Michaela Rickman: King McShane Award in Civil Liberties recipient
Meet Michaela Rickman! Originally from London, Ontario, Michaela is pursuing an Honours BA with a major in Law and a minor in Music. Michaela is the recipient of this year’s King McShane Award in Civil Liberties
What lead you to decide to pursue your BA at ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´?
ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ is home to the largest Legal Studies program in Canada, which made it my first choice for my BA. ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´â€™s professors are internationally recognized researchers and legal practitioners with broad expertise in how law operates in and is shaped by society. Ottawa is the ideal place to study the law because it is the centre of legal developments in Canada and it is also a beautiful student-friendly city.
Do you have a favourite part of your program?
My favourite Legal Studies course has been LAWS2105: Social Justice and Human Rights, taught by Dr. Anita Grace. The course’s focus on the historic development of human rights was fascinating, and I especially enjoyed discussing theories of social and economic rights. Professor Grace’s lectures were engaging and inspiring, highlighting her expertise and experiences in the field of human rights.
What are you hoping to do after graduation and what do you hope to gain from your degree?
After graduating from ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´, I plan to attend law school and pursue a legal career focused on advancing social justice. My degree at ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ will be valuable in all future endeavours, as I am developing transferable critical thinking, oral advocacy, and legal research skills. ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´’s Legal Studies program is providing me with a strong foundation to approach future legal studies, with an interdisciplinary mindset to always interrogate the power dynamics surrounding the formulation and implementation of our laws.
Any advice for incoming students?
I would encourage incoming students to connect with their professors by preparing well to participate in lectures and discussions, and taking advantage of learning opportunities beyond the classroom that may be offered by faculty. For example, I am currently gaining a deeper understanding of academia and legal studies by volunteering on a research project that I heard about by talking with my professor after class.