Elizabeth Whitsitt began her journey in law almost 20 years ago when she received her degree from the University of Calgary in 2004. Since then, Dr. Whitsitt, PhD'17, LLB'07, has built her professional career, from teaching seasonally for the Faculty of Law to becoming a member of Canada's roster for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Chapter 10 panel.
As part of her most recent accomplishments, on Oct. 7, Whitsitt was appointed by the federal government of Canada as a member of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) for a five-year term, becoming the first full-time academic outside the national capital region to be appointed.
Elizabeth Whitsitt // Photo Credit: Faculty of Law
Whitsitt has been an associate professor with UCalgary's Faculty of Law for almost 13 years, establishing herself as an invaluable member of the university community. "Her new role is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the Faculty of Law and the University of Calgary," says Dr. Evaristus Oshionebo, PhD, interim dean of the Faculty of Law.
A new milestone
In her new role with the CITT, Whitsitt will support the federal government's objective of a fair and secure Canadian marketplace by providing Canadian and international businesses access to fair, transparent and timely adjudication of trade and tariff matters.
"It's a tremendous honour and privilege to be given a responsibility like that, and I think to be in service of the public is something that I find very compelling and meaningful in my life," says Whitsitt, reflecting on the significance of her appointment.
Whitsitt is keen to learn from her colleagues and use her existing knowledge practically.
"I'm looking forward to being in a position where I have the privilege of hearing a dispute before me and have that entrusted in me to make a decision."
Reflecting on the journey
Over the past five years as an associate professor, Whitsitt served as the director and chair of the Mooting and Debating Committee, a program that offers students the opportunity to develop their written and oral advocacy skills by participating in mock court competitions that focus on various areas of law.
Having been a mooter herself as a student at UCalgary, Whitsitt describes the program as essential for the faculty's curriculum. It teaches students fundamental skills through a diverse suite of mooting opportunities.
"I participated as a student and that's really where my passion for law came from. I have also coached teams for different competitions, and it's been some of the best memories I have."
For Whitsitt, working on this initiative has been an opportunity to reflect on and explore what truly defines a great decision-maker and legal thinker.
Additionally, her time as a professor has been a rewarding chapter in her career. It has encouraged her to address topics of interest relevant to trade and investment law, which is what her research is focused on.
Whitsitt's professional journey has been full of unexpected twists and turns. She credits her success to staying open to opportunities and having the courage to take risks. "There were certainly painful moments in my career, but I just had to keep going," she reflects. "Resilience is a muscle you have to learn to exercise."
Her fellow colleagues and students are thrilled for Whitsitt and her upcoming five-year term as a member of the CITT.
"This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Professor Whitsitt's integrity, dedication and expertise in the field of international trade and investment law," says Oshionebo.
