Elite Program Pathway for Law

Friday, March 28, 4 - 6pm MST; Saturday, March 29, 11am - 3pm MST | David R. Percy Student Lounge 

Are you a Black undergraduate, graduate, or high school student who is interested in applying to law school and pursuing a career in law? If yes, you are invited to register below for the 2025 ELITE Pathway for Law Symposium!

The ELITE Pathway for Law (EPL) program is a two-day event that is designed to help address the underrepresentation of Black students in the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta and to build connections between the Faculty and the Black community in Edmonton and beyond. Activities include community building and networking opportunities, information sessions (about the Faculty of Law, admissions requirements, bursaries and scholarships), a keynote address and a career panel.

The ELITE Pathway for Law (EPL) program is an extension of the Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth. The ELITE Program for Black Youth is a highly successful skills training and community building program that pairs Black high school and undergraduate students with researchers and industry partners for paid summer internships focusing on the STEM fields and the innovation/technology space. You can learn more about the program here.

The 2025 Pathway for Law symposium is a collaboration between the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, EPL, and the Black Future Lawyers University of Alberta Chapter. It is sponsored by the Canadian Bar Association.

Location Details

Address: Law Centre, 111 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Law School Information Session | March 28 | 4 - 6PM MST | Virtual

Day 1 will feature a virtual information session about the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, how to increase your chances of getting into law school, admission requirements, LSAT requirements, bursaries and scholarships, and personal statement tips.

Careers In Law | March 29 | 11AM - 3PM MST | David R. Percy Student Lounge, 1st Floor of Law Centre

Day 2 will feature a tour of the Law Centre, a keynote address, and a Career Panel moderated by the Black Future Lawyers Chapter and featuring panelists from the Black legal community in Alberta. You will also get a chance to hear about the faculty’s plans to increase Black representation and support Black students enrolled in law school. Formal and informal networking and community-building opportunities will be spread throughout the day.

Panelists

• Kene Ilochonwu (Keynote Speaker)

  Kene is an internationally trained lawyer born and raised in Nigeria. He obtained his law degree from Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian Bar. He subsequently obtained a Master of Laws degree (LL.M) from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow before relocating to Calgary in 2007. Kene worked as a supply chain professional for oil and gas majors in Fort McMurray and Calgary for several years.

  He was called to the Alberta Bar in 2017. In 2020, he was elected a Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta, becoming the first Black Bencher in its 113-year history.

  Kene understands the value of giving back and is deeply involved in volunteering for various causes in the community. He was also recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada for 2021, by Canadian Lawyer magazine.

  In 2022, Kene was appointed His Majesty’s Counsel, learned in the law, for the Province of Alberta (King’s Counsel). He won the 2022 Immigrants of Distinction Leadership and Diversity Award; Awarded the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Medal for significant contributions to the community and the Province of Alberta, the Alberta Newcomer Recognition (Career and Academics Contribution) Award in 2023, and was profiled by Airdrielife Magazine as one of the10 Airdrie Men We Admire for 2023. He is also an Assistant Professor teaching Business Law at Brookes College; and serves as a mentor to internationally trained lawyers through Global Lawyers of Canada.

• Wendy Moody

  Wendy is the co-leader and partner of Dentons' Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. She practices in the area of complex litigation involving civil matters and professional liability. Her practice includes handling claims dealing with catastrophic motor vehicle accident and property losses, product liability, occupiers’ liability, life and disability matters, coverage claims under commercial liability, motor vehicle and homeowners policies and subrogation. Wendy also has experience in commercial disputes. She has appeared before the Court of Appeal, Court of King's Bench, and Provincial Court of Alberta. Wendy has also effectively resolved many cases through private mediation.

• Mosi Taylor-Cole

  Mosi is a lawyer working at the Law Society of Alberta in the Conduct department. This is a new venture for Mosi as he practiced family law for 7 years. Looking to expand his horizons within the legal profession, Mosi closed his solo practice and began working at the Law Society in August of 2023.

  Mosi graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2009 with a degree in Human Resource Management and Labour Relations. Upon graduation he worked as a recruiter for a global staffing agency. Always wanting to be a lawyer, Mosi then attended law school at the University of Leicester in England, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws in 2013.

  Giving back to the community through volunteering is very important to Mosi. He is the President of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) - Alberta Chapter. He is a mentor for black youth through the Rotary Club Stay in School Program, and the Co-Chair of the Editorial Committee for the Canadian Bar Association – Alberta Branch. Mosi also occasionally appears as a contributor on the CBC Calgary Morning Show (The Eyeopener) on the Unconventional Panel.

• Godwin Dzah

  Godwin Dzah is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Alberta. He holds a doctorate in law from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School. He also received law and political science degrees from the University of Ghana, and a qualifying certificate in law from the Ghana School of Law. His teaching and research interests include environmental and climate law, international law, energy law, law of the sea and ocean governance, and critical approaches to law.

• Mickayla McNaught

  Mickayla McNaught is a first-year law student (1L) at the University of Alberta with a keen interest in criminal law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from MacEwan University, where she also completed double minors in Business Law and Psychology—an academic combination that reflects her interdisciplinary approach to understanding legal systems and human behaviour.

  Outside of law school, Mickayla enjoys traveling and immersing herself in new cultures, perfecting intricate nail art designs, and creating specialty coffee creations. An avid reader, she especially enjoys young adult novels that offer compelling narratives and fresh perspectives.

  With a strong drive for advocacy and a commitment to lifelong learning, Mickayla is eager to use her legal education to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a more just society.

• Lucy Abatai (Moderator)

  Lucy Abatai is the co-founder of Black Future Lawyers UAlberta and graduated from the UofA with a BSc in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She currently works in economic policy as a policy analyst and has previously contributed to key initiatives advancing access to justice in Alberta. With aspirations to further her legal studies, she is passionate about using the law to empower marginalized communities and create a more just and equitable society.

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When does the event start?

Friday, March 28th virtual programming will begin at 4 PM and end at 6 PM.

Saturday, March 29th in person event will begin with registration at 10:30 AM - 11 AM. Followed by formal programming from 11 AM - 3 PM.

Who Can Attend

High school students, university students, and university graduates are encouraged to attend the symposium. Parents are also invited.

The Day 1 virtual session is pitched at current university students intending to apply to law school in the next few years.

High school students and their parents are encouraged to join the Day 2 in-person session, as the programming will be applicable to their future academic plans.

Where is the Law Centre located?

The Law Centre is located on 111 89 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H5. There is also parking right out front of the Law Centre for those who need.