Emma Walsh (BA '19) recently earned top honours at the Exchequer Cup at the Federal Courts. The STU grad, who is now a Judicial Law Clerk with the Federal Court of Appeal, was named the top oralist at the competition after she and her co-counsel won the cup, besting the other Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal law clerks.
The Exchequer Cup is a moot court competition organized for law clerks at the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, judged by judges and lawyers.
This achievement was a significant milestone for Walsh, as it demonstrated her ability to apply the skills she gained at STU to her law career.
"I only realized my passion for law through Moot Court at STU and have been pursuing a career in litigation ever since. It was really affirming to be recognized as top oralist by highly experienced judges who see advocacy from lawyers across the country," she said.
"Mooting and taking classes at STU helped me develop the necessary skillset for the legal profession, like strong writing and synthesis skills."
Dr. Amanda DiPaolo, Human Rights Professor and STU Moot Court Program Director, described Walsh as one of the most impressive STUdents she's had the pleasure of teaching and coaching.
"I was not at all surprised to learn she was clerking for the federal court of appeal and was even less surprised to hear she won the Exchequer Cup. She is a phenomenal talent. I have a feeling we may see Emma Walsh appointing to the bench herself. She'd make a great judge someday," she said.
Academic Experience
Walsh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in Human Rights and Political Science from STU, which she describes as the foundational building blocks of her career.
"My education at STU set me up for success in everything since graduation. STU's unique Human Rights program taught me a lot about Canadian and international law early in my academic career, which made the transition to law school easier," she said.
Walsh later received an award for her performance in international law at McGill University (BCL/JD '22).
STU Moot Court
As a STUdent, Walsh actively participated in Moot Court, nurturing her skills and confidence.
"STU Moot taught me how to learn and prepared me to be adaptable. I was always learning new legal areas, be it American constitutional law or international human rights law," she said.
She also commended STU's small class sizes, which allowed her to form deep connections with professors who supported her law school applications.
For Walsh, one of the most unexpected benefits from her time at STU is the "unmatched professional network."
"My STU Moot teammates have gone on to do exceptional things, many in law. I'm glad I can call on them for advice and am equally happy to mentor them. I feel privileged to call many of them close friends to this day. My former STU Moot partner actually helped me prepare for the Exchequer Cup."
