Peter A Allard School of Law

Get to Know Your 2021 Orientation Leaders

Allard Law

Allard Law

Aug 12, 2021

After a year of remote learning, Allard Law Orientation Leaders Suzie Kimball and Isabella Picui are excited to be welcoming the class of 2024 and welcoming back their fellow 2L students at Orientation. They shared their thoughts on what first- and second-year students can look forward to, as well as a few tips for new law students.


Suzie Kimball - 2L student, Allard Law

 

Suzie Kimball

As a first-generation law student, I appreciated learning about the diverse selection of careers that students can pursue with a law degree.

What's happening at Orientation this year that you're most excited about?

I’m most excited about the Careers in Law Panel. It was one of my favourite events from last year's Orientation. As a first-generation law student, I appreciated learning about the diverse selection of careers that students can pursue with a law degree. The lawyers who participate in the panel always have valuable advice for first-year students.

Last year, incoming students weren't able to get together for in-person Orientation. What will Orientation look like for 2L students who missed out on the experience last year?

This year we’re offering the law school’s first-ever 2L Orientation, focusing on community building and acclimatizing 2L students to campus and Allard Hall after returning from a year of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. As 2L students, we’ll have the opportunity to eat lunch with our 1L professors, who we’ll be meeting in person for the first time! We’ll also be doing some fun icebreaker activities, including lawn games, and meeting for a faculty and staff vs. students kickball game!

What are you looking forward to most about being back on campus this year?

I’m so excited to spend more time on campus with my friends. Despite spending most of last year learning from home, I was lucky enough to have made a fantastic group of friends. I missed the simple things like studying with friends at the library or grabbing a coffee after class.

Do you have any advice for 1L students starting at the law school this fall?

Be kind to yourself! There are endless opportunities and ways to get involved at Allard. Make sure that you are keeping track of your time. I found it helpful to schedule time for myself and take self-care days when needed. I quickly learned that I’m most productive in the mornings, so I would study in the mornings and use the evenings for extracurricular activities and spending time with my friends. Having hobbies outside of law school was great for de-stressing. Find what works best for you.


Isabella Picui - 2L Student, Allard Law

 

Isabella Picui

There are so many things I’m excited for. I spent the entire last year in sweatpants in front of my computer, so for me, being able to meet people and see my friends in person is going to be amazing.

What motivated you to apply to be an Orientation Coordinator this year?

It seemed like it would be fun! A year of virtual learning was isolating for an extrovert like me, and I wanted my summer job to be interactive and involve working with others. I was especially excited at the chance to work in a smaller team and plan in-person activities for incoming students. Knowing that Suzie would be my counterpart also influenced my decision, because I knew she was a lovely person, and we’ve had a great time working together this summer. 

What’s happening at Orientation this year that you’re most excited about?

There are a lot of exciting events! I would say that I’m most excited for the Life of a Case event, which closes off Orientation. Professor Harris explains how cases run through the courts – from the scene of the crime, all the way to the Supreme Court. It’s a very engaging presentation, and I remember learning a lot when I attended the event at my own Orientation. I can’t wait to hear it again this year, in person.   

What are you looking forward to most about being back on campus this year?

There are so many things I’m excited for. I spent the entire last year in sweatpants in front of my computer, so for me, being able to meet people and see my friends in person is going to be amazing. I’ve always heard that law school is hard, but the people you meet will help you get through it, and I think having social interaction is going to make 2L a lot of fun. I’m also very excited to go to the library, because I have a hard time focusing at home!

Do you have any advice for L1 students starting at the law school this fall?

It’s not easy to give advice about starting school because everyone has such different goals, ways of studying and definitions of success, but what I would recommend is to focus on yourself. First year is going to be a crazy adventure where you’ll be challenged, meet new and interesting people and develop a new way of thinking. The more time you spend worrying about what other people are doing, the more you’ll detract from your own experience and success.


Learn More

First-year students: Allard Law’s 1L Orientation features social and academic activities designed to help you make the most out of your law school experienceincluding the opportunity to meet your professors and to learn more about careers in law. First-Year Orientation takes place from August 31September 3, 2021.

Second-year students: Orientation for 2L students will be held on September 10, 2021. Registration for this event closes on August 16. Register now.

 


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Allard Hall

Allard Law

The Peter A. Allard School of Law is recognized as one of the leading law schools in Canada, and has a reputation worldwide for innovative research, inspiring teachers, and outstanding graduates.

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