91ɬÂþ

Maxwell Brodie

Clerk for The Honourable Mahmud Jamal

I grew up in Toronto and studied law at the University of Edinburgh. I then came to 91ɬÂþ’s Faculty as an advanced standing student. At 91ɬÂþ, I worked as a research assistant for Professors Yann Joly and Jaye Ellis, as well as a group assistant for Professor Konstanze von Schütz. I was also involved with the 91ɬÂþ Journal of Law and Health and completed a student clerkship at the Tribunal administratif du Québec. I spent my 2L summer at BLG in Ottawa and worked at the Law Commission of Canada after completing my studies. I am currently clerking at the Federal Court before I head to the Court of Appeal for Ontario.

Why did you apply?

I am fascinated by judicial decision-making. A clerkship is a unique opportunity to see the judicial reasoning process up close. It is also a privilege to work at the Supreme Court on some of the country’s most complex and important cases with other clerks that share a passion for the law.

Pouvez-vous nous raconteur le moment où vous avez appris que votre candidature était retenue ?

J’ai décidé de travailler de la maison le vendredi que nous avons reçu l'appel. Quand mon téléphone a sonné avec un appel provenant d’un numéro de Toronto (au lieu d’Ottawa), j’ai pensé qu'il s'agissait probablement de l’arnaque. Heureusement, c’était monsieur le juge Jamal qui m’offrait un poste.

Outside of law, what are your passions or favourite pastime?

I play tennis, boulder, and am a novice (and slowly improving) runner. I also attend many of the events at the National Arts Centre while in Ottawa, especially the orchestra ones.

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Laurent Côté-De Lagrave

Clerk for The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin

Je suis actuellement avocat-recherchiste à la Cour d’appel du Québec, à Québec. J’ai obtenu mon diplôme de la Faculté de droit de l’Université 91ɬÂþ en 2023, avec une mineure en sociologie. Lors de mon passage à la Faculté, j’ai eu la chance de m’impliquer au sein de la section de 91ɬÂþ d’Étudiant·e·s Pro Bono du Canada et de la Clinique juridique itinérante, où j’ai notamment assumé des rôles de coordination. J’ai également eu le privilège d’intégrer l’équipe de recherche et d’enseignement de la professeure Allison Christians, une expérience profondément enrichissante qui a nourri mon intérêt pour la recherche et le travail intellectuel collaboratif.

Je poursuis actuellement, à temps partiel, une maîtrise en droit (LLM) à l’Université Laval. Mon essai final de maîtrise porte sur la divulgation de la preuve en matière pénale à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle. Je m’intéresse plus précisément aux obligations de divulgation du ministère public et des corps policiers lorsque des outils d’enquête fondés sur l’IA sont utilisés, notamment en raison des biais, des risques d’erreur et des enjeux de transparence qu’ils soulèvent.

Why did you apply?

For me, the Supreme Court represents an ideal environment in which to continue my commitment to public service while deepening my reflection on the law and its evolution. I am deeply motivated to contribute to the analysis of issues of national importance by drawing on my experience and the skills I have worked to develop in recent years. I also very much hope to once again be part of a community of jurists dedicated to advancing the mission of a court that plays a central role in upholding the rule of law. The collegial environment at the Court of Appeal has been one of the aspects I value most, and I am confident that I would find similarly dedicated, curious, and generous colleagues in Ottawa, as I have in Québec City.

Pouvez-vous nous raconter le moment où vous avez appris que votre candidature était retenue?

Lors de la matinée du vendredi 27 février 2026, j’étais en classe pour un cours que je suivais dans le cadre de ma maîtrise en droit. Mon téléphone était bien en vue lorsque, soudainement, il s’est mis à sonner, affichant un appel entrant d’Ottawa. Mon cœur a cessé de battre ; je suis sorti de la classe et j’ai alors entendu la voix de l’honorable Mme la juge O’Bonsawin. J’ai été très heureux de pouvoir m’entretenir avec elle, et j’ai terminé l’appel en ayant déjà très hâte de commencer mon mandat à Ottawa.

Outside of law, what are your passions or favourite pastime?

I love playing soccer. Shortly after moving to Québec for my clerkship at the Court of Appeal, I had the opportunity to join a recreational soccer team, with which I have been playing on a weekly basis for the past three seasons. I also enjoy going on long hikes with friends and reading and writing works of fiction.

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Tim Gulliver

Clerk for The Honourable Sheilah L. Martin’s replacement

I was born in Cheongju, South Korea, to Korean and Canadian parents. After completing high school in Sherbrooke, Québec, I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa, where I studied political science and served as student union president. In law school, I’ve been fortunate to be involved with the 91ɬÂþ Journal of Sustainable Development Law and the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism. I also had the privilege of working as a Research Assistant for Prof. Jérémy Boulanger-Bonnelly, and am completing a student clerkship at the Court of Appeal of Québec under the supervision of the Hon. Peter Kalichman.

Pourquoi avez-vous postulé?

J’ai soumis ma candidature parce que je souhaite mettre en pratique les connaissances que j’ai acquises lors de mon passage à la Faculté, afin de servir une institution démocratique qui joue un rôle pivot dans notre pays.

I also thought I might be able to bring a unique perspective, having been born abroad but spent significant time in both English and French Canada.

Pouvez-vous nous raconter le moment où vous avez appris que votre candidature était retenue?

J’étais dans une chambre d’hôtel à Toronto, au concours Laskin. Je pratiquais ma plaidoirie devant le miroir, en essayant de ne pas trop penser à la possibilité de recevoir un appel. Tout à coup, vers 10h, mon téléphone a sonné. Un numéro inconnu s’affichait à l’écran. J’ai répondu immédiatement. Il s’agissait d'un message automatisé d’Hydro-Québec… m’informant qu’une panne de courant était prévue dans mon quartier cette nuit-là !

Convaincu que l’univers se moquait de moi, j’ai lancé mon cellulaire sur le lit, frustré, et j’ai repris ma pratique. C’est pourquoi j’ai manqué l’appel suivant… et j’ai donc fait attendre la juge Martin quelques minutes avant de la rappeler… !

Après une brève célébration avec l’équipe dans le lobby, j’ai dû me reconcentrer sur le concours. Grâce à mes coéquipiers talentueux, tout s’est bien passé. Bref, c’était une belle fin de semaine.

Outside of law, what are your passions or favourite pastime?

I’ve been fortunate to find ‘my people’ at 91ɬÂþ Law. The McCall MacBain Scholarship and the Research Group on Constitutional Studies have also allowed me to make new friends, in political theory and beyond. Spending time with bright minds and kind souls from all corners of the country – and the world – has been a highlight of the past three years.

Otherwise, intramural sports, feeding neighbourhood cats, and going for runs around Parc Lafontaine are also great stress-relievers.

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Genny Plumptre

Clerk for The Honourable Mary T. Moreau

Genny Plumptre est recherchiste à la Cour d’appel du Québec, à Montréal. Lors de ses études en droit à 91ɬÂþ, elle a développé un intérêt particulier pour le droit à l’égalité, notamment à travers des mandats de recherche effectués auprès des professeurs Colleen Sheppard et Jonas-Sébastien Beaudry. Elle s’est également penchée sur l’intersection entre les droits humains internationaux et les technologies émergentes présentant des risques pour les droits individuels et collectifs, dans le cadre de stages au Citizen Lab, à la Clinique d’intérêt public et de politique d’internet du Canada Samuelson-Glushko, ainsi qu'au Conseil national des droits de l'homme du Maroc. Avant d'entreprendre des études en droit, elle a obtenu une maîtrise en communication et en histoire de l’art de 91ɬÂþ et a été adjointe exécutive auprès du directeur du Centre canadien d’architecture.

Qu’est-ce qui vous a intéressée à postuler comme auxiliaire juridique à la Cour suprême?

J’ai été particulièrement attirée par la possibilité de travailler sur des affaires qui soulèvent des questions sans réponses juridiques établies et qui ont souvent des répercussions profondes sur la société canadienne. Il s’agit d’un type de défi que l’on rencontre plus rarement en cour d’appel, et je souhaitais mieux comprendre le travail intellectuel et les recherches nécessaires pour résoudre des dossiers aussi complexes. Par ailleurs, je suis originaire d’Ottawa, mais je n’y ai pas vécu depuis l’âge de 17 ans; j’y voyais donc une belle occasion de redécouvrir la ville et de me rapprocher de ma famille.

How did you find out you’d been chosen?

I was working from home, attempting to channel acceptance as the minutes ticked by because I assumed that offers were made in the early morning. My cogitations were interrupted when a call from a private number popped up on my phone. Justice Moreau was on the other end of the line, along with her three current clerks. It was a great surprise and relief after so much anticipation!

Outside of law, what are your passions or favourite pastime?

I like to read fiction, explore music, art and dance shows around the city, and cook elaborate meals that take several hours longer than intended to produce. Recently, I’ve also found pleasure in honing my gardening skills and learning Spanish.

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Han Reardon

Clerk for The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin

I am currently clerking at the Federal Court of Appeal. Prior to my clerkship, I articled at the Department of Justice Canada and was called to the Quebec Bar in early 2025. Before law school, I completed a Master’s degree in Anthropology that allowed me to pursue research on protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon that are co-managed between local communities and government entities. This work piqued my interest in land rights and environmental law, which led me to apply to law school.

Given this background, it was probably a natural development that the study of Canadian law pushed me to educate myself on Indigenous rights issues in my own country, and to develop an interest in pursuing a practice in Aboriginal law. The opportunities I received at 91ɬÂþ, including completing a Human Rights internship with the Cree Nation’s Department of Justice and Correctional Services in Eeyou Istchee, further confirmed my desire to practice in this area.

Pourquoi avez-vous postulé?

J’ai adoré mon expérience d’auxiliaire juridique à la Cour d’appel fédérale, et je voulais me mettre au défi et tenter ma chance pour un poste à la Cour suprême. Évidemment, la perspective de travailler sur de grands dossiers d’envergure en droit constitutionnel et dans divers autres domaines de droit a davantage animé mon choix. J’ai particulièrement hâte de bénéficier des échanges avec la juge O’Bonsawin et avec mes collègues, et de travailler fort pour essayer de me dépasser à leurs côtés.

How did you find out you had been chosen?

Unsurprisingly, it was quite a struggle to stay productive and concentrated on the Friday morning of call day. I was folding laundry when my phone rang. A short but lovely conversation with Justice O’Bonsawin ensued. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity to work with her and so many other brilliant people, and to learn as much as I can from them during my year at the Court.

Quels sont vos passe-temps préférés à l’extérieur du droit?

Quand je ne suis pas assis à mon bureau, j’essaie de rester en mouvement. Vélo, course à pied, moto, randonnée, ski de fond, camping, road trip! Tous les moyens sont bons pour se déplacer dans des paysages qui me sortent de mon quotidien et me permettent de me ressourcer.

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Nicholas Waltenbury

Clerk for The Honourable Andromache Karakatsanis

I was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario before moving south to pursue post-secondary education and professional opportunities. I completed a dual degree in Business and Political Science at Western University, without much thought to law school at the time. Following my undergrad, I worked full-time for two years in communications and public relations before deciding I wanted to pursue a professional degree connected to my interests in government and public institutions. I joined the 91ɬÂþ Faculty of Law in September 2021.

I took a broad range of fundamental courses at 91ɬÂþ, but particularly enjoyed those in public law. During my 3.5 years at the Faculty I was fortunate to participate in many enriching co-curricular activities, including serving as a group assistant for Professor Van Praagh, participating in the Laskin moot, and supporting the CCLA through a Pro Bono Students Canada placement. I spent my law school summers exploring civil litigation in government and at a mid-sized firm in Toronto, and am currently clerking at the Court of Appeal for Ontario.

Why did you apply?

Clerking at the Court of Appeal has been a significant privilege. I am growing immensely as a legal learner given the close working relationship between clerks and judges and broad exposure to different areas of law, I feel a real spirit of collaboration and public service among my colleagues, and I get to meaningfully contribute to the administration of justice. Having now worked at a trial court (through an in-course clerkship at 91ɬÂþ) and an intermediate appellate court, I was excited about the chance to do similar work from a different perspective at our country’s apex court, with its focus on fundamental questions of public importance which clarify and develop the law. And I am so grateful and honoured that I will get to do so next year.

How did you find out you had been chosen?

Knowing that a call may or may not come on Friday morning, I worked from home before court and was thrilled to hear from Justice Karakatsanis just before 10:00am! Though I think I missed most of the hearing in all the excitement, I headed to work and shared the news with some of my colleagues and my two judges. I was hosting a friend from 91ɬÂþ for the weekend and also got to catch up with 91ɬÂþ’s Laskin team (and my former coaches) on Saturday, as they were competing in Toronto. It was a perfect way to share my celebration with friends and mentors who helped make this opportunity possible.

Outside of law, what are your passions or favourite pastime?

I’ll offer a fun answer and a nerdy one. Owing to my roots in Northern Ontario, I enjoy being active and outdoors as much as possible – hiking, running, skiing, volleyball, squash, etc. – and participating in several Faculty intramural sport teams was a highlight of my time in Montreal. I’m also a big public transit nerd and am fascinated by the connections between transit, population health, civic engagement, and social equity.

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Narain Yücel

Clerk for The Honourable Nicholas Kasirer

Before law school, I completed a BSc in Global Health. I then earned a Master’s in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics, followed by work in climate change policy as both a facilitator for citizen assemblies and an associate with an NGO focused on sustainable finance. I later completed a Master of Applied Data Science at the University of Michigan. I currently serve as a judicial law clerk at the Court of Appeal for British Columbia.

Pourquoi avez-vous postulé?

L'approche transsystémique de la faculté de droit permet aux étudiants d'étudier et de faire de la recherche dans divers domaines, auprès d’enseignants remarquables. J’ai ainsi eu l’occasion d’étudier les approches juridiques transnationales du changement climatique et les traditions juridiques autochtones. Ces expériences ont élargi ma compréhension du droit et de ses différentes méthodes d’interprétation, et m’ont donné envie de mettre mes compétences au service de la Cour suprême, qui tranche des questions d’importance nationale et rend des décisions reflétant nos deux systèmes juridiques dans nos deux langues officielles.

How did you find out you had been chosen?

I was in Vancouver and woke up a few hours earlier than usual. I was making a second cup of coffee and starting my list for the day when I received the news by phone. After immediately accepting, I called my parents and close friends, and went for a long walk in the sun by the water. I did not make much progress on my list that day.

Outside of law, what are your passions or favourite pastime?

I enjoy live music, dancing, and am an avid Arsenal football fan. I also love to read, and go for long walks.

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Whether you’re a current student or an alum considering applying for a Supreme Court Clerkship, please reach out to the cdo.law [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Supreme%20Court%20Clerkships) (Career Development Office). The team is there to support you throughout the application process.