Scholarships & Awards

Adrian Li Award in Law
Awards totalling $3,500 have been made available through an endowment established by Adrian Li (J.D. 2015), along with matching funds from the University of British Columbia, for second- or third-year J.D. students who are in need of financial assistance and have demonstrated a commitment to community service or entrepreneurship, and an interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Preference will be given to a student with an undergraduate degree in STEM subjects. Adrian received a Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons.) in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto in 2011. He contributed to the open-source community by developing public good software tooling for the development of Web3 technologies. In 2022, he founded the Ethereum Vancouver and the Vancouver City DAO, which aims to unite Web3 communities and establish Vancouver, BC, as a world-class crypto hub. He has worked with startups affiliated with Techstars, Y-Combinator, and ConsenSys. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Afreen Ahmed Memorial Award in Law
Awards totalling $2,000 have been made available annually through a gift in memory of Afreen Ahmed (1959-2019) from her daughter, for second- or third-year J.D. students who are from communities that have been historically, persistently and systemically marginalized. Financial need may be considered. Afreen received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Karachi in Pakistan, where she was a school teacher. Afreen completed several early childhood education courses after immigrating to Canada and became a child caregiver. She raised and enriched the lives of many children through her work for over twenty years. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP, F. Stuart Lang Award
A $5,000 award has been made available annually by Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP in honour of F. Stuart Lang for outstanding students entering the J.D. Program who have an interest in business. Preference will be given to students with an interest in health law. Stuart was a founding partner of Alexander Holburn and during his 50 years of practice, he was the leader of the firm’s Corporate Law and Health Law practices. Throughout his legal career, he was recognized for his expertise in the representation of hospitals and health authorities, and for the time he dedicated to clients and the community, volunteering and serving on boards in various capacities. The award is made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP, William M. Holburn, K.C., Award
A $3,500 award has been made available through an endowment established by Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP, along with matching funds from the University of British Columbia, in memory of William M. Holburn, K.C. (1941- 2022) for students entering the J.D. Program who are in need of financial assistance and have demonstrated academic excellence. Mr. Holburn was a founding partner of Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP where his practice focused on insurance, commercial and class action litigation. He obtained his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1967 and was regarded as one of the most accomplished lawyers in the field of insurance litigation in Canada. Mr. Holburn was appointed King’s Counsel in 1990. The award is made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.  

Alexander Won Cumyow and Gordon Won Cumyow Memorial Award in Law
Awards totalling $2,000 have been made available annually by Pamela Won Cumyow Smith and Brian Smith in honour of Alexander Won Cumyow and Gordon Won Cumyow for domestic J.D. students of Chinese heritage who are in need of financial assistance to complete their education. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Allan E. Black Award in Law
Awards totalling $3,500 have been made available through an endowment established by Adrian Li (J.D. 2015), along with matching funds from the University of British Columbia, for second- or third-year J.D. students who are in need of financial assistance and have demonstrated a commitment to community service or entrepreneurship, and an interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Preference will be given to a student with an undergraduate degree in STEM subjects. Adrian received a Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons.) in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto in 2011. He contributed to the open-source community by developing public good software tooling for the development of Web3 technologies. In 2022, he founded the Ethereum Vancouver and the Vancouver City DAO, which aims to unite Web3 communities and establish Vancouver, BC, as a world-class crypto hub. He has worked with startups affiliated with Techstars, Y-Combinator, and ConsenSys. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Barry Dong Memorial Award in Law
Awards totalling $10,200 have been made available through an endowment established by friends, family, and colleagues, along with matching funds from the Carpentry Employers Association of BC and Harris & Company LLP, in memory of Barry You Fay Dong (1954-2021), for domestic J.D. students in good academic standing, who have demonstrated an interest in labour, employment, and/or human rights law, and have demonstrated financial need. Barry (B.A. 1976, LL.B. 1979) was born in Hong Kong, and immigrated with his family to Port Alice, British Columbia in 1956. In his forty-year career, Barry was a leader in the areas of labour, employment, human rights, and administrative law. He was a partner at Harris & Company LLP, and was extensively involved as counsel in the film and construction industry, contributing to the industry’s growth with his expertise. In 2018 Barry was appointed by the Minister of Labour to the Review Panel for the British Columbia Labour Relations Code. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Bill Maclagan Award in Law
Awards totalling $4,000 have been made available through an endowment established by the Huscroft Family Charitable Trust in honour of William “Bill” S. Maclagan, Q.C. (LL.B. 1986) for domestic second- or third-year J.D. students in good academic standing, who have demonstrated community service, volunteerism, or leadership. Financial need may be considered. After graduation, Bill clerked at the County Court and B.C. Supreme Court, and joined Russell & DuMoulin before joining Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, where he became Partner in 1994. Bill’s dedication for law is evident and he has been recognized as a leading lawyer in Canada by a number of publications, including Best Lawyers in Canada, International Tax Review’s World, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada, and Who’s Who Legal Canada 2020. He has dedicated his spare time to community service and volunteerism, and has served as Chair of the Canadian Tax Foundation, as a Bencher of The Law Society of British Columbia, on the Board of Directors of the Washington Kids Foundation, Big Brothers, a United Way Fundraising Coordinator for Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, as Chair of the Vancouver Opera, and as a Board member and Chair for the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame and its Foundation for over 20 years. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Catherine Chow Award in Law for IBPOC Students
Two awards of $1,500 each have been made available annually through a gift from Catherine Chow (LL.M. 2007) for second and third-year J.D. students who identify as Indigenous, Black or a Person of Colour and demonstrate financial need. This award was established to recognize and uplift those who endure racism as IBPOC law students. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Diane Nhan Award in Law for IBPOC Students
Awards totalling $2,300 have been made available annually through a gift from Diane Nhan (B.A., J.D. 2011) for second- or third-year domestic J.D. students who are Indigenous or who identify as Black or as a Person of Colour. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated an interest in arts or the performing arts. Financial need may be considered. During her adolescent years, Diane was supported by her parents, who were refugees to Canada, and the broader arts community, which helped her cultivate a strong interest in film, theatre and the performing arts. She received a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Psychology from the University of Alberta and was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 2012. Diane decided to pursue a career that combined her legal background with her continued interest in the entertainment industry and currently works as a Talent Agent stewarding the careers of actors and artists. This award was established to support law students who share Diane’s interest in arts or the performing arts. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Edwards, Kenny & Bray Award in Law for IBPOC Students
Awards totalling $2,000 have been made available annually through a gift from Edwards, Kenny & Bray LLP for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis students of Canada, and/or domestic students who identify as Black or a Person of Colour enrolled in first-year of the J.D. program. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Entrance Award in Law for Indigenous Students
Entrance awards of $15,000 each have been made available annually through gifts from Matthew Nathanson (LL.B. 1997), Irwin Nathanson, Q.C. and Joanie McEwen (LL.B. 1975), for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis students of Canada entering the J.D. program who demonstrate financial need and have a history of community service or volunteerism. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated an interest in criminal law. Matthew Nathanson is a criminal defence lawyer practicing out of downtown Vancouver, Irwin Nathanson is a Vancouver civil litigator with Nathanson Schachter & Thompson L.L.P., and Joanie McEwen is a Vancouver lawyer, labour arbitrator, and author. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

George and Iris Brown Humanitarian Award in Law
Awards totalling $4,375 have been made available annually through a gift from George A. Brown (1929-2014) and Iris Brown (B.Sc. 1958, B.Ed., M.Ed.) for students entering the J.D. program who have demonstrated an interest in human rights or Indigenous rights, have a history of community service and/or volunteerism and have demonstrated financial need. George (B.A. 1959, M.P.P.A, M.A., M.S.W.) was born in Jamaica, and came to Canada to pursue a bachelor’s degree from UBC. Later he pursued three master’s degrees from other Canadian universities, in economics, public administration, and social work. His passion for lifelong learning enabled him to further his commitment to equal opportunity and human rights while devoting his life to helping others. He worked at the Ontario Human Rights Commission for over fifteen years, where he won the first sex-discrimination cases in Ontario and established the right for girls to play on boys’ sports teams. Iris graduated from UBC in 1958 with a degree in chemistry, where she was one of a few women in her class. In her thirty-eight-year career in education, she taught mathematics, chemistry and physics in Jamaica, British Columbia and Ontario. This award was established to recognize and support students who are concerned about human welfare. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

The Honourable Grant D. Burnyeat, Q.C. Award in Law
Awards valued at the cost of tuition are offered annually by The Hon. Grant D. Burnyeat, Q.C., Law Class of 1973, to students enrolled in the first year of the J.D. program. Students will have demonstrated academic merit, have shown significant leadership skills, and faced financial challenges that would prevent pursuit of their legal education. Mr. Burnyeat has long been committed to UBC and the Faculty of Law. He has served as President of the A.M.S. and the Alumni Association, as a member of the U.B.C. Senate, on a number of fundraising committees, and has contributed to the Rise Women’s Legal Centre and the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic. Mr. Burnyeat has been recognized as one of the 75 outstanding alumni of UBC’s first 75 years, received a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the UBC Alumni Achievement Award for Volunteer Leadership in 2009, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Irene M. Stewart Memorial Award in Law
A $7,850 award has been made available through an endowment established by the Stewart Family and Fraser Litigation Group in memory of Irene M. Stewart (1948-2020) for an outstanding second or third-year domestic J.D. student who has achieved academic excellence and demonstrated an interest in corporate or commercial law through academic pursuits and volunteer involvement. Irene (B.A., LL.B. 1971) was born in Caterham, England, and moved to Canada as a child. She was called to the bar in British Columbia in 1972 and practiced for forty-eight years as a corporate and real estate lawyer before her unexpected passing. Irene was a partner at Russell DuMoulin and Gowling WLG LLP before joining Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP. Irene was highly regarded in the legal community for her outstanding legal knowledge and skills, professionalism and dedication to her clients. This academic award is made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

John F. Anderson Leadership Award in Law
A $2,800 award has been made available through an endowment established by the Gooding Family Foundation, the Anderson Family and friends, in memory of John F. Anderson (1962- 2021), for outstanding domestic students entering third-year of the J.D. program who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated an interest in corporate law through academic pursuits, student leadership and community service. John (LL.B. 1990) practiced at Stikeman Elliott for thirty years as a corporate and securities lawyer. While studying at UBC, he received the Wesbrook Scholar Award in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement and leadership skills, and the Raymond G. Herbert Award that recognized John as the best all-round graduating student in his class. John was highly regarded in the legal community for his intellect, kindness, mentorship and the friendship he showed towards his colleagues and clients. The award is made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Kevin B. Westell Award in Law for IBPOC Students
Awards totalling $2,000 have been made available annually through a gift from Kevin B. Westell, for outstanding domestic J.D. students who identify as Indigenous, Black or as a person of colour. Preference will be given to students who have excelled in criminal justice. Kevin B. Westell (B.A., LL.B.) was admitted to the British Columbia Bar in 2009. He is a criminal lawyer and founding partner at Pender Litigation. These academic awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Kim-Bautista Award in Law
Awards totalling $1,200 have been made available through an endowment established by Nicco Bautista (B.A. 2010, M.A. 2013, J.D. 2013) and Maria Kim-Bautista (B.A. 2010, J.D. 2013) for students in the J.D. program who are the first in their family to attend law school or have overcome barriers in order to attend UBC. Recipients will have demonstrated academic excellence and/or community service. Preference will be given to students of Asian heritage. Nicco Bautista and Maria Kim-Bautista immigrated to Vancouver as children, were both the first in their families to attend law school, and are now lawyers practicing in Vancouver. Nicco and Maria were actively involved in student leadership and community service during their time at UBC. They established this award to support law students with similar backgrounds to their own. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

KSW Lawyers Award in Law
Awards totalling $2,000 have been made available annually through a gift from the Partners of KSW Lawyers for second- or third-year J.D. students who have achieved good academic standing, have demonstrated leadership in their community, and are actively involved in at least one of the following: varsity sports, student groups, clubs or associations at UBC. Financial need may be considered. The Partners of KSW Lawyers established this award to recognize and uplift those who have a passion for law. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Leonard Marchand Sr. Entrance Award in Law for Indigenous Students 
Awards totaling $2,000 have been made available annually through a gift from Peter Henein (B.A., LL.B.) and Sue Henein, in honour of Leonard Marchand Sr. (1933-2016), for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis students of Canada entering the J.D. program, who demonstrate community involvement. Leonard (B.Sc. 1959, M.Sc., Ph.D., PC, CM, OBC) was a member of the Okanagan Indian Band and was the first Status Indian to be elected as a Member of Parliament in 1968. He advocated for justice, reconciliation, and stronger roles for Indigenous Peoples in Canadian politics. He was subsequently re-elected twice, and served as a member of Cabinet and as a Senator, before his retirement in 1998. Leonard became a member of the Queen’s Privy Council in 1976, was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999, and was awarded the Order of British Columbia in 2014. He received an honorary doctorate from Thompson Rivers University, as well as Queen Elizabeth II Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. This award was established to encourage and provide support for Indigenous students pursuing a career in law. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

McMillan LLP Award in Law for Indigenous Students
Awards totalling $5,000 have been made available annually through a gift from McMillan LLP for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis students of Canada in second- or third-year of the J.D. program. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Mel Beaton Memorial Award in Law
A $2,000 award has been made available annually through a gift from Hammerco Lawyers LLP in memory of Mel Beaton (1961–2022), for a second- or third-year student in the J.D. program who has good academic standing. Students must demonstrate an interest in business law or corporate and commercial transactions, and a commitment to access to justice or community service. Preference will be given to students who are the first in their immediate family to attend law school. Mel (B.Com. 1985, LL.B. 1986) was one of the founding partners of Hammerco Lawyers LLP and provided leadership in the practices of business law and corporate and commercial transactions for thirty-five years. He was passionate about community service and provided pro bono services to non-profit organizations. Mel dedicated his time to Education without Borders, a charity organization that provides education support and programs to disadvantaged individuals who have been historically or systemically marginalized. The award is made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Peter A. Allard School of Law Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award 
Awards totalling $2,000 have been made available annually through gifts from supporters, alumni, faculty and staff of the Peter A. Allard School of Law for students entering first year of the J.D. program who are from communities that have been historically, persistently and systemically marginalized. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Peter A. Allard School of Law Entrance Award for Black Students
A $13,150 award has been made available annually through a gift from an anonymous donor for a student entering the J.D. program who identifies as Black. Financial need may be considered. The award is made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Robert Watson Memorial Bursary in Law
Bursaries totalling $3,000 have been made available annually in memory of Robert “Bob” Watson (1948–2021) for second- or third-year J.D. students in the Peter A. Allard School of Law. Robert (B.A. 1971, LL.B. 1974) was born and raised in Nanaimo, BC and articled at Owen Bird Law Corp. before being called to the Bar in British Columbia in 1975. In 1984, he was a founding Partner of Watson Goepel LLP and was the firm’s first Managing Partner until 2006. Those who worked with Robert commended him for his leadership and mentorship, and believe his hardworking attitude played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Watson Goepel LLP. The bursaries are adjudicated by Enrolment Services. 

St. Pierre, Romilly, Nathanson Entrance Award in Law for Black Students
Entrance awards of $15,000 each have been made available annually through gifts from David St. Pierre, Selwyn Romilly (B.A. 1963, LL.B. 1966) and Matthew Nathanson (LL.B. 1997) for domestic students entering the J.D. program who identify as Black, demonstrate financial need, and have a history of community service or volunteerism. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated an interest in criminal law. David St. Pierre practiced criminal law as a partner of Cobb, St. Pierre, Lewis, Barristers and Solicitors before being appointed to the Provincial Court of British Columbia in 2009. Selwyn Romilly was appointed to the Provincial Court of British Columbia in 1974 and elevated to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 1995, the first Black judge named to any court in British Columbia. Matthew Nathanson is a criminal defence lawyer practicing out of downtown Vancouver. David, Selwyn, and Matthew established this award to support Black students as they begin their legal education. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Stikeman Elliott Entrance Scholarship in Law
Scholarships totalling $8,000 have been made available annually through a gift from Stikeman Elliott LLP for outstanding students entering first year of the J.D. program. Preference will be given to students with (1) an undergraduate or graduate degree in business, and/or (2) a background or work experience in the business field. The scholarships are made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

Sylvie McClean Memorial Award in Law
A $10,000 award has been made available through an endowment established in memory of Marie-Claire Sylvie McClean (1933-2019), for domestic J.D. students with outstanding academic achievement who demonstrate financial need. Sylvie was born in Algeria. She earned a L.es L. and a D.E.S from the University of Paris Sorbonne, and received an M.A. from UBC in 1968. She taught French at UBC and in several high schools. Sylvie was an advocate for women’s rights and education. She wrote her M.A. thesis on Colette and Simone de Beauvoir, and published a biography on Evlyn Fenwick Farris in 1997. Sylvie and her husband Bertie, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, regularly hosted tutorials in their home for Law students enrolled in Bertie’s Real Property class. This academic award is made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.

Wayne Robertson, Q.C. Access to Justice Award
A $2,000 award has been made available annually through a gift from the Governors of the Law Foundation of British Columbia and the benchers of the Law Society of British Columbia in honour of Wayne Robertson, Q.C. for a second or third year J.D. student in good academic standing who through coursework or volunteerism has contributed significantly to increasing access to justice. Financial need may be considered. Wayne Robertson, Q.C., served as Executive Director of the Law Foundation of British Columbia from 2002 to 2019. He has devoted many volunteer hours to various community and non-profit organizations, serving as a board member for both the Canadian Crossroads International and Community Legal Assistance Society. This award was created in recognition of Wayne’s work to increase access to justice. The award is made on the recommendation of the Peter A. Allard School of Law.