The Faculty of Law was pleased to host its annual community-building Spring Reception on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. In a jam-packed evening, two longtime community members’ retirements were formally announced, three exceptional alumni, three moot coaches, and one clinical supervisor were honoured with awards, and practicing professional instructors, moot coaches, mentors, externship supervisors and volunteers were recognized and thanked for their contributions to educating future lawyers. Finally, the Faculty of Law was officially presented with a work of art created especially for the student Common Room by a graduating third-year law student who is also a professional artist.
Eminent Jurist and retirees of Robson Hall
Each year since 2022, Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, has presented notable members of the legal community in Manitoba with the honour, “Jurist of Robson Hall,” to recognize their extraordinary service and commitment to the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, be it through teaching or other contributions to Manitoba’s law school. This year, the Dean presented Professor John Irvine with an “Eminent Jurist” designation in honour of his 56 years of dedication to teaching at Robson Hall which concludes this year with Irvine’s retirement. In addition to the distinctive Jurist’s plaque, Irvine was also presented with a collage of photos of the law school in winter, spring, summer and fall, representing The Four Seasons at Robson Hall (also a nod to Irvine’s love of classical music).
Robson Hall custodian Elsie Young who also retires this year was recognized for her 25 years of dedicated work, ensuring the maintenance and upkeep of the building. Faculty and staff thanked her and celebrated her love of growing things by presenting her with flowers in addition to commemorative Faculty of Law gifts.
Clinical Learning Awards
In addition to thanking and honouring all of the practicing professional instructors, mentors, volunteers, coaches and clinical supervisors who contribute to the education of law students throughout the year, the Spring Reception provided an opportunity for the Director of Clinics to present two inaugural awards: the Moot Coach award and the Clinical Supervisor award. This year, three coaches were selected for the former. Laura Robinson and Evan Roitenberg, K.C. of Wolson Roitenberg Robinson Wolson, and Adam Gingera of Manitoba Prosecution Services were nominated by the MacIntyre Cup trial advocacy moot team. Dr. Nathan Derejko, Assistant Professor and Mauro Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice received the inaugural Clinical Supervisor award having gone above and beyond to mentor students working at the Faculty of Law’s International Human Rights Clinic.
Faculty of Law Alumni Awards
The 2026 Faculty of Law Alumni Awards were presented at the Spring Reception to three exceptional alumni, in the categories of Outstanding Alumni, Emerging Leader, and Trailblazer.
Frank Lavitt, K.C. [B.Comm/76; LLB/79], a partner at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman, was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award by TDS colleague Maria Grande. Lavitt was recognized for outstanding professional achievement shown throughout his legal career and for dedication and commitment to the betterment of the legal profession while exhibiting the qualities of integrity and professionalism.
Raven-Dominique Gobeil [BA/16; JD/19], an Anishinaabe lawyer from Poplar River First Nation in Treaty 5 and an Associate at DD West LLP, was presented in absentia with the Emerging Leader Award, which was accepted on her behalf by her nominator, Allison Fenske, Director of the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre. This award honours an alum who has graduated within the last 10 years and who has shown dedication and commitment to the legal profession, and demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and leadership in their time practicing law.
Evan Johnston [B.Comm/98; LLB/02], President and CEO of the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, was presented with the Trailblazer Award by his nominator, Nick Slonosky, supervising lawyer at the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic. Slonosky noted that one of the many remarkable aspects of Johnston’s achievements was an extremely rare CFA designation. The Trailblazer Award honours a UM Faculty of Law alum who has excelled in a career outside the traditional practice of law and who is a person of integrity demonstrating leadership and service to the community.
Unveiling of art by a student for students
Lastly, Lily Deardorff, Technology Specialist who also serves as the Faculty of Law Art Curator, announced the presentation of a work of art created especially for Robson Hall’s student Common Room by graduating third-year law student Stefan Lewis. The work was created after Lewis expressed feeling inspired by the building’s architecture and atmosphere. The painting will hang in the Common Room for future law students to appreciate.
