Our Summer Students

Aidan recently completed his first year at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. At law school, he worked as a junior editor for the Windsor Law Review and participated in several moots, including the Transnational Windsor Law-Detroit Mercy Moot. Aidan graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University with a major in Political Science and a minor in History. He played varsity rugby for both Queen’s and the University of Sheffield, where he studied during his semester abroad. Prior to law school, Aidan worked as a project manager for several years at a development company where he led several construction projects in Toronto. Outside of school and work, Aidan is a musician and an avid adventure traveller. He loves to backcountry ski, technical wreck dive, surf, hike, trek, play guitar, weight train and play amateur rugby. Aidan also volunteers his time as rugby coach at a local high school. 

Reem summered at the firm in 2023. She recently completed her second year at Queen’s University Faculty of Law. Prior to law school, Reem completed an Honours Bachelor of Science degree at Queen’s University (Psychology with a minor in Life Sciences). Reem graduated with the Medal in Psychology, and her undergraduate thesis was recognized as the top entry in Psychology across North America by the Global Undergraduate Awards. In her first year of law school, Reem attained an academic standing that placed her in the top 10% of her class and on the Dean’s Honour List. She volunteered as a Logistics Coordinator with the Queen’s Disability and Mental Health Law Club. In her second year of law school, Reem was a Student Caseworker at the Queen’s Elder Law Clinic and served as Vice-President – Communications of the Queen’s First Generation Network. She was also a tutor and mentor for first-year law students and undergraduate students interested in law. In her free time, Reem enjoys going on hikes, baking cookies and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Keira summered at the firm in 2023. She recently completed her second year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Before law school, Keira earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Sociology major and a Psychology minor at Mount Royal University. During this time, she consistently earned a place on the President's List for academic excellence and received numerous scholarships and bursaries for her academic merit. She was also actively involved in the student community, serving as the Vice President of the Art Club. Throughout law school, Keira served on the executive of the Black Law Students' Association, University of Toronto Chapter – first as Vice President, Communications & Social Media, then as Vice President, Finance. During her second year of law school, she served as a full-time caseworker through a semester-long externship at Downtown Legal Services, a legal aid clinic affiliated with the University of Toronto. Throughout her academic career, Keira has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping others. She has volunteered with organizations such as Pro Bono Students Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Law in Action Within Schools and Black Future Lawyers. In her free time, Keira enjoys gaming, art and spending time with her friends.

Luke recently completed his second year at Osgoode Hall Law School. During his first two years of law school, he worked as a research assistant for a professor specializing in International Taxation and participated as an oralist on the Osgoode Team for the Bowman National Tax Moot. Prior to attending Osgoode Hall Law School, Luke’s pursuits led him to diverse experiences around the world. He worked as an assistant professor at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, where he taught various classes focusing on globalization and social inequality. Luke also worked as a research associate at Purdue University in the United States, leading a research team that conducted the first national survey of Chinese scholars studying and working in the United States. The resulting research was covered by international news outlets, and the survey data have been widely cited and used in other academic research. Luke holds a Bachelor of Economics from Tianjin University of Science and Technology, a Master of Arts from Beijing Normal University, a Master of Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a PhD from the University of Oklahoma. Luke’s scholarly work has appeared in peer-reviewed academic journals, such as Social Science Research and the European Journal of Population. Passionate about exploring diverse cultures, Luke has had the opportunity to visit multiple countries in the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia. In his free time, he enjoys camping, spending time with his two corgis and nurturing his collection of plants.

Nancy summered at the firm in 2023. She recently completed her third year in the JD/MBA program at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and Rotman School of Management. At law school, Nancy served as a Working Group Leader for the Future of Law Lab in collaboration with Mount Sinai Hospital, as well as an associate editor at the University of Toronto Law Review and Critical Analysis of the Law. She is also a peer mental health mentor for new law students. Previously, Nancy studied biochemistry at McMaster University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours, with Distinction). While at McMaster University, Nancy was actively involved in evolutionary microbiology research culminating in publications in the International Journal for Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology and Systematic and Applied Microbiology Journal. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Nancy worked closely with a sole practitioner to prepare for a trademark case before the Federal Court of Canada. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys running, crocheting and trying to bake the perfect pound cake. 

Hayden summered at the firm in 2023. He recently completed his second year at Osgoode Hall Law School. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, where he graduated with High Distinction. Hayden attended Rotman as a TD Canada Trust National Scholar in recognition of his community service and academic pursuits. While at Rotman, Hayden was selected as the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Pride Alliance. In this role, Hayden organized Rotman’s first industry mentorship program for queer students, launched in partnership with a major Canadian financial institution. Hayden also spent three summers at TD Bank, gaining a breadth of experience in Financial Services across various roles, including as a Customer Experience Associate at the King and Bay branch, a Summer Analyst in the Office of the Chief Data Officer, and a Summer Associate on the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black Customer Segment Strategy for Retail, Wealth, and Business Banking. At Osgoode, Hayden volunteers as a Senior Editor with the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and as the Director of External Relations with the Osgoode Business Law Society. In his spare time, Hayden enjoys travelling to new destinations with his family and friends, playing squash and watching historical and contemporary docuseries.

Taylor summered at the firm in 2023. She recently completed her second year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. In her second year of study, Taylor served as the President of the Women and the Law club, as Vice President of Social for the Business Law Society, and as a mentor to first year students. She was also elected as second year class representative for the Students Law Society. In that role, Taylor planned the school’s annual Law Ball and ran the school’s weekly trivia competition. Prior to law school, Taylor obtained her Honours Business Administration degree from the Ivey Business School at Western University, where she graduated with distinction. During her first two years of undergraduate study, Taylor studied economics and won an award for a paper she wrote on the economics of Canada’s healthcare system. While at Ivey, Taylor was elected as section President in her first year and as Vice President of Student Events in her second year. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Taylor spent a summer at a boutique civil/commercial litigation firm and two summers at Canaccord Genuity, a financial services firm. Outside of school and work, Taylor enjoys baking, skiing, golfing and travelling.

Zac summered at the firm in 2023. He recently completed his second year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. He obtained his Honours Business Administration degree from the Ivey Business School at Western University, where he graduated with Distinction. Before joining Aird & Berlis, Zac worked at MNP LLP, providing accounting and financial advisory services to a wide range of clients, including Indigenous bands and small businesses. He also spent a summer with Gluskin Sheff supporting equity research and the onboarding of Onex funds. While at Western, Zac served as the Vice President of Finance for several clubs, including the Ivey Accounting Club, Hillel and the Vegan Society. At the University of Toronto, Zac served as the Vice President of Finance for the Business Law Society, where he organized case competitions and panel discussions. Zac is also a leader of the Robo-Advisor Working Group at the University of Toronto’s Future of Law Lab, where he wrote a report for a securities regulator. In his spare time, Zac enjoys waterskiing and playing on his law school hockey team. 

Deborah recently completed her first year at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Throughout her first year, she actively participated in the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) and served on the Advocacy Committee for the Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s Chapter of BLSA. Deborah also served as a case worker at the school’s Pardons Clinic. These experiences ignited Deborah's passion for equitable access to justice, diligent representation and compassionate client care. Before law school, Deborah earned an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree at Queen’s University. Throughout her time at Queen’s, she was on the Dean’s List for her academic achievements. Deborah is deeply invested in local community initiatives. Among other things, she oversees the financial operations of a charity supporting marginalized communities. In her downtime, Deborah cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends.

Aaron summered at the firm in 2023. After a year at Queen’s, Aaron transferred to Osgoode Hall Law School, where he recently completed his second year. He obtained an Honours in Business Administration at the Ivey Business School at Western University. During his time at Queen’s Law, Aaron served on the executive board of the Queen’s M&A Association, facilitating practical education about M&A transactions. This past year, Aaron volunteered at Artist Legal Advice Services, a legal clinic dedicated to empowering artists, working with law students from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and Osgoode Hall Law School, under the supervision of experienced entertainment and intellectual property lawyers. Before law school, Aaron interned at a Canadian film distribution company, facilitating due diligence for its acquisition. During his undergraduate studies, Aaron co-founded a boutique agency that specialized in marketing and promotion strategy for clients across various industries (including entertainment, fashion, fitness, hospitality and home improvement). Beyond Aaron’s professional endeavours, he finds joy in music, playing both the piano and guitar. He is an avid concert-goer, a passionate cook and an adventurous traveler.

George obtained his Bachelor of Law degree with distinction from Igbinedion University in Nigeria, where he received the Dean’s Prize for Academic Achievement. During school, George served in a leadership role in the Law Students Association. George practiced law in Nigeria for four years. He served as the in-house lawyer at a prominent real estate and construction company in Nigeria, where he specialized in Corporate/Commercial Law and Real Estate Law. In this role, he managed all aspects of the company’s real estate transactions, and oversaw the company’s corporate governance, corporate compliance, transactional support, and dispute resolution matters. Upon moving to Canada, George obtained an Ontario Post Graduate Certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Humber College. He also obtained his Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation upon completing his Canadian equivalency exams. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis as a summer student, George was a Legal Assistant (Floater), where he supported various lawyers in the Corporate/Commercial and Tax practice groups. Outside of work, George enjoys playing soccer, practicing kickboxing, playing video games, and exploring new restaurants and bars.

Daniel completed his second year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law after transferring from Osgoode Hall Law School. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, where he specialized in Finance and Economics. Throughout his studies, Daniel has volunteered in various ways for his community. At church, he teaches Sunday School to children who are between the ages of six and fifteen. In 2019, Daniel served as the business administration intern for Pride Toronto. In addition to his volunteer work, Daniel also manages a company, Luv&Love, which strives to promote inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community within Christian circles. At law school, Daniel serves as an associate editor of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law Review. He is also a research assistant to Professor Margaret Boittin. As a research assistant, Daniel has helped Professor Boittin with redesigning her first year Property Law class. Outside of work and school, Daniel enjoys playing video games from a variety of genres with a particular fondness for strategy games.

Helen recently completed her first year at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. During this time, she served as the first year representative for the Asian Law Students' Society and worked with Pro Bono Students Canada to create an access to justice toolkit for newly-immigrated families to address discrimination issues faced by their children at school. Helen is also a founding member of the Korean Law Students' Society at her law school and currently serves on the Student Committee of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers. Previously, Helen studied International Studies and Psychology at Ewha Woman’s University in her home country of South Korea. At Ewha, she was the student president of Scranton College and Division of International Studies. Upon graduation, Helen worked as a paralegal at a top Korean law firm and a multinational US law firm, where she served a wide range of clients from major global corporations to local startups. She also gained experience in a variety of areas, such as international arbitration, technology, North Korean sanctions, pharmaceuticals and general corporate matters. Outside of law, Helen has a goal of starting a band, as she loves to sing and play instruments. During her free time, she enjoys exploring new grocery stores and hosting friends for dinner.

Jordan summered at the firm in 2023. He recently completed his second year of the JD/MBA program at Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business. He attended St. Lawrence University on an NCAA tennis scholarship, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts (majors in Economics and English Literature) and graduating magna cum laude. Jordan began his tennis career at St. Lawrence as a starter on the school’s team and was the team’s captain during his third and fourth years. During his undergraduate studies, Jordan interned as an analyst at Morgan Stanley and CIBC. In law school, Jordan has served as a co-director of Sports Law for Osgoode’s Entertainment and Sports Law Association, and as a Senior Caseworker for the Osgoode Business Clinic. He also worked as a Teaching Assistant at Schulich for a first-year undergraduate Introduction to Business course. At Osgoode, Jordan was a research assistant for two professors on corporate governance and securities law matters. He also conducted research for Ecojustice, preparing an extensive research report analyzing “greenwashing” in Canada by large investment funds. In March 2023, Jordan won the National Hockey Arbitration Competition of Canada, competing against teams from across the country. In his free time, Jordan loves playing sports, especially tennis, hockey and golf, and is an avid supporter of Toronto’s sports teams. 

Alyssa summered at the firm in 2023. She recently completed her third year of the JD/MES program at Osgoode Hall Law School and the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University. In connection with her research proposal for her Masters program, Alyssa was awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from York University, where she graduated summa cum laude. During her undergraduate studies, Alyssa led multiple clubs, including the Italian Students’ Association, and worked as a Peer Mentor Coordinator. In addition, Alyssa participated in various committees for the Faculty, including the Equity Committee, the Faculty Council and the Inclusion Group. Alyssa was awarded the Murray G. Ross Award for community leadership and academic achievement, and several other scholarships recognizing her commitment to her studies and the community. During law school, Alyssa served in leadership roles for several student clubs, including the Environmental Law Society, Legal Entrepreneur Society, and Corporate Governance Society. In the fall of 2023, Alyssa participated in the Osgoode Business Clinic, providing assistance to entrepreneurs. In fall of 2024, she will serve as a caseworker at the Investor Protection Clinic, and will begin her term as Co-President of the Canadian Italian Association of Osgoode. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Alyssa worked at a collision repair franchise, helping establish its environmental, social and governance policies. Apart from work and school, Alyssa enjoys working out and spending time with her family and her dog Angel. 

Emily recently completed her fifth year in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce and Juris Doctor dual program in the French Common Law section at the University of Ottawa. During her legal studies, Emily received the Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Prize (for the highest grade in Business Organizations) and the Scotiabank Scholarship for International Studies in Common Law. Before joining Aird & Berlis, she gained valuable experience working at the Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. During law school, she served as a teaching assistant for the first-year Dispute Resolution course and held research assistant positions in the areas of corporate and technology law. In 2023, Emily wrote a research paper on "The Appropriate Remedies to Address Discrimination in First Nations Police Services", which was selected by the Ottawa Law Review for presentation at its annual Research Colloquium. Emily is committed to supporting her community. She has served as the President of the University of Ottawa's Business Law Society, President of the University of Ottawa's Tamil Students' Union, and Vice-President of Events for the Tax Law Society. She was also recently elected to the Senior Board of the Ottawa Law Review, where she will serve as the French Submissions Manager. In her free time, Emily enjoys swimming and dancing.

Sonali recently completed her first year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. At law school, she serves on the boards of the Business Law Society and the Women and the Law club, where she organizes events that highlight experiences of lawyers from diverse backgrounds. She also serves as the Editorial Manager of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law Review. Sonali was invited to be a Junior Fellow at Massey College, an intellectual community that fosters cross-disciplinary thought and dialogue. During her first year of law school, she conducted research in the AI and law sector, serving as a working group member of the Future of Law Lab and as a research assistant to Professor Abdi Aidid. Next year, she will take on the role of Co-President of the Privacy and Cyber Security Law Group. Prior to law school, Sonali obtained a PhD in French literature at Princeton University, where her doctoral dissertation focused on humour in postcolonial cultural productions of the Francophone world. She has created and taught French language and literature courses at the university level. Sonali is fluent in English, French, Kannada, Tamil, Hindi and Spanish, and has a working knowledge of Gujarati and Arabic. She is an avid dessert-maker and enjoys watching French and English stand-up comedy.

Henry summered at the firm in 2023. He recently completed his second year at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he received the Honourable William G.C. Howland Award of Excellence and the Navi Pillay International Law Award. This past semester, Henry lived in London, England and worked with barrister Paul Kingsley Clark of the Garden Court Chambers as a student caseworker. In this role, Henry worked on international legal matters involving the European Convention on Human Rights and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. During his second year of law school, Henry served as Co-Chair of the Osgoode Hall Korean Law Students’ Association. In his first year of law school, Henry served as an associate editor at the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and a caseworker at the Community Legal Aid Services Program. Prior to law school, Henry earned his Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of Oxford and his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with High Distinction from the University of Toronto. In his Master’s Dissertation, Henry explored the legal, political and social implications of artificial intelligence through a case study about AI surveillance robots in Singapore. At Oxford, Henry was a starting forward on the Varsity Blues Ice Hockey team, leading his team in points and finishing in the top five in points at the UK National University Championships. For his contributions to the team, Henry was awarded a Full Blue, Oxford’s top student-athlete award. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Henry played Junior "A" ice hockey in British Columbia, worked in Seoul at a full-service corporate law firm and a PR consulting firm, in London, England for a professional association, and in various research roles at the University of Toronto. Outside of work, Henry enjoys participating in run clubs and listening to music at jazz bars.

Michelle recently completed her third year of the JD/MBA program at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and Rotman School of Management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University. Michelle is part of the Creative Destruction Lab at Rotman, where she works closely with emerging companies to help them commercialize their technological innovations. She has assisted startups in developing financial models, evaluating potential markets, and refining their intellectual property strategies. During her studies, she also held a position as a Product Marketing Intern at a legal technology startup that is developing an AI-powered legal research tool. Prior to law school, Michelle spent four years working as an Employment Standards Officer at the Ontario Ministry of Labour. In her role, Michelle worked with employers and employees to enforce Ontario workplace legislation and mediate employment disputes. Additionally, Michelle committed her time at the Ministry to engaging with the community and educating vulnerable workers about their employment rights. Beyond school and work, Michelle enjoys rock climbing, practicing yoga and collecting rare houseplants.

Ella recently completed her first year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. During this time, Ella served as the 1L Executive on the Criminal Law Students’ Association and participated in the Hamish Stewart Cup, a criminal and constitutional law moot for first year students. Ella also volunteered as an intake committee member at Downtown Legal Services (a legal aid clinic affiliated with the University of Toronto) and conducted research for the clinic’s Refugee and Immigration Division. Prior to law school, Ella obtained her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with a minor in political studies at Queen’s University, where she graduated with Distinction. At Queen’s, Ella was the Co-President of Queen’s Correctional Services Volunteers. She led a team of 25 students working with federal inmates (including those in isolation units) at Millhaven’s maximum security prison, conducting skills-building workshops and assisting in rehabilitation efforts. Ella was also a general member of Queen’s Feminist Leadership in Politics and the Queen’s Chapter of Women in International Security. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Ella worked as an Account Associate at a full-service financial marketing agency, nurturing client relationships and coordinating multiple projects. She also worked as a Project Management Intern at a contact center. Outside of work and school, Ella enjoys baking cheesecake, hiking and boxing.

Blair recently completed her first year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. In her first year of study, she served as the Vice President of Sponsorship for the Women and the Law club, participated in the Hamish Stewart Cup Moot (a criminal and constitutional law moot) and volunteered as a student caseworker at Downtown Legal Services, a legal aid clinic affiliated with the University of Toronto. Blair obtained her Honours Business Administration degree from the Ivey Business School at Western University, where she graduated with Distinction. At Ivey, Blair was elected as Vice President of Communications for Ivey’s student government and served as Vice President of Events for the Ivey Law Club. During her undergraduate program, she published a political theory research paper on the philosophies of punishment and co-authored an organizational behaviour case study for Ivey’s Executive MBA program. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Blair spent summers working at a full-service law firm based in Barrie and coaching at a wakeboarding school in Muskoka. In her free time, Blair loves to waterski, golf and play tennis. She also enjoys caring for her hive of bees and making honey with her family. 

Jacob recently completed his second year of the JD/HBA dual degree program at Western University’s Faculty of Law and Ivey Business School. This past summer, Jacob worked as a legal intern for the Canadian Olympic Committee during their preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Most notably, he co-authored a compliance guideline for Canada’s Abuse Free Sport program which was distributed to over 90 National Sport Organizations across the country. At Ivey, Jacob served as Vice President of the Sports and Entertainment Business Club and hosted various panel discussions with industry professionals from Disney, Entertainment One and Corus Entertainment. At Western Law, Jacob served as Director of the Entertainment and Law Sports Association where he planned and judged this year’s Entertainment Negotiation and Hockey Arbitration competitions. Jacob also served as Vice President of the Ivey Law Club. In this role, Jacob oversaw the club’s mentorship program for prospective dual degree students. Beyond the classroom, Jacob was elected as Chair of Philanthropy and Vice President of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity. This upcoming fall semester, Jacob will be studying abroad and furthering his legal education at the University of Copenhagen. In his free time, Jacob enjoys playing and watching football, hockey and basketball, deepening his knowledge of all things film, and dominating his family in Boggle. 

Anni recently completed her first year at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to attending law school, Anni obtained her Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, majoring in actuarial science, and worked as a life insurance actuary at Manulife for over a decade. Anni built her career through various rotations in pricing, valuation, risk management and oversight roles, and received recognition for her collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence. During her time at Manulife, she was also actively involved in committees and initiatives related to recruitment and communication. She served as a mentor for junior actuarial staff, providing guidance and support as they navigated their professional journeys. After a decade of dedication to finance, Anni decided to pursue a career in law. During her first year of law school, she served as an associate editor for the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and will be joining the law journal as a senior editor next year. When she is not working or studying, Anni enjoys relaxing hobbies like knitting, hiking and gardening.