I’m from Ontario and could have gone to school anywhere, but McGill was my top choice because of its reputation in Canada and internationally. I originally wanted to be a diplomat. I had studied economics as an undergrad and I wanted to see the world, but a career in law also offered that.
I was very impressed by the calibre of the professors at McGill. I always thought they were excellent and really looked up to them. They cared about the law and legal education. These were people who could have done anything but who chose to teach and were very dedicated to teaching. Some of them, like Irwin Cotler, had very impressive side careers and they all seemed to be engaged in the broader community. I really enjoyed learning from Rod McDonald who seemed a bit larger than life in terms of personality and intellect. He had an unorthodox way of thinking and really challenged his students. I still look back and think how lucky I was to study with professors like that.
The calibre of students at McGill was also very high, and being surrounded by them was motivating, challenging, and intimidating at the same time. You come out of it feeling that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. I don’t think I’d ever found myself in a situation where I was around people who were so keyed into what they wanted to do. I got the sense that I was there for a reason, that I was fortunate to be around these students, and I wanted to try to do my best to bring the level up.
There is something magical about being in Montreal, especially when you’re from a smaller town like Kingston. It’s a very cosmopolitan city and you feel like you’re in a place that’s happening. I tried to embrace the city and experience it for what it was. I lived outside of the McGill student area so I got to know the city well. When I go back, I am reminded of how fortunate I was to be there. I always advise people to go to McGill because they will find themselves enriched by the experience.
One regret I have is not getting involved in campus life as a student. I hope that people going to law school now will get more involved in things like student government and law review. I learned later on in my career that what you do in your job is just part of it – you’ve got to branch out. The more you take on, the more you learn how to prioritize, and the more you grow personally and professionally.