Elite Program Pathway for Law

August 16 - 17 | 5 - 7 p.m. | David R. Percy Student Lounge 

Are you a Black undergraduate or high school student who is interested in pursuing a career in law and in applying to law school? If yes, you are invited to register below for the ELITE Program Pathway for Law Summer 2023 Session!

The ELITE Pathway for Law series aims to demystify law school and connect aspiring Black law students with mentors. The two-day event includes an information session, tour of the building, networking reception and career panel featuring Black legal professionals.

Law School Info Session | August 16 | 5 - 7 p.m. | David R. Percy Student Lounge

Join us for an information session about the Faculty of Law, how to successfully apply to law school, admission requirements and financial support. A tour of the Law Centre will also be offered. Snacks and refreshments provided.

Careers in Law | August 17 | 5 - 7 p.m. | David R. Percy Student Lounge

Join us for a career panel moderated by Professor Ubaka Ogbogu and featuring panelists from the Black legal community in Edmonton including lawyers from different sectors and law students. Networking and community building events will follow. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Panelists

• Ubaka Ogbogu (moderator) is a Professor and the Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Law. He holds a doctorate in law from the University of Toronto, a Master of Laws degree from the University of Alberta and undergraduate degrees in law from the University of Benin, Nigeria and the Nigerian Law School. As a multidisciplinary scholar, his teaching and research activities explore and cut across various fields, including health law, bioethics, science policy, science and technology studies, public health, legal history and legal philosophy. 

 

• Claire Brown is a lawyer with the Government of Alberta. Claire earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, with specialization in Criminology, from MacEwan University in Edmonton and her Law degree from Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. She completed her articles with Engel Law Office in Edmonton and was admitted to the Bar as a member of the Law Society of Alberta in 2020. Claire became a lawyer because she wants to assist individuals who are in vulnerable positions, and she brings her diverse background and experiences to her legal practice. Claire has a wide range of legal experience, including in family law, criminal law, civil litigation, Charter litigation, and various administrative matters, including human rights complaints. Claire is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers Alberta Chapter and is passionate about advancing meaningful representation and inclusion in the legal field. When away from the office, Claire enjoys spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors, and reading autobiographies.

 

• 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. 

 

• Omolara Oladipo is a litigation attorney who carries on a varied civil litigation practice including one in the fields of administrative, environmental, municipal and occupational health & safety law. Prior to moving to Canada in 2001, Omolara carried on a general civil litigation practice in Nigeria and continues to be a member of the Nigerian Bar. She serves on the Canadian Bar Association, several boards of directors as well as hearing panels of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO, previously known as IIROC) in the Alberta District.

 

• Stephen Parker was born and raised in Edmonton. He spent 8 years at the University of Alberta while obtaining his Business degree in 2002 and Law degree in 2005. During that time, Stephen was also the MVP of the National Champion Golden Bears basketball team, the MVP of the CIS National Finals Basketball Tournament and the U of A Male Athlete of the Year. Following his time at the U of A, he practiced primarily in the area of intellectual property law in Edmonton at national and international firms for a roughly decade before joining Saskatchewan Government Insurance to lead its regional legal team for Alberta & BC. Stephen has appeared at all levels of court in Alberta in addition to the Copyright Board of Canada and in Federal proceedings. He also ‘held court’ as an inaugural member of the Edmonton Chill professional basketball team while also maintaining a legal practice. In addition, he has remained involved in the community having been a member of the Board of Directors for Edmonton Northlands for several years before its dissolution. Stephen has also been a presenter, keynote speaker and award recipient at events hosted by the National Black Coalition of Canada.

 

• Kayla Lee Pong is entering her third year of the combined JD/MBA program at the University of Alberta. Prior to law school, Kayla worked in various areas including program coordination for a non-profit, administration in a medical clinic, and as a sales associate- a role she has continued to occupy while studying. Outside of school and work, Kayla loves taking fitness classes and spending time with loved ones.