for the role law plays in protecting the environment and Indigenous rights. Ever since I was a young girl, I have always been passionate about advocating for the earth through respect, reciprocity and empathy. This experience has left me feeling motivated, grateful and provided me with a full circle moment. I couldn’t be more grateful. ”




Teresa Atkinson (she/her)

University of Windsor Faculty of Law

“Volunteering with PBSC has been a rewarding and impactful experience. Through the Wills Clinic, I have worked closely with clients who face barriers to legal services, helping them navigate the estate planning process with confidence. It has been a privilege to contribute to this clinic while working alongside other volunteers and lawyers. The Wills Clinic has reinforced the power of collaborative, community-driven legal work, and the importance of making legal support accessible, approachable, and compassionate.”




James (Jake) Collie (he/him) and Jenny (Jingyi) Chen (she/her)

Western University Faculty of Law

“My time working as a Student Gladue writer for the N'Amerind Friendship Centre has profoundly changed my understanding, as a non-Indigenous person, of how the legal system understands colonialism. Working with Indigenous accused in the London community has taught me how large-scale historical processes like the residential school system, the Sixties Scoop, and the Millennial Scoop, among others, continue to affect and harm Indigenous life in Canada. I am beyond grateful for this experience, which no matter how difficult, was made possible by my PBSC partner Jenny, Gladue Writer Sara Spencer, and supervising lawyer Issac Heo. I remain indebted to PBSC and N'Amerind Friendship Centre for such an impactful and invaluable experience during my legal education. Chi-Miigwech!”

-  James (Jake) Collie


“Being a student Gladue volunteer with the N’Amerind Friendship Centre through PBSC has been one of the highlights of my law school journey. After working with Indigenous accused clients, I have deepened my understanding of the complex and prevailing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous nations. Learning about each individual’s story through their Gladue reports further reinforced how vital it is to consider how this historical context has shaped each individual's nuanced circumstances, and how the legal system can ensure fair and just outcomes for Indigenous peoples. I am incredibly fortunate to have done this with my PBSC partner, Jake Collie, while receiving exceptional guidance and support from Gladue Writer Sara Spencer and our supervising lawyer, Isaac Heo. I am so lucky that I worked with such a dedicated, compassionate, and intelligent group of individuals. I will always be grateful to PBSC and the N’Amerind Friendship Centre for making this opportunity possible, as it was a privilege to have been a part of improving access to justice for Indigenous clients in London.”

-  Jenny (Jingyi) Chen




Sarah McPherson (she/her)

Osgoode Hall Law School

“Volunteering with Pro Bono Students Canada has been an incredibly rewarding experience. In my time with the Consumer Protection Legal Clinic, I have learned invaluable lessons about client service and access to justice. The Consumer Protection Legal Clinic offers legal assistance, education, and advocacy to individuals affected by consumer fraud. I have had the opportunity to support clients through very challenging times, while helping raise awareness about consumer rights. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my fellow volunteers and the supervising lawyers at Scocco Law Professional Corporation. It has been amazing to watch the clinic grow over the past two years, and I am so excited to see the volunteers continue to make a positive impact on the community.”




Audrey Wu (she/her)

University of Toronto Faculty of Law

“Volunteering with Citizens With Disabilities Ontario (CWDO) through PBSC to advocate for the rights of consumers of attendant services has been an incredibly meaningful experience. Working alongside dedicated advocates gave me the opportunity to reflect on how to apply my legal knowledge to advance a cause — something you don’t learn to do inside a classroom. I'm deeply grateful to Dianne Wintermute and Tracy Odell for their support and tireless advocacy. My time with the CWDO and the Alliance for Quality Attendant Services is an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my career.”




Waghma Ahmadzay (she/her)

Lincoln Alexander School of Law

"My time at PBSC has been transformative, offering invaluable opportunities for growth as a law student. Working with the Muslim Legal Support Centre (MLSC) and Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY) has been a privilege. These experiences allowed me to engage deeply with meaningful legal work, providing assistance to diverse communities while developing practical skills like client interaction, legal research, and advocacy. These experiences not only aligned with my values but also allowed me to challenge myself in ways that extended beyond the classroom. The opportunity to contribute to justice and equity while growing as a student and as an individual has been deeply fulfilling and will undoubtedly shape my future legal career."




Bobbie Alvernaz (she/her)

Queen’s University Faculty of Law

"Volunteering with PBSC over the past 3 years has been the most impactful experience of my law school education. As a 1L volunteer with the Pro Bono Radio project, I was motivated to discuss controversial and important topics, which led me to have an informed discussion with Professor Debra Haak about the legality of prostitution in Canada. The process of working with the wonderful PBSC staff and supervising lawyers to create my podcast inspired me to become the Project Lead for the following two years, where I was able to guide newer students through the process of creating their own content for the public. While guiding these mentees, I also was able to create two further podcasts, which focused on important cases for individuals considering lawsuits. Through my volunteer experience, I learned that digestible and informative legal education content is critical to guaranteeing that the legal profession remains accessible to the general public. It allows us to break the barriers to justice in Canada by keeping individuals informed about the legal implications of the modern world. Thank you PBSC!"




Justine Lemay (she/her)

University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (Civil Law)

“My pro bono experience was extremely rewarding, enabling me to develop a strong bond with my team members, who provided outstanding support throughout the project. I also had a chance to directly contribute to making a concrete and measurable impact on Jeunesse Idem, an organization that supports Outaouais youth in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Taking part in this project not only allowed me to apply my legal skills in a concrete framework, it also strengthened my commitment to defending this community’s rights. I hope that the tools we created will support many people and increase awareness about how important it is to keep working toward inclusion and equality.”




Mylène Woehrlé (she/her)

University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (Common Law)

"It has been a true privilege to collaborate with both the Catherine Street Hub and the City of Ottawa staff in providing this essential service to the city's most vulnerable. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development of this clinic, and I remain hopeful that its impact will continue to grow next year. Thank you to PBSC for providing a meaningful opportunity for social justice advocates within law school!"




Rayane Nahli (he/him)

McGill University Faculty of Law

 

“Through my involvement with PBSC, I had the privilege of developing and leading a project that’s near to my heart: giving concrete legal support to the families of children with cancer. Working in close collaboration with Leucan, we launched the JurieVie Project, which offers interactive legal support workshops and resources that are clear, accessible and tailored to the needs of the families concerned. Our initiative focused more specifically on legal issues relating to family law. We covered topics such as parental authority and custody of children during medical treatments, with a special emphasis on family mediation. We also made sure to inform parents about the tools and resources available to preserve family stability and harmony in often very difficult circumstances. A child‘s illness also affects family dynamics, putting parents at risk of having to navigate complex legal issues. Our team of law students from two faculties was committed to providing humane, empathetic and effective legal support so families could fully focus on what really mattered: their child’s well-being and recovery.” 




Sepideh Rasekh (she/her)

Université de Montréal

“Justice Pro Bono’s medical-legal partnership with the Parc-Extension CLSC was a catalyst for my commitment to social justice. This collaboration, combining law and health, allowed me to offer legal assistance to patients grappling with health-related legal problems. Seeing the positive impact the law had on the people we helped deepened my conviction that to be a lawyer is to be an agent of social change.”




Marie-Pascale Gagné (she/her)

Université du Québec à Montréal CRL Blog, Young Bar of Montreal


“My pro bono experience at the Young Bar of Montreal was very enriching. In writing articles for the research and legislation committee (CRL) blog, I was able to help the legal community stay up to date on recent case law, while having the opportunity to look into aspects of the law that were of particular interest to me. I am pleased to have been able to contribute to this platform, which helps speed up the work of legal professionals.”



Éric Chevrier (he/him/they/them)

Université de Sherbrooke

Consent Project in Schools, Université de Sherbrooke

“PBSC’s mission was a natural progression of my career change, as it made me feel that a law degree would allow me to make a real difference in the community. Our presentations on consent, cybercrime and discrimination in secondary schools attracted a lot of interest and reactions from young people, showing the importance of the projects and of volunteering. I had hesitated between studying teaching or law, because I am sensitive to the realities and vulnerability of adolescents.  I believe that giving these members of tomorrow's society an education, a positive influence and encounters with pivotal people can help them better transition to adulthood, thereby making the world a better place. By talking with the teaching staff, collaborating with very dedicated lawyers and addressing young people in more than 30 classrooms, I felt that my colleagues and I made a difference. As head of the project, I learned a great deal about team management and collaboration, but I especially loved how my colleagues and the partners interacted. The smiles, commitment, originality and transcendent humanity of these individuals made this project a great success, but above all, made justice more accessible. I am very proud to have had the chance to play a role in this project.”




Rosalie Caron (she/her)

Université Laval

“My experience as a Project Manager for Ressources-Naissances was one of collaboration and commitment. Working with a wonderful team of volunteers, we set out to explain in lay terms the rights of pregnant persons during pregnancy and childbirth. Together, our aim was to equip them with tools to navigate these pivotal moments with confidence and serenity. I am infinitely grateful to the organization for supporting our pro bono initiative, and to our lawyer supervisor for her willingness to defend the rights of the most vulnerable. This experience is a testament to the value of teamwork and the impact we can have on access to justice.”




Ceilidh Nora Feetham (she/her)

University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law

“In my view, the hands-on experience gained through volunteer and pro bono legal work like this is unparalleled by the typical law school curriculum. Over the past two years, my involvement in PBSC projects has allowed me to work alongside and learn from a group of brilliant, genuine, and passionate individuals who share a deep commitment to addressing pressing social and systemic issues in Canada. This year, working with Sexual Violence New Brunswick to create plain-language legal resources about sexual violence has been especially meaningful to me. The process of developing accessible, trauma-informed, and effective resources for survivors has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Naomi Pinno, my project partner, and Jessica Jones, the project coordinator, for their collaboration, dedication, and passion throughout this project. I am also deeply thankful to Julia Belanger, our chapter coordinator, for her mentorship from the moment I joined PBSC as a 1L. It has truly been a privilege and an honour to work alongside each of you.”




Rachelle LeBlanc (she/her)

University of Moncton

“I've been passionate about this type of volunteering since high school. As a first-year law student, I found it a privilege to volunteer at Harvest House Atlantic with PBSC. It allowed me to learn and work alongside individuals deeply committed to supporting people struggling with substance abuse, mental health and homelessness, and those working to rebuild their life. With this award, I hope to raise awareness of the incredible work Harvest House Atlantic is doing. I‘m very grateful!"

 
 
 

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