UBC Law’s Travel Abroad Research Grants

The following post was written by 2L Emmanual Fung about his experiences researching in China this summer.


The Carbolic Smokeball Advertisement at Hong Kong University’s [now, old] Law Library

My name is Emmanuel Fung and I’ll be starting my second year at UBC Law in the Fall. It’s been great to have had contact with some of you already as a Law Student Ambassador and I look forward to meeting more of Class of 2015 at the Vancouver Icebreaker (on August 7^th – RSVP to orientation@law.ubc.ca if you haven’t already) and at Orientation.

In the summer following my first year at UBC Law, I had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong and South China to perform research on trade and labour practices in the manufacturing export industry. The following blog entry details a few of the things I saw in China.

Professor Ljiljana Biukovic (who teaches a fantastic Contracts class – some of you will have her next year) at the Faculty of Law supervised the research, which was performed under the umbrella of the Asia Pacific Dispute Resolution project at UBC’s Institute for Asian Research. The goal was to improve Corporate Social Responsibility practices for Canadian importers.

Funding for the research was provided by UBC Law’s Travel Abroad Research Grants, which enables two law students (of any year) to perform research on a topic of their choosing. Last year, applications for the grant were received from the beginning of January to the end of February. Applicants were required to submit a cover letter, resume, undergraduate transcripts, first term marks and two letters of reference. The announcement for the grant was posted in the weekly news and events bulletin, so be sure to keep an eye out.  Applicants may choose from a list of sponsored proposals, or can work together with a professor to design their own proposal.

The Faculty of Law’s Career Services Office provides great advice and help in completing the application process. In fact, the CSO provides great advice and help for law students generally and I would recommend that all students get to know the team as soon as possible!

I found that working on the application in itself provided a great opportunity to hone my resume and cover letter writing skills. As well, many other first year summer jobs request the same documents. I would highly recommend that anyone interested in research apply for this great grant! Again, the grant is open to all years of study and in the past, many first years have been successful. I would be more than happy to share more about my experiences with any students: {emmanfung [ at ] gmail dot com}.

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It is around nine or so on a Wednesday night and I am in the backseat of a Dodge Caravan on my way to Hong Kong’s border with Shenzhen, China eating a Big Mac and fries and sipping a Coke. My guide, a factory owner from South China, sits beside me and has four cell phones arrayed in front of him. He’s mechanically switching the SIM cards in his phones as we prepare to cross the border.

Armchair economists compare the price of Big Macs in locales around the world to map out inflation and currency parity. Coke consumption is loosely, but positively related to a country’s wealth. I’m not sure what the French Fry index signifies.

When I was here a year ago, the cost of a Big Mac meal was 20HKD or about 2.50USD (see proof above). The price for the same burger, fries and soft drink was now 28.2HKD. That’s a forty percent increase in price. To compare, 2- 3% inflation is generally considered a healthy rate.



The price of a Big Mac Meal in 2011 and 2012 compared



We cross the border, pass through customs and we meet another driver nearby. This Buick will take us to a prefecture of Shenzhen. I am told that it is another two hours to our destination. Along the way, I contemplate Chinese inflation and the econometrics of Happy Meals and am lulled to a happy sleep.
In my sleep, I get the sensation that I’m falling, or that I’m paused, midair, after tripping. And then I’m jolted awake. I guess that the van had dropped two inches or so as it crossed from one section of the road to the next. This happens again as the van soon crosses another section of road. I stare out the window into the dark and it takes a few moments before I am able to make out shapes passing us and before I realize how quickly we’re moving.

I don’t think emergency services are called if there’s an accident at this speed. They just bring a bulldozer.

I watch as we pass vehicle after vehicle on the highway. The only time we slow down is when we almost die – like when the truck we happen to be tailgating brakes. I get the feeling that the driver gets off from the speed.  A lime green Toyota CRV pulls ahead of us but we soon pass it again.

“Money can’t buy happiness, but without money you’ll surely be unhappy.” My friend had shared this Chinese proverb with me the day before.

I am a bit on edge and can’t sleep again so I work through questions that I want to ask people tomorrow. I had prepared a guide when I was in Vancouver, but my research directions have changed a bit since then. I am not sure exactly how to work my questions and I’m worried I won’t be able to properly translate my questions into Chinese. I think about the proverb my friend shared and wonder if I can tease a question out of it.

I am a bit on edge and can’t sleep so I work through questions that I want to ask people tomorrow. I had prepared a guide when I was in Vancouver, but my research directions have changed a bit since then. I am not sure exactly how to work my questions and I’m worried I won’t be able to properly translate my questions into Chinese. I think about the proverb my friend shared and wonder if I can tease a question out of it.

Our driver flashes his high beams to alert the driver of a truck that we’re about to pass. It’s a safety precaution, you see. Or maybe he’s just hoping the driver will get out of his lane.

 Then, I have giddy understanding that I’m at the frontier of the world economy.

The first and last two minutes of a flight are the most dangerous. On landing, all kinds of horrible things can go wrong. On takeoff, the structural pressure on the plane is greater than any other time in the flight. I always feel a moment of trepidation just as the plane leaves the ground. This is because I know that in that moment, the pilot must decide whether to commit absolutely to the take off, or to set the plane down safely.

 In that moment, the immense weight of the plane becomes obvious as it struggles against gravity and vibrates uncontrollably. The notion that the heavy plane is about to rise thirty thousand feet seems absurd. Then, the pilot commits to the takeoff and lets the jets roar. The incredible and unstoppable power of the jets under the wings is felt as the vibrations stabilize, your head pulls back slightly from the acceleration and any doubt disappears.

This is how I feel now as the Buick rumbles and bounces along the highway. I am being jetted to my destination – a production municipality in Guangdong – by an unstoppable economic force.

This Buick and the highway we are speeding along are vital pieces of infrastructure. They carry my sleeping friend. I’m sure he has not had much sleep recently because he told me that he’s been to four countries over the last two days on business. His factory produces the kind of secondary materials that are necessary for construction and I conclude that his insane schedule bodes well for the global economic recovery. He is a small, important cog in a global economic engine.

The next day, someone told me that the drive we completed in two hours the night before should have taken at least three. Every business owner I later spoke with underscored the stress, the business of manufacturing in China and trading with the world. We kept a breakneck pace that night because there was no practical alternative.

I imagine that no vehicles ever passed us because they were all well ahead.

The inflation and the rapid pace of change in China have been accompanied by a large volume of journalism and academic writing. In the research on corporate social responsibility, scholars have observed the “increased business focus” and “hyper-competitiveness” of small and medium sized firms. Speaking to business people in Hong Kong and South China, I felt this urgency over-and-over again in a way that these sanitized descriptions could not capture. More than anything else, this sense of pressure and urgency changed the way I understood and approached my work.

At the same time, the academic literature fails to meaningfully convey the “increased salience of personal values in decision making processes”. Likely, I’ve read too little, but I’ve yet to encounter adequate mention of the generosity or amiability of business persons in the academic literature. This culture and attitude contrast strongly from the hard and fast bargaining of business.

I remember one occasion where ten or so of us were chatting after lunch – business partners, an export advisor, a major client, an ex-employee now subcontractor, someone’s friend, someone’s brother. The languorous lunch – a twelve course affair –  was a daily ritual for them and at other factories I’ve visted.  As usual, a few were enjoying a post-prandial smoke.  Often as is the case when I – the foreigner – am present, the conversation turned to my motherland.

Tony our host (he pays for the meal) is considering sending his son to study abroad somewhere. “He gets teary eyed at the thought” his brother mocked him gently. “Imagine what it’ll be like when it’s his daughter’s turn.” Everyone laughs. “There is too much discrimination in America and Britain, but I hear in Canada all you need is Chinese. English isn’t necessary to get around”. The comment was addressed to me. I answered with a joke and they continued, satisfied. “What if he comes back with a foreign girl?” “Best to keep him at home, then.” Tony looked pleased at that.

“Why would want anyone immigrate?” Tony then asked rhetorically. “Everyone who immigrates eventually returns because they’re so bored. Here I get to hang out every day. I have all my friends and family here. Life as an expat is boring, there is no brotherhood” (this word is particularly difficult to translate). The table agreed.

And it’s true. Later, one of our lunch companions, a trader from Hong Kong, said to me privately: “When people wonder what I do when I’m in China for business, I tell them that I’m just here to mooch food and drink.”

I have rarely experienced that level of openness and amiability. Like myself, some were new additions to the group. Others were old hands and knew the lunch time routine – unabashed moochers. Not that Tony minded. All were business companions of some form who just happened to be hanging around the factory when noon rolled around. Invitations to lunch all around, every day – Tony’s treat. Everyone chatted like old friends. That is the culture there.

I returned to Hong Kong three days later and three lunches fuller. The night I returned, I lay in bed feeling very grateful and sad that I’ll likely never find myself around Tony’s factory at noon, again.

These two experiences – and many others I lack space to describe – challenged and altered the way I thought about trade and corporate social responsibility. Firstly, I found that unless CSR complemented and improved trade practices, it would have absolutely no resonance with small factory owners. CSR must to be simple, practical and reduce stress for manufacturers, not increase it. Second, one overlooked advantage of CSR for Canadian importers was the opportunity to develop closer relationships with manufacturers. Though I have not described them here, I learned firsthand about the unexpected advantages of good feeling between small businesses in China. For importers to gain these advantages, CSR must facilitate these relationships. It must not be overly aggressive, but should communicate good will.

Back in the van on the way to Shenzhen, one of my sleep-deprived friend’s many cellphones rings and wakes him. He rises to answer it.

“Hello?” It’s a North American client he met yesterday. “Yes yes, we have your new specifications. I will email you the price tomorrow. Ok? Thank you, bye.” Before he settles in to sleep again, he looks at me and asks if I was able to sleep.  “Just a bit, thanks.”

I should mention that while we were still in Hong Kong, he had asked whether I was hungry. I insisted that I had just eaten, but he ignored me and told the driver stop anyway. On our breakneck journey for the border, there was no time to sit down for a meal. So…Macdonald’s for everyone. His treat, of course.

 I am extremely grateful to the donor of the Travel Abroad Research Grant for the funding for this research, for the incredible generosity and hospitality of the friends and business persons mentioned in this piece, to my supervisor Ljiljana Biukovic for her time and guidance, and to all those who have been so open with their time, support and expertise.

UBC OutLaws

The summer before 1L I was a big ball of emotions. I was excited by the prospect of studying law. I was nervous about the academics and whether I would be able to handle the workload.  Mostly, however, I carried lingering doubts about whether I would fit in, as a gay student in what I thought would be a very conservative school and profession.

I could not have been more wrong.

The UBC Faculty of Law is a very supportive environment for LGBTQ students. In my experience, classmates and faculty are supportive, and appreciate the diversity of views and experience you bring to the class. In addition, there are a number of opportunities – clubs, panels, and research – to engage with issues important to the queer community.

One way to get involved with the queer community at UBC as a 1L – whether you are gay, straight or find yourself somewhere in between – is to attend an OutLaws event. The club has a mandate to promote a queer-positive learning environment, and to raise awareness of issues impacting the larger queer community.

What does OutLaws do? We build up the queer community at UBC Law by organizing pub nights, dinners with the LGBTQ medical students group, and keep you up-to-date on queer events happening in the wider UBC and legal communities. We also host the well-attended “Cheers for Queers” nights, where queer and allied law faculty meet with OutLaws members for beer (or in my case, Diet Coke!).

On the more serious side, OutLaws organizes academic panels on issues related to the queer community. We also provide student input on events hosted by the Canadian Bar Association’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference (SOGIC).  Not only is this a great way to learn about the law, but it also acts as a way to meet lawyers from around British Columbia.

I would encourage all law students to get involved with OutLaws. If you have any questions about OutLaws, or would like more information about the LGBTQ scene in Vancouver, feel free to email us at ubcoutlaws@gmail.com. In addition, be sure to look for the OutLaws event on the Orientation schedule!

This post was written by 2L Michael Alty, co-chair of UBC OutLaws. Stop by and say hi at Clubs Day (Thursday, September 6)!

The Environmental Law Group

The Environmental Law Group has been a feature at the UBC law clubs’ scene for a few years now. We are passionate about both enjoying the environment around us, and doing our part to make sure we can continue to do so.  In particular we want to build a bridge between the environmental law community and students interested in that practice, to create opportunities for both, and broaden the awareness of the fundamentally important role that environmental law plays in our society. Our primary mission is educating and engaging students in the legal dimension of important environmental issues.

Throughout the year we plan educational, social, and career-oriented events. Last year we offered a film night, negotiation competition, careers in environmental law panel discussion, organized a group to attend the renowned Public Interest Environmental Law Conference in Eugene, Oregon, and a number of social events including a north shore hike. We are also initiating a push for more environmentally friendly operations in Allard, ie “greening Allard”. This coming year we are planning on continuing some of the fine traditions that the ELG has established such as the negotiation competition, as well as new initiatives that we hope will engage students, environmental law academics and lawyers, as well as other groups within UBC.

We are a fun group that enjoys both passionate debate and getting outside to play in the fantastic spaces in and around Vancouver. Many of our members are active skiers, climbers, and paddlers and are always keen to get away from the library for a hike and a pint or two. We encourage all of you with an interest in protecting the environment to come to clubs’ day and hear more about us, and come to our fall kick off meeting to meet the executive and hear about our plans for the year. We also hope that many of you will stay involved and take on the challenges of helping to lead the ELG after our current leadership steps down in January.

 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information (ubc.elg@gmail.com) and we look forward to meeting you in September!

The History of the UBC Faculty of Law Trike Race

This year, UBC Law is celebrating one of its longest-running traditions…the UBC Law Trike Race!  Although the names of the students who had the original idea are unknown and many now take the credit, we do know that the first trike race occurred in 1972. While no one seems to be able to explain why the trike races were started, those who were involved are keen to speak to the complexity (and outrageousness) of the event in its first few years.  While the race of recent years has involved teams of four students each riding tricycles up a straight stretch of road in front of the law school, the original race course was significantly more challenging.

The participants officially started the race in the library, under the watchful eye of Paul Ayriss, the school administrator, and Raymond Herbert, a faculty member. As soon as the starter’s pistol was fired, the racers headed off through the library and then outside to wind around the law school, where they became the target of eager classmates and faculty armed with projectiles to throw the participants off track. While today’s race involves water balloons, racers back in the day had to endure buckets of water mixed with fish fertilizer being poured by students who had climbed up onto the roof of the law school. Once the thoroughly soaked participants finished the outdoor part of the race, each team’s pit crew waited to help lift the tricycle back inside the building, where the triumphant team would cross the finish line back in the library.

 

Being the last student event of the year, it was a popular event and a great opportunity for students and faculty alike to relax before the inevitable days of studying and final exams. In fact, the event was so popular that classes would often be cancelled to allow everyone to participate in the festivities.  One year, as the story goes, the trike races were even graced with the presence of some very distinguished guests.  The trike race was about to start when a limousine pulled up to the barricades that were blocking the road. The chauffeur was warned that he should move his vehicle if he didn’t want it to get dirty.  The chauffeur obligingly backed up and left, protecting his passengers (the King and Queen of Spain, as was later discovered) from the crazy race that was about to unfold.

While that was the first and last sighting of royalty at the race, the modern day trike race has maintained many of the traditions of the original event, including teamwork, camaraderie, and good fun. It still brings students and faculty together outside to relax, dress up in costumes, and embrace the silliness of grown-ups trying to ride wee bicycles.  It is a mystery how an event created by a few UBC Law students looking to have some fun has lasted 40 years, but what is clear is that it has become integral to the UBC Faculty of Law and will no doubt continue for another 40 years. 

Thank you to Jennifer Reagan, UBC Law's Alumni Relations Manager,  for this story and Melissa Tang, UBC Law's External Relations Coordinator, for the pictures!

Illegal Beavers RFC

The Illegal Beavers RFC is one of the oldest clubs at UBC Law. Students have been playing rugby with the team for decades, with many alumni now working in Vancouver and across Canada. The Beavers represent UBC Law against other western law schools every year. Last year the team went to Calgary to face off against U of C and U of A, with another trip to Victoria to take on UVic. Other games include matches against the Beavers alumni, Vancouver Police Department, UBC Med, and the UBC junior varsity team.

            

With one of the largest memberships at the law school, joining the Beavers is a great way to get to know fellow students, as well as an excellent opportunity to establish future connections with the many alumni who will be future employers and colleagues. While we are obviously excited to have many rugby players join the team, new recruits are always welcome regardless of skill or experience. If you have never played rugby before, you are not the only one and we will bring you up to speed at practice.

The Beavers are also active off of the pitch. The Beavers run some of the school’s big parties and we also made a solid donation during Movember this past year, as well as volunteering to help out with the pub crawl at last year’s Law Games.

UBC Law also has a women’s touch rugby team to represent us against the other schools. The Honey Badgers, managed by Margaret MacDonald and Rachel Ward this coming year, are eager to see new members as they take on our western Canadian rivals on home turf this year. To contact them please email ubclawwomensrugby@hotmail.com.

For the men’s team, questions can be sent to beaversrugby@gmail.com.

Whether joining the Beavers or the Honey Badgers, rugby at UBC Law is a great way to meet other law students, take time off from schoolwork, and be part of a long standing school tradition.

Looking forward to seeing some new faces out on the pitch this fall,

Alex Bjornson (2L)
President of the Illegal Beavers RFC

UBC Law Ambassadors: Frequently Asked Questions

General Law School Questions

Where is the new UBC Law Building located?

We moved into Allard Hall (1822 East Mall, Vancouver, BC) in August 2011. For directions and a detailed map showing the location of Allard Hall on the UBC campus go to: http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?show=y,n,n,n,n,y&bldg2Search=n&locat1=482.  

Is there someone I can speak to about financing my education?

UBC Law has a dedicated financial advisor, Kaycie Hebert, who is available to meet and speak with students. To schedule an appointment please e-mail Kaycie at Kaycie.hebert@ubc.ca. For more information about financing your education go to http://www.law.ubc.ca/prospective/financing/index.html.

Can I go on a tour of UBC Law or speak to a law student?

UBC Law has a “Law Ambassador” program designed to provide prospective students with information about UBC Law. You can contact a Student Ambassador regarding the law school experience, life at UBC Law, or living in Vancouver, at ambassadors@law.ubc.ca.

Housing and Transportation

How do I find out more information about on-campus housing for UBC Law students?

UBC Lawʼs Prospective Students website has more information: http://www.law.ubc.ca/prospective/housing.html

Where is a good place to live if I want to live off-campus?

Students live all over the City of Vancouver and in the surrounding suburbs. Popular student areas include Kitsilano, West Point Grey (along 10th Avenue), Fairview (Granville and Broadway area), Downtown, and the West End. The Alma Mater Society (UBC student union) runs the free “Rentsline” service:  http://www.amsrentsline.com/.  Students also find accommodation through Craig’s List: http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/apa/.

What is the transit like in Vancouver? How much are transit passes?

Public transportation is frequent and reliable within the City of Vancouver. It is also good in the suburbs of Burnaby, North Vancouver, and Richmond. It is less frequent in the outer suburbs. There are several express bus services to UBC from various points in the city; many buses connect with SkyTrain (Vancouverʼs rapid transit metro). TransLink provides all public transportation services in Metro Vancouver. All UBC students get a “U-Pass,” which is good for travel in all transit zones on buses, SeaBus, and all three SkyTrain rapid transit lines. It costs approximately $30/month and is included in your student fees. The U-Pass is valid from the beginning of September to the end of April. During the summer months, you can purchase a one-zone pass (good for travel within the city) for about $80/month. For more transit information, including TransLinkʼs useful “Trip Planner” tool, go to www.translink.bc.ca.

Is there parking near the law school?

Parking is available near Allard Hall in the North Parkade and Rose Garden Parkade. For more info, check out UBC Parking’s website: http://www.parking.ubc.ca/

First Year Life

What is a first year schedule like at UBC? What classes will I take? Do students have any days off?

All first-year students take the same classes. Each student is placed in a “small group” of approximately 22 students, with whom you will have all your classes (along with one other small group that changes from class to class). Although the examination and class timetable has yet to be finalized for 2012-2013, first year students should expect to receive every Friday off from classes during the week. For the remaining four days, students should expect to attend classes from about 9:30 am to 4:00pm with a lunch break from 12:30- 2pm. Here is a link to the first year schedule from 2011-2012:  http://www.law.ubc.ca/files/pdf/current/jd/web_files/First_Year_Timetables/Fall_Spring_First_Year_Timetable.pdf. The 2012-2013 timetable, assignment and examination schedule will be finalized and posted online by the end of July 2012.

For 2012-2013, first year students will take the following classes (all year long unless otherwise indicated):

1.    Property Law;

2.    Torts;

3.    Constitutional Law;

4.    Criminal Law;

5.    Contracts;

6.    Legal Research & Writing (Term 1 only) * New*

7.    Public Law (Term 1 only) *Formerly called Regulatory State*; and

8.    Transnational Law (Term 2 only).

The Examination Period for first year students should be the following:

·         December 7-17, 2012; and

·         April 10-19, 2013.

What events and activities are there for first year students?

Lots! During the week, there are often information sessions, club meetings, faculty presentations, and other events at lunch and after class. The Law Studentsʼ Society (LSS) and various clubs organize social events throughout the year. There are lots of ways to get involved in the law school community. Some options include the LSS, the Law Studentsʼ Legal Advice Program, Pro Bono Students Canada, the UBC Law Review, and various sports teams.

What kind of recreation opportunities are there on campus?

UBC Rec provides cheap gym memberships to UBC students. They also offer workout classes and personal training. For more information, check out their website: http://www.rec.ubc.ca/.

Career Services

What kinds of services does UBC offer to assist students in finding jobs?

The UBC Law Career Services Office (CSO) has four dedicated staff members whom help students find jobs. For more information, go to the UBC Law CSOʼs website: http://www.law.ubc.ca/careerservices/info.html.

Throughout the year, the CSO offers information sessions on jobs, interviews, and lots of other useful topics for students. The CSO also organizes recruitment events, compiles career guides, and meets with students one-on-one to edit resumes and assist with job interview preparation. Once you have started classes as a first year student at UBC Law, you will be able to access the CSOʼs “Symplicity” website that has hundreds of handouts, a calendar of events, and job postings for law students.

UBC Law Ombudsperson

Meet Martina, your 2012-2013 Ombudsperson! If you have any issues during the year, she's all ears. Martina will also be joining me in organizing your Orientation Week starting in July! For now, you can reach her at ubclawombuds@gmail.com

Class of 2015!  Welcome!

Welcome to UBC Law!  Welcome to our new building, our new home.  Welcome to the Musqueam land we share.  Welcome to studying in a library with a view of the ocean and the mountains.  Finally, welcome to a buzzing community that will always foster and be fostered by your involvement, where we share and support each other in the face of rigorous academics.

As your Ombudsperson this year I have the responsibility of easing your year’s transition into law school and ensuring UBC Law’s commitment (in words and in deeds) to the values of equity and non-discrimination.  In short, I do this by sitting on various LSS committees, liaising with administration and diverse student groups, and hearing your complaints.  I will try and help with complaints about academic procedure, faculty, student clubs, interpersonal conflict between students, and even problems with the building.  Also feel free to approach me with personal issues if you need to.  If I can’t help, I will try my darndest to find you the person, organization, or committee that can, and I’m happy to help you present your concerns to them.  While academics are a huge part of your time here, your health, relationships, and happiness should be priorities.   There are tons of ways that you can maintain that balance, and I’m here to help.

The spirit of support that is unique to UBC Law is what will get you through your first year.   Don’t forget to cash in!  Upper year students, and especially your Legal Buddy if you have one, will be more than willing (read: nerdy and eager) to give you advice, career guidance, old CANs, and moral support.  We also have dozens of sports teams where you can meet new people and let off some steam: Women and Men’s Rugby, Dodgeball, Volleyball, and Curling, to name a few.  Clubs and organizations reach well beyond law-related ones like Pro Bono, LSLAP or the Review. Check out something completely different like the Ski and Snowboard Club, the Indigenous Law Students’ Association, Knitting Club, or the Legal Eye.

Nevertheless, while choosing extra-curriculars and in academics and job searches, it is important not to lose sight of who you are before law school.  It might become easy to switch your own goals and interests with those that seem important to the majority, or to others’ career goals.  I am going to be one of many people who will encourage you to stick to what drives and interests you first.  These interests can always change (hey you might end up really loving tax law, imagine that).  Still, make sure to always check back in throughout the year and consider why you’re suddenly in Duff’s Tax Class, and the Tax Moot, and interviewing with a Tax Firm… well that escalated quickly.  Be true to yourself no matter what direction those interests take your legal education and career.  Additionally, don’t let academics, competition, or pride ever come between you and your classmates.  I can safely say that is not the community that we have here at UBC Law. 

Congratulations on your first step in joining the legal profession. You will meet so many great, intelligent, and incredibly unique people.  You’ll make it far while still being able to call law school a blast in a glass.  If it starts to not be, make sure to talk to someone about it.

I’ll conclude with some advice that applies to the entire galaxy, and so definitely applies to your next three years:  Don’t Panic, and Always know where your towel is.

Looking forward to meeting you all,

Martina Zanetti