On UBC Giving Day, April 8, help us support a more inclusive and equitable legal profession.
With your support, Allard Law is raising funds to support two impactful student awards: The Indigenous Law Students’ Association Award and the Peter A. Allard School of Law Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.
By giving on April 8, you can help us unlock an additional $4,500 in matching funds in support of these two important causes.
Indigenous Law Students’ Association Award
Established by Indigenous law students, for Indigenous law students, the Indigenous Law Students’ Association Award provides annual support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students entering their second or third year of the JD program at Allard Law.
“This award builds capacity for Indigenous law students to focus on leadership roles and make a meaningful contribution to the Allard Law community and beyond,” says Kristofer Charlebois, co-president of the Indigenous Law Students’ Association (ILSA) at Allard Law. “This award fund is foundational to the next generation of Indigenous Law Students, as it provides a secure, growing fund to help those who may be experiencing financial difficulty.”
The Indigenous Law Students’ Association Award was first established thanks to the efforts of Indigenous law students, who have been actively fundraising to grow the award into an endowment to ensure sustained support for future students. Kristofer says that the award “has taken quite a few generations of ILSA Executives to grow” through fundraising.
“This award has significant meaning to us, Indigenous law students, as the funds we receive are raised through hard work by our upper-year peers year after year,” says Kristofer. “It is a form of kindness through forward thinking that helps alleviate the financial stress of tuition and living in one of the most expensive cities in North America.”
Show your support for Indigenous law students on UBC Giving Day. When 10 donors give to the Indigenous Law Students' Association Award on April 8, a gift of $2,000 from an anonymous donor will be unlocked. Support the Indigenous Law Students' Association Award.
The Peter A. Allard School of Law Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
Third-year law student Kelly Tat was inspired to go to law school after seeing her family face challenges navigating systems while experiencing language barriers, cultural differences and a lack of resources. “I wanted to become a lawyer to help bridge those gaps for others,” she says.
As an incoming student, Kelly received the Peter A. Allard School of Law Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award, which provides up to $4,000 in annual support for incoming JD students from communities that have been historically, persistently and systemically marginalized and underrepresented in the legal profession.
“Coming from an immigrant family and as the first in my family to go to law school, receiving the award felt like a recognition of the perspective I bring,” adds Kelly. “The award gave me a strong sense of belonging and encouraged me to seek out opportunities to further promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Allard.”
Kelly says receiving the Peter A. Allard School of Law Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award has also helped ease some of the pressure that comes with pursuing legal education. “It allowed me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular involvement,” she says. “Knowing that Allard is also invested in supporting students from diverse backgrounds has encouraged me to stay committed to my goals.”
Show your support for a more equitable legal profession on UBC Giving Day. When 10 donors give to the Peter A. Allard School of Law Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award on April 8, a gift of $2,500 from an anonymous donor will be unlocked. Support the Peter A. Allard School of Law Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
