Christian Willitts is a third-year JD student at the Peter A. Allard School of Law, serving as the Operations Officer for the Centre for Business Law and as a Research Assistant for the Centre’s Director, Professor Camden Hutchison. Christian holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the UBC Sauder School of Business where he specialized in Finance and minored in Philosophy. At Allard, he has worked as a Clinician with the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program, and is pursuing the Business Law Concentration as part of his degree. Outside of academic life, Christian enjoys practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu, reading fiction, and exploring Vancouver’s nature and cityscape with friends.
What inspired you to pursue a law degree?
My academic background in business and philosophy created a natural bridge to law. I loved the precision and structure of finance—how small details shape systems—but I was equally drawn to the broader, abstract inquiries of philosophy. Law seemed to harmonize those two disciplines: it’s rigorous, technical, and grounded like finance, yet driven by logic, interpretation, and human consequence, much like philosophy. When I began studying for the LSAT and then entered 1L, it felt as if the prior chapters of my life had been laying the foundation for legal thinking in the background of my mind. I also find something deeply compelling in the idea that law is philosophy made manifest—rules and institutions built on values and beliefs. To me, distinguishing between good and bad law is, at its core, a philosophical project.
Why did you choose Allard for law school?
UBC has been my home ever since entering residence and starting my undergrad. I often found myself walking past Allard during my time at Sauder, wondering if I might one day study there. I had developed a deep love for Vancouver and the UBC community, and Allard offered all the right elements: a top-tier legal education with strong roots in business law, a wealth of experiential opportunities, and a faculty whose work I admired. The Centre for Business Law and its initiatives were also a major draw, as were the alumni I spoke with—each of whom described their time at Allard with genuine enthusiasm. As I approached the end of my undergraduate degree, the choice became a clear and easy one. I’m tremendously glad I made it.
What advice do you have for other students?
Take care of yourself. Law can easily become an all-consuming pursuit, and while school is meaningful and important, it shouldn’t come at the entire expense of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Don’t forget that you’re not just a student; you are a whole person. School is far more rewarding when you remain invested in other areas of your life: your friendships, your health, and your peace of mind. Build habits that sustain yourself, and don’t be afraid to protect the things that bring you joy or keep you grounded. A well-lived life is made up of much more than academic achievement, so don’t lose sight of these other parts along the way.
Last Updated: April 2025