Stewart McKelvey, Atlantic Canada's largest law firm, announced on May 1, the 35th anniversary of the firm, a substantial donation of $1.5 million to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Law School - $1 million from Stewart McKelvey, supported by an additional $500,000 from the firm's Partners and Associates.
Part of the ambitious "Where Leaders Are Made" campaign, this contribution will fund the new Legal Observatory at UNB Law, demonstrating the firm's commitment to helping UNB achieve their goal of becoming Canada's most innovative experiential learning law school, and to the growth and development of the legal profession and the practise of law in Atlantic Canada.
"Stewart McKelvey is proud of its roots in Atlantic Canada," said Lydia Bugden, K.C., CEO and managing partner, who is also campaign co-chair and a UNB alumnus. "This contribution, and more importantly, this partnership, reflects our firm's belief in the transformative power of experiential learning in legal education. A law school that is strongly connected to the legal community creates lasting benefits for students, practitioners and society as a whole. Today also marks our firm's 35th anniversary, and moments like this reaffirm our commitment to honouring our legacy of investing in the future of legal education and excellence."
The faculty of law at UNB has a strong reputation for being student-centered, with graduates holding esteemed roles as Supreme Court justices, federal and provincial premiers and cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and numerous senior executives in the public and private sectors. Providing a legal education centered on dedication to fundamental principles and skills, UNB is known for producing graduates who have a commitment to strong legal practice, but who also demonstrate leadership in the profession and their communities.
"This remarkable investment in UNB Law will build upon Stewart McKelvey and UNB's twin legacies of excellence ensuring that we continue to produce outstanding leaders who will confront society's toughest challenges," said Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB's president and vice chancellor.
The contribution was formally announced at an event in Fredericton on May 1, and it represents Stewart McKelvey's commitment to innovation, investment in the practise of law and commitment to the skills and talents here in Atlantic Canada. The Where Leaders Are Made campaign consists of four pillars:
Student support: Needs-based scholarships to ensure every qualified student has access to a UNB Law legal education.
Classroom experience: Upgrading learning spaces with modern, accessible classrooms and cutting-edge technology.
Experiential learning: Expanding hands-on training through the Legal Clinic, internships, and the Legal Observatory.
Research addressing societal challenges: Promoting and expanding interdisciplinary research and introducing a master of studies in law degree.
About Stewart McKelvey
Celebrating our 35th year as a regional firm, Stewart McKelvey is one of Canada's 20 largest law firms, with six offices across the four Atlantic provinces.
We are a full-service law firm, providing the calibre of legal services expected from a national firm, with an agile and tailored approach. Our experienced team of lawyers and advisors provides clients with the best results by thinking forward. We provide valued legal counsel and the innovative solutions clients need to solve their challenges now and in the future, with a commitment to being leaders in the practise of law, earning our clients' trust, and meeting their needs through the relationships we build and the services we deliver.
