Our Summer Students

Katie summered at the firm in 2022. She began her career at the firm as a legal assistant (and then law clerk) in our Tax and Estates Group nearly a decade ago. Katie recently completed her second year at Queen’s University Faculty of Law, where she achieved Dean’s List standing. While at Queen’s, Katie volunteered with the Queen’s Law Journal, Queen’s Legal Aid and Pro Bono Students Canada. This past year, Katie also served as an active mentor and tutor for incoming first year law students. Prior to law school, Katie received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from Ontario Tech University, where she graduated with Highest Distinction and was awarded the Social Science and Humanities Faculty Prize for academic achievement and community involvement. At Ontario Tech, Katie was the Public Relations Executive with the Student Law Association, and a peer notetaker to students with accessibility needs. Katie worked as a research assistant and co-authored a paper on Canadian privacy law and data protection. She was also a professor in the Law Clerk program at Durham College, teaching courses in civil litigation, legal office procedures and legal communications. When not working or focusing on her studies, Katie enjoys gardening, dance and yoga. 

Alex recently completed his second year at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, where he received a business law scholarship for academic achievement and community involvement. Alex obtained his bilingual Bachelor of Arts from York University (Glendon College) with a major in Political Science, and was awarded the Gold Medal for his program. He also spent a semester abroad studying Business and Economics at Sciences Po Paris and performed research for an economist at the Banque de France. He subsequently obtained his Master of Management from the Schulich School of Business, graduating on the Dean’s Honour List. Alex has extensive leadership and professional experience. He was the President of the Business Law Society in his second year of law school, and he was recently elected to the Senior Board of the Ottawa Law Review, where he will serve as Business Manager next year. Alex was also a research assistant for a notable Canada Research Chair -- his work on issues concerning freedom of expression and the telecommunications industry was used for submissions to government and in preparation for Senate Standing Committee appearances. Additionally, Alex worked as an intern in the legal department of a large financial services company, where he conducted securities research and due diligence. Outside of work and school, Alex is passionate about fitness.

Ethan recently completed his second year at Osgoode Hall Law School. He has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from Queen’s University, graduating with Distinction. He then attended the University of Toronto, where he earned a Master of Arts in Political Economy, completing a graduate dissertation on politics and economic policy. While at Osgoode, Ethan volunteered as a case worker for Community Aid and Legal Services and served as a mentor to first year students. He also served as a class representative for the Osgoode Advocacy Society and participated in several moots, negotiation workshops and negotiation competitions. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Ethan worked as a research assistant for Mary Condon, the Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School. His research focused on securities regulation and explored a variety of topics including the decline of the public markets and the challenges associated with regulating cryptocurrency. In the fall, Ethan will begin a semester studying abroad at the University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Law. Outside of work and school, Ethan enjoys cooking, camping and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Keira recently completed her first year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. During her first year of study, Keira actively participated in the Black Law Students’ Association and served as Communications Executive for her law school’s chapter. Keira has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Mount Royal University. She consistently earned a place on the President's List for academic excellence and received numerous scholarships and bursaries for academic merit. While at Mount Royal, she was actively involved in the student community and was vice president of the Art Club. 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 Calgary and Area, and Law in Action Within Schools (a collaborative extracurricular program to support high school students in pursuing post-secondary education). In her free time, Keira enjoys gaming, art and spending time with her friends. 

Nancy recently completed her second year in the JD/MBA program at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and Rotman School of Management. Previously, she 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. At law school, Nancy serves 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. Last summer, 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 exploring the city, trying out new exercise classes and attempting to leash train her cats. 

Hayden recently completed his first 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. In his first year at Osgoode, Hayden also volunteered as an Associate Editor with the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and as the Clinic Coordinator for Osgoode’s Intellectual Property Innovation Clinic. He is also the incoming Vice President of Professional Development with Osgoode OUTLaws (an advocacy group representing 2SLGBTQIA+ law students) and 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 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 Operations for the Women and the Law club and as a first year student representative for the Business Law Society. Taylor was also elected as a first year class representative for the University of Toronto Faculty of Law’s Students’ Law Society. Taylor obtained her Honours Business Administration degree from the Ivey Business School at Western University. During her first two years of her undergraduate program, Taylor studied economics and won an award for a paper she wrote on the healthcare and economic implications of the organ transplant black market. At Ivey, Taylor was elected as Section President in her first year of study 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, exercise classes and watching sports (especially rugby and hockey). Taylor also attempts the New York Times crosswords every day. 

Zac recently completed his first 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. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Zac worked at MNP LLP, where he provided 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 a first year student representative for the Business Law Society, where he organized case competitions and panel discussions. Zac is also a member of the Sports Betting Working Group at the University of Toronto’s Future of Law Lab where he has researched and written articles on the sports betting industry. In his spare time, Zac enjoys waterskiing and playing on his law school hockey team.

Damien summered at the firm in 2022 and 2023. He recently completed his second year in the JD/MBA program at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and Rotman School of Management. He served as the Co-President for the U of T Legal Hackers and as an Upper Year Executive at the Legal Innovation and Technology Group. In these roles, Damien organized panel discussions, case competitions and legal hackathons, focusing on the intersection of law and technology. Damien obtained a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies (Honours) From Western University. Prior to law school, he interned as a real estate investment banking analyst at a financial institution in China, helping real estate developers and municipal governments raise capital through private placements. In that role, he worked on numerous transactions, typically in the $200 million range, for publicly listed real estate developers. Damien previously interned at two startup technology companies in Toronto, where he worked on sales and strategy. Damien is also an entrepreneur; while at Western, he started a clothing business, generating $25,000 in revenue in its first year. Damien is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, table tennis and fencing.

Essber recently completed his second year at Osgoode Hall Law School. Before attending Osgoode, Essber obtained his LL.B. and LL.M. in Commercial Law from Damascus University in his home country of Syria. He practiced law in Syria for three years, representing domestic and foreign financial institutions in litigation and arbitration matters. Essber subsequently earned an LL.M. in International Business Law from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Upon graduation, he received the Adria J. Sankovic Award for fostering a community of international friendship among his classmates. More recently, Essber worked in the legal department of a company that provides technical and creative services to the global video gaming industry. While at Osgoode, Essber served as the Director of Mentorship of the Mature Students’ Association, as a volunteer for the Community & Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP), and as a member of the Osgoode Equality Committee. In his first year at Osgoode, Essber received the Cassels Brock & Blackwell Prize for Professionalism. In his free time, Essber enjoys hiking, cooking and following European soccer. 

Quinn recently completed his second year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University where he majored in Sociology, minored in Communication Studies and graduated with Distinction. Prior to law school, Quinn worked for six summers at celebrity chef Susur Lee’s acclaimed Lee Restaurant. Quinn started as a food-runner (and the restaurant’s youngest employee) and worked his way up to the role of senior server. Quinn led a team of 10-12 staff members and oversaw the training of all new staff. During law school, Quinn served as a mentor to first year students and as an executive of the In Vino Veritas wine club. He also participated in a mock tort trial, mock hockey arbitration and the Upper Year Moot. Last summer, Quinn worked as a research assistant in the field of copyright law. In this role, he prepared a report (based on Canadian precedent) designed to protect religious organizations from copyright infringement claims when using music during public events. Beyond his work and studies, Quinn is extremely passionate about watching and playing sports (including hockey, baseball and tennis). Quinn also enjoys spending time with his 14-year-old Chug (Chihuahua and Pug mix) Lola, as well as going to concerts and trying new restaurants. 

Aaron recently completed his first year at Queen’s University Faculty of Law. He holds an Honours in Business Administration from Ivey Business School at Western University. At Queen’s Law, Aaron sits on the executive board of the Queen’s M&A Association and will be serving as a Caseworker at the Queen’s Business Law Clinic this upcoming academic year. Prior to law school, Aaron worked as a legal intern at a Canadian film distribution company, where he was tasked with facilitating due diligence for the acquisition of the company. Aaron also co-founded a boutique marketing and sales agency that specialized in providing revenue growth strategies to clients in the home improvement sector. Outside of work and school, Aaron loves producing music and continues to collaborate with both independent and signed talent from around the world. He enjoys providing pro bono consulting services to independent musicians, helping up-and-coming artists launch their careers and navigate the complexities of the music industry. 

Jordan 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 served as the Vice President of Finance of the JD/MBA Students’ Association. Jordan worked as a research assistant for two professors at Osgoode, 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 recently completed her second 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 Murry 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 was a member of several clubs, including the Environmental Law Society and Business Law Society. In the fall of 2023, Alyssa will be participating in the Osgoode Business Clinic, providing assistance to entrepreneurs. 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. 

Lexie recently completed her second year at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Media Information and Technoculture) from Western University. During her undergraduate degree, Lexie was involved in the campus community as an orientation leader, student council member and on-camera reporter for Western TV. Lexie continued her community involvement at the University of Ottawa, serving as Communications Chair for the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers and as a Peer Mentor. She is currently the president of Elephant in the Room, an organization dedicated to reducing stigma surrounding mental health in the legal field. Last summer, Lexie worked at the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, where she researched various emerging issues in copyright law. She also completed a Summer Fellowship at the Law Commission of Ontario, where she contributed to a project regarding consumer protection in the digital marketplace. Her research focused on  “FemTech”, particularly on the lack of legal protections for reproductive health data. In her spare time, Lexie enjoys skiing, hiking, travelling and getting swept up in a good book. 

Teddy summered at the firm in 2022. He recently completed his second year at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, Teddy obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, graduating with High Distinction. While at Osgoode, Teddy served as the Secretary of the Osgoode Security Law Association, an Executive Team Member of Osgoode’s Panhellenic Association, and the Deputy Sports Editor for Osgoode Hall’s student-run newspaper, Obiter Dicta. In the summer of 2021, Teddy was a Summer Intern at Fengate Asset Management, on the Infrastructure Investments Team. During his undergraduate studies, he also spent three summers as a Corporate Development Analyst at a specialty finance firm, ECN Capital. Additionally, he worked as a part-time analyst at two family offices that focused on real estate transactions. In 2018, Teddy co-founded an app called NuTable, which sought to digitize the restaurant experience. Teddy was responsible for all operational aspects of the app and ultimately sold the business in 2020. Outside of school, Teddy was a competitive hockey player and continues to play recreationally. He is also an avid fan of all Toronto sports teams. Teddy’s family is in the restaurant business, which inspired Teddy’s love of food and cooking. 

Michael summered at the firm in 2022. He recently completed his second year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Michael has a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from Queen’s University, with a specialization in cancer research. He spent his final year investigating the role of certain immune cells in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Michael then completed a Master of Public Health from Queen’s University. During this time, he worked as a population health researcher with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Through implementing large-scale surveys, he found a need for changes in the way Ontario provides assistive devices to those with sight loss. Prior to law school, Michael was a research assistant on an Ontario-wide COVID-19 research study with Mount Sinai Hospital. He played an integral role in developing the study’s COVID sample management system as well as maintaining positive relationships with participants. In law school, Michael volunteered with the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights to help develop guidelines for the public regarding legislative changes surrounding police accountability. As a peer-tutor through the University of Toronto’s Academic Support Program, Michael also helped dozens of first year law students navigate law school and their studies. In his personal life, Michael enjoys watching bad movies with friends, building computers and cheering for the Maple Leafs. 

Henry recently completed his first year at Osgoode Hall Law School where he received the Honourable GC. Howland Award of Excellence. In his first year, he served as an associate editor at the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and a caseworker at the Community Legal Aid Services Program. In his second year, Henry will be participating in Osgoode’s International and Transnational Law Intensive Program and serving as the President of the Osgoode Hall Korean Law Student’s Association. 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 worked in Seoul at a full-service corporate law firm and a PR consulting firm, in London for a professional association, and in various research roles at the University of Toronto. 

Kristen summered at the firm in 2022. She recently completed her second year at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University. Kristen achieved High Distinction in her undergraduate studies and, in her final year, presented her research at an international academic conference in Copenhagen. Kristen continued to pursue her research interests in her postgraduate studies, completing a SSHRC-funded Master of Arts in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory, and receiving the Governor General’s Gold Medal for the highest academic standing in her program. Kristen was an active member of the Laurier community, and held roles as a Teaching Assistant and Writing Centre Tutor. During her summers, Kristen worked at a strategic consulting firm where she assisted in marketing and organizational culture projects. Prior to attending law school, Kristen worked on the Paid Search team at Publicis Media. During law school, Kristen volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and competed as an oralist in the Stewart Cup Moot. She also completed an Upper Year Research Project on Hegel’s Philosophy of Right, under the supervision of Professor Alan Brudner. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys listening to Taylor Swift, working out and reading.

Isabella recently completed her second year at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies, with a Specialization in Finance from the University of Western Ontario, and received the Western Scholarship of Distinction. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Isabella was very involved in the Western community as an orientation leader. Prior to starting law school, Isabella worked as a Business Development Representative at a tech start-up, spearheading numerous new initiatives and receiving the company’s Everest award in recognition of her efforts. At law school, Isabella wrote for the technology and innovation section of the Avant Garde newspaper, assuming the role of Editor and Chief in her second year. Isabella held a clinic position with the Legal Innovation Zone, assisting an early stage legal tech company with research and communications. Isabella also worked part-time during the school year as a Startup Legal Strategist at the Toronto Metropolitan University Digital Media Zone, supporting emerging companies’ legal needs, and assisting with legal and business strategy. She also served as Secretary of the Health and Wellness Club. In her free time, Isabella loves baking and cooking, trying new workout classes, and watching Toronto Raptors games. 

Zoë recently completed her second year at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies and Gender Studies from Queen’s University, where she graduated with Distinction. Prior to law school, she was an intern at the Directorate of Gender Affairs on her home island of Antigua and a residential assistant at an independent school. During law school, Zoë volunteered for the 519’s TransID clinic through Pro Bono Students Canada. She also co-founded and served as a student coordinator for the Lincoln Alexander Pardon’s Clinic, which helps remove the barriers to access for those applying for criminal record suspensions. Zoë also served as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Lincoln Alexander’s Black Law Students Association. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Zoë worked as a research assistant for a professor in the field of health and reproductive law. Zoë and her professor recently participated in a panel organized by the Politics of Reproduction Research Group, where they spoke about their research on the legal implications of freezing eggs. In her free time, Zoë enjoys baking bread, photography and trying to keep her plants alive.