Our 2022/2023 Articling Students

Jennifer summered at the firm in 2021. She recently graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, where she received the Borden Ladner Gervais Professional Excellence Award, the McMillan LLP Upper Year Scholarship and the Torkin Manes LLP Prize for academic excellence and service to the community. In addition, she was awarded the Osler and Bennett Jones Women Supporting Women Bursary. While at Osgoode, Jennifer served as a Dean’s Fellow for Property Law, Co-President of the Mature Students’ Association and a peer mentor. In her final year of law school, she also served as a copyeditor at Osgoode’s newspaper, The Obiter Dicta, and as a member of the Student Awards Committee. Jennifer has competed in several advocacy competitions. Most notably, she represented Osgoode at the national Fanaki Competition Law Moot where her team placed first. She was also a semi-finalist in the Denton’s Cup negotiation competition which earned her the opportunity to represent Osgoode at the Walsh Negotiation Competition. When she was not competing, Jennifer volunteered as a moot court judge, including for the Constitutional Law Society Moot and the Frozen Open Osgoode Moot. During her 1L summer and throughout her second year of law school, Jennifer worked at a boutique litigation firm. She has a background in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s Certificate in Public Sector Management. Prior to law school, Jennifer worked for a municipality in both development and infrastructure construction. She also has experience managing construction projects in the private sector. Jennifer enjoys outdoor adventures, including distance running and mountain biking. Jennifer has run several races, including four marathons.

Julie summered at the firm in 2021. She recently graduated from Western University’s Faculty of Law and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University with a specialization in Strategy for Social Enterprise and Organizational Behaviour. During law school, Julie was heavily involved with the Community Legal Services Clinic, providing pro bono legal services to the London community. Julie volunteered as an Associate Caseworker for the clinic and later worked as a Senior Caseworker, where she advocated on behalf of her clients in criminal defence, small claims, family and housing matters, and mentored first year caseworkers. Prior to law school, Julie interned in New York with the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, working with Justice and Corrections Services to strengthen criminal justice systems and enhance the rule of law in conflict-affected areas. While in business school, Julie represented McGill at the International Negotiation Competition at Baylor University and led several business conferences. Beyond work and school, Julie loves exploring the mountains, skiing in the winters and hiking in the summers. She looks for any excuse to be outdoors, recently completing a multi-day hike on the West Coast Trail and running the Toronto Marathon.

Bianca graduated from Detroit Mercy School of Law and recently received a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation for the completion of her Canadian equivalency examinations. At Detroit Mercy, Bianca received the Dean’s Scholarship for academic excellence and the Book Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. She served as Treasurer of both the Student Bar Association and the American Constitution Society. She also served as a caseworker at Detroit Mercy’s legal aid clinic, assisting clients with family law matters. During her second and third year of law school, Bianca volunteered at a local shelter, preparing and serving meals to the homeless on a weekly basis. Bianca received an honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, where she studied English and Diaspora & Transnational Studies. While at the University of Toronto, Bianca was captain of the Varsity Blues Dance Team and was intimately involved in student life and community initiatives. Prior to law school, Bianca worked at Cityzen Development, an established real estate development company specializing in large scale condominium projects. This year, Bianca and her husband celebrated their son’s first birthday. In her free time, Bianca enjoys baking, Bikram yoga, skiing and entertaining her niece and nephews.

Cristian summered at the firm in 2021. He recently completed his law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. He has a Bachelor of Music in Voice from the University of Toronto, where he graduated with Honours, culminating in a Rhodes Scholarship nomination. While at the Faculty of Music, Cristian researched the significant impact of Edoardo Ferrari-Fontana, an Italian-Canadian tenor, and was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Youth Achievements for his archival work. At law school, Cristian volunteered as a caseworker with Osgoode’s Investor Protection Clinic, representing clients with various investment-related issues from taxation disputes to small claims actions. Cristian served as Co-Director of Sports Law at Osgoode's Entertainment and Sports Law Association where he organized and moderated a series of panels and events on key issues in the sports world. He also organized Osgoode’s second annual Hockey Salary Arbitration Competition, represented Osgoode in the Hockey Arbitration Competition of Canada and wrote for the sports section of the school’s newspaper. Cristian enjoys spending time with his family and friends and remains emotionally invested in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup aspirations.

Nicole summered with the firm in 2021. She recently graduated from the University of Windsor's Faculty of Law. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, she worked as a summer student at a law firm in Toronto, and as a legal assistant at a law firm in Mississauga. Nicole also worked as a caseworker at Windsor’s Community Legal Aid clinic, where she advocated for her clients on criminal defence matters. She was a proud member of OUTlaws, an LGBTQ+ affinity group at Windsor Law, and is an active participant in the firm’s Pride sub-committee. She completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Toronto, where she studied Sociology, Sexual Diversity Studies and French Studies. Nicole enjoys performing as a singer. She pursued numerous musical endeavors at the University of Toronto during her free time. She performed in various musicals, such as “The Last 5 Years.” Nicole joined competitive a cappella choirs and won awards at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. She performed in various retirement homes, palliative care facilities and cancer wards as a volunteer. Nicole is a member of Beatsync, a professional a cappella group based in Toronto. Her favourite moments in Beatsync were performing at the Royal Ontario Museum, Château Frontenac in Quebec City and on an international tour in China. Nicole is in a folk band called Chris & Nicole that has performed in numerous bars and venues across Toronto, such as the Drake Underground and the Horseshoe Tavern. Chris & Nicole released an album in 2019 called “There’s Romance in Goodbye.” In her free time, Nicole enjoys travelling, going to concerts, painting and karaoke.

Saumia summered at the firm in 2021. She recently graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Saumia has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Development from McGill University, where she graduated with Distinction. While completing her undergraduate studies, Saumia led the McGill chapters of two international charitable organizations and worked as a student affairs assistant for the school’s administration. She also completed an internship at an immigration law firm, assisting with casework for Canadian and American clients. At Osgoode, Saumia spent her 1L summer working as a student caseworker at Parkdale Community Legal Services (PCLS) and as a research assistant in the area of legal technology and artificial intelligence. At PCLS, she represented and assisted clients with various legal matters, including disability benefits appeals and criminal injuries compensation. Saumia returned to PCLS in her second year of law school to complete her clinical placement. Throughout her second and third year of law school, she served on the executive teams of the Osgoode Tamil Law Students’ Association and the Osgoode Health Law Association. Outside of school and work, Saumia enjoys hiking, watching wildlife documentaries and dabbling in portrait photography.

Zafir summered at the firm in 2021. He recently graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. At Osgoode, Zafir was a member of the Dean’s Fellow Program for his academic excellence in Civil Procedure and was active in Osgoode’s Tax Law Association, serving as 1L representative and President. Most recently, Zafir was the first student chosen for a multi-placement internship in Osgoode’s International & Transnational Law Intensive Program (ITLIP), where he worked for Gardiner Miller Arnold LLP and assisted Mark Arnold in litigating a private international law case at the Superior Court of Justice, in connection with the Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752 tragedy. He was part of the litigation team, which secured the highest punitive damages award in Canadian history in the amount of $100 million. Zafir has a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree with a major in Criminology and minors in History and Sociology from the University of Toronto, where he graduated with High Distinction. After graduating from the University of Toronto, he spent nearly two years working full-time as a project coordinator for a Dubai-based logistics company, where he managed haulage and logistical operations in the East African mining sector. During that time, he focused on expanding the company’s services into the Mozambique market. Prior to law school, Zafir also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Armenia and helped in the construction and repair of homes for Armenians living below the poverty line. Outside of law school, he volunteers with Ismaili CIVIC Ontario, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of low-income and impoverished Canadians. Zafir is passionate about travelling and has lived in Zambia, Tanzania, Australia, Calgary and now Toronto. He enjoys boxing and is obsessed with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jasmine summered at the firm in 2021. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law in 2022. Jasmine was an avid mooter in law school, competing in the Nelligan O’Brien Payne Moot (resulting in a Best Factum nomination), the Julius Alexander Isaac Moot and the Gale Cup. Jasmine also served as Special Projects Manager and Senior Editor on the Ottawa Law Review (OLR). She received a note of Distinction from the OLR for her work in organizing the inaugural Emilio Binavince Student Research Colloquium and for helping to facilitate a significant donation to secure the event’s long-term sustainability. During law school, Jasmine completed internships with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the Department of Justice’s Civil Litigation Section and the Senate of Canada with Senator Yvonne Boyer. Jasmine further strengthened her research skills as a teaching assistant for a legal research course, a research assistant at the uOttawa Refugee Hub and as a co-author of a letter to the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, which was endorsed by nine high-profile non-profit organizations. In 2022, she won the Best Presenter Award at the 15th Annual Canadian Law Student Conference and was a recipient of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers’ Ontario Omatsu Scholarship. Before law school, Jasmine spent a year at Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. in public relations, working on national media strategy. Prior to that, Jasmine graduated with High Distinction from Carleton University’s Bachelor of Journalism program and received the Raven’s Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Carleton Community. From 2020-2021, Jasmine also helped spearhead the creation of the School of Journalism’s first-ever scholarships for BIPOC students. Outside of school and work, Jasmine loves exploring the Toronto food scene and is passionate about travelling. She has been to over 30 countries so far. After articling, Jasmine will spend a year clerking at the Court of Appeal for British Columbia.

Karlie summered at the firm in 2020 and 2021. She recently graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, where she graduated with Great Distinction. Karlie was a fellow in the 2021-22 Rotman OnBoard Fellowship Program at the University of Toronto. During her fellowship, she worked with the Board of Directors at Casey House, a specialty hospital in Toronto providing ground-breaking care to people living with or at risk of HIV, to complete governance projects relevant to the needs of the organization. During her first year of law school, Karlie volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada, working in partnership with the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women to develop and deliver legal education presentations at women’s shelters. She later took on a leadership role in the project, co-ordinating other volunteers and doing shelter outreach. Karlie was Co-President of the Indigenous Law Students’ Association for all three years of law school and sat on the Dean’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Implementation Committee for two. In her third year, she served as the only student member on the Faculty of Law’s hiring committee for the inaugural role of Assistant Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. She was also actively involved in mentorship, volunteering as a mentor in both the Peer Mentorship Program and the Peer Mental Health Support Program. During her third year of law school, Karlie took on a leadership role as an executive member of the Peer Mental Health Support Program. In recognition of her leadership as a mentor at law school, she was a 2021 recipient of the Students’ Law Society Upper Year Mentorship Award. She was also a 2022 recipient of the University of Toronto Student Leadership award, recognizing outstanding student leadership, service, and commitment to the university. Karlie is a board member at Aboriginal Legal Services, where she serves as board secretary, chair of the Governance, Policy & Nominating Committee, and member of the Executive Committee. Karlie loves live music, finding new restaurants, and spoiling her cats Mick and Jagger. She also loves to travel, and has backpacked through Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

Mark summered with the firm in 2020 and 2021. He recently graduated from the University of Windsor's Faculty of Law. He has a Bachelor of Arts (with an Honours Specialization in International Relations) from Western University. While at Western, Mark was heavily involved in on-campus leadership through his roles as a Residence Advisor and Academic Orientation Leader, winning awards in both positions. In his final year at Western, Mark volunteered with the Black Students Association, organizing Western’s Black History Month. He also co-wrote a policy paper, with other members of his graduating class, assessing the major cyber security challenges and risks of new technology infrastructure in Canada. During his time at Windsor Law, Mark held positions with the Black Law Students Association, Pro Bono Students Canada, the Career Services Office and the Justice Skills Workshop Series. Mark also served on the Appointments Committee, where he assisted with the appointment of the inaugural Don Rodzik Family Chair in Law and Entrepreneurship. For his outstanding contributions to the Windsor Law community, Mark was recognized with a Students’ Law Society Award in 2021. He also received the Honourable Justice Alexander Isaac Scholarship, which is awarded to a first year law student of African descent, based on financial need, community service and a demonstrated promise of academic excellence. Mark also represented Windsor in the 2021 Gale Cup and the 2022 Canadian National Negotiation Competition. In his final year, Mark took on the role as a Co-President for the Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. Outside of work and school, Mark is an avid fan of soccer and basketball. In his free time, he enjoys reading, film photography and attending concerts.

Michael summered at the firm in 2021. He recently graduated from the JD/HBA program at Western University, receiving an Honours degree in Business Administration from Ivey Business School and a Juris Doctor from Western Law. In his final year of law school, Michael was elected as the sole student member on the Executive of the Ontario Bar Association’s Business Law Section, where he helped plan programs relevant to business lawyers across Ontario and met lawyers from across Ontario. He was recently re-elected to this position for the upcoming year. During his time at Western, Michael was involved with the Business Law Student Society and volunteered with Western Hillel, organizing social events and facilitating discussions for Western’s Jewish students. Michael was also actively involved with youth and student mentorship programs including the Crescent Alumni Mentorship Program and the Ivey Law Club, maintaining a relationship with younger students and providing them with guidance and advice. This year, Michael wrote a detailed paper regarding reverse vesting orders, a novel corporate restructuring tool for large insolvent debtors in Canada. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending his time outdoors and up north in the summertime. He loves staying active, playing basketball, golf, and doing any sport on the water. Michael is an avid Toronto sports fan and enjoys watching basketball, football and keeping up with the latest TV series. 

Jasraj summered at the firm in 2021. He recently completed his law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. He has a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies from the University of Western Ontario, where he was an active member of the Western Punjabi Association and Western Sikh Students’ Association. At Osgoode, Jasraj was a Torys Moot Finalist and he volunteered for Pro Bono Students Canada. As a member of Osgoode’s International and Transnational Law Intensive Program, Jasraj spent a semester at a Vancouver litigation boutique, Camp Fiorante Matthews Mogerman LLP, where he explored numerous international and transnational law issues, including the downing of Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752. As the President of Osgoode’s First Generation Network, Jasraj helped to actively promote diversity and inclusion in law school and in the legal profession. Outside of school and extracurricular commitments, Jasraj is an avid fan of the Raptors, Blue Jays and Maple Leafs. In his free time, he enjoys discussing boxing, mixed martial arts and golf.

Annie summered at the firm in 2021. She recently graduated Cum Laude from the American and Canadian Dual J.D. Program at Windsor Law and Detroit Mercy Law. She also has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology and Medical Science from Western University. During her undergraduate years, Annie volunteered with Friends of Doctors Without Borders, advocating for and fundraising in support of international healthcare. Prior to law school, Annie interned with Catalent Pharma Solutions as a Product Development Scientist focusing on pharmaceutical products. As an avid traveller, Annie also spent a summer working in Spain teaching English and Science to elementary and high school students. At law school, Annie was the recipient of the 2020 Governor General In-Course Medal in recognition of her academic excellence. She also received Book Awards for highest academic performance in the Legal Research and Writing course and the International Intellectual Property clinic. Annie was actively involved in various work and extracurricular roles at law school. She mentored students as a Teaching Assistant, worked as caseworker for Community Legal Aid in Windsor, organized events as the Vice President of the Legal Innovation Hub, and ensured the quality of scholarly articles as a Research Assistant with the Canadian Bar Review. Annie served as the Business Manager of the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues and was eventually appointed as the Editor-In-Chief where she led the Editorial Board, oversaw the entire editing and publication process of the journal’s 43rd Volume, and organized the 14^th and 15^th Annual Canadian Law Student Conferences. Outside of work and school, Annie enjoys indulging in coffee from local cafes and trying new restaurants. She is also a plant enthusiast, ardent podcast-listener and loves hiking, baking desserts and spending time with her cats.