UBC BLSA is a student led organization at Allard Law committed to building community and providing support for Black law students. They also use their platform to encourage students to consider law and provide resources and programing for Black students with legal aspirations.
UBC BLSA is a national chapter of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada who advocates directly with institutions to implement broader structural change focused on more equitable representation. You can learn more on the.
Follow the @UBCBLSA on Instagram or email us to get involved!
BLSA Events and Activities
For over 34 years, BLSA National has hosted an annual conference that brings together students from BLSA chapters across Canada. The conference provides opportunities to connect with peers, engage with leading legal practitioners, and participate in professional development programming. Held over several days, this conference is often a highlight of the UBC BLSA experience. Learn more about the conference.
UBC BLSA hosts a range of academic and professional panels, from sessions led by BLSA executives to discussions featuring Black lawyers practicing in Vancouver. These events provide Allard and pre law students with opportunities to connect with and learn from Black legal professionals at every stage of their careers. UBC BLSA also facilitates networking receptions with leading Canadian law firms, allowing students to meet Black lawyers across firms and gain insight into their professional journeys.
UBC BLSA values creating spaces for Black Allard students to build community within the law school. Games nights, movie nights, and other social events offer students a chance to relax, connect with peers, and meet upper-year students in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Navigating law school and the legal profession can be challenging, especially for new students. The UBC BLSA Peer Mentorship Program provides a supportive space for students to ask questions and seek guidance. First year law students are matched with upper-year students or alumni working in their areas of interest, helping mentees better understand how to align their academic choices and career goals.
Connect with a BLSA Member
Iza Mabanza
My name is Iza Mabanza, and I am a second-year JD Student at UBC's Peter A. Allard School of Law and the co-president of BLSA. I completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science at McMaster University, where I developed an interest in governance and regulation. My legal interests include corporate and commercial law, with a particular focus on banking regulation, risk management, and financial governance frameworks.
Natasha Calif
My name is Natasha Calif, and I am a second-year JD Student at UBC's Peter A. Allard School of Law and the co-president of BLSA. I completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo. I am particularly drawn to Employment and Personal Injury Law for its direct impact on people's everyday lives, offering the opportunity to provide meaningful advocacy when it is needed most.
Madelyn Owusu
My name is Madelyn Owusu, and I am a first-year JD student at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. I completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science at UBC. My legal interests include labour and employment law, corporate law, and family law.
Calebe Laranjeiras
I am a first-year law student at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. Prior to law school, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History at the University of Victoria, focusing on public law and governance, international law, and political theory. After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked in both the Canadian Armed Forces and the British Columbia Public Service. I am particularly interested in areas of law at the intersection of commerce and regulation, with a specific focus on securities, and mergers and acquisitions. At Allard, I am currently involved with the BLSA Executive Team as a Communications Coordinator, serve as an Assistant Editor with the UBC Law Review, and volunteer in Pro Bono Students of Canada.
Chifum
My name is Chifum, and I’m a 3L at Allard. I completed my undergraduate degree in Criminology and Equity Studies at the University of Toronto. After finishing my degree, I took some time off and worked in insurance and with the government before applying to law school. While at Allard, I’ve been involved with BLSA, and outside of school I’ve worked in public interest, health, and labour law. I’m interested in pursuing a career in health law or corporate law.
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