May 15, 2023

Lenczner Slaght Welcomes Summer Student Class of 2023

Canada’s leading litigation firm continues to attract top talent with the addition of nine exceptional summer students.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laura, Lauren, Madison, Christina, Emily, Rachel, Joudy, Ayushi, and Natalie to the firm today,” says Managing Partner, Monique Jilesen. “They are creative, innovative, and keen to build their advocacy skills – the firm and our clients will all benefit from the diverse perspectives and energy they bring. I look forward to seeing them in action!”

Learn more about our Summer Student Class of 2023 below.

Laura Cameron is a JD candidate at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. In law school, Laura served as a student caseworker at the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights and Pro Bono Students Canada. Laura’s interest in advocacy led her to participate in the 2023 Wilson Moot, where she won prizes for first-place factum and first-place team. In the summer of 2022, Laura worked with the judges of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and in 2024-2025 she will complete her articles as a judicial law clerk at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Laura also holds a PhD in English from McGill University and has taught more than 30 literature and writing classes at several universities and colleges.

Lauren Di Felice is completing her JD at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Lauren discovered her passion for litigation while studying trial advocacy. As a law student, Lauren is deeply engaged in the faculty of law and its community, volunteering her time with the International Human Rights Project, the Law Union, and the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights. Most recently, Lauren founded and now co-leads the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights’ Reproductive Rights working group.

Madison MacKinnon is a JD candidate at Queen’s University Faculty of Law. During her time at law school, Madison passionately volunteered her time to Pro Bono Students Canada and the Queen’s Prison Law Clinic. Dedicated to advocating for vulnerable communities, Madison will continue her work with the advanced Prison Law Clinic in her final year of law school, focusing on assisting with complaints to the human rights tribunal and Supreme Court interventions.

Christina Papageorgakopoulos is currently pursuing her JD at Queen’s University Faculty of Law. While at law school, Christina volunteered her time as a student caseworker at the Queen’s Prison Law Clinic and Pro Bono Students Canada’s the ID Clinic. Christina’s work at Pro Bono Students Canada, particularly as Project Lead of its ID Clinic, led to her being recognized with the Chief Justice Richard Wagner Award for her outstanding leadership.

Emily Rand is a JD candidate at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. As a law student, Emily is heavily involved in extracurriculars, including co-leading the school’s Peer Mental Health Support Program, volunteering at Downtown Legal Services, serving as an Associate Editor of the Critical Analysis of Law Journal, and researching Canada’s legal treatment of LGBTQ+ refugees from Pakistan for the International Human Rights Program. With a passion for oral advocacy, Emily has recently competed in the Walsh Family Law Moot, and helped draft the moot problem for the University of Toronto’s 2022 Grand Moot. 

Rachel Rowlands is a currently completing her JD at Queen’s University Faculty of Law. As a law student, Rachel has been involved with Pro Bono Students Canada and the Wallenberg Advocacy Group, where she engaged in legal research to advocate for those facing inequities in the Canadian and global justice systems. Rachel has also worked as a student caseworker for Queen’s Legal Aid, appearing before the Social Benefits Tribunal, the City of Kingston, and the Ontario Court of Justice. In addition to her clinic-volunteer work, Rachel has served as President of Queen’s Criminal Law Club, organizing the annual 1L Criminal Law Moot, as well as various social and academic events.

Joudy Sarraj is a JD candidate at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. As a law student, Joudy is dedicated to building her advocacy experience through the mooting program, including as a participant in the Zuber Moot, Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot, and the Transnational Law Moot where she placed as a semi-finalist and top oralist. Joudy has also immersed herself in civil procedure and practice as a caseworker at the Class Action Clinic, where she provided legal research, settlement claims filing assistance, and support for public education and outreach initiatives. She also volunteers her time to Pro Bono Students Canada.

Ayushi Thakur is currently pursuing her JD at the University of Toronto. As a law student, she is actively involved in her faculty’s community. With a passion for oral advocacy, Ayushi has participated in the Cassels Brock Cup and the Harold G. Fox IP Moot, and served as a coach for the Hamish Stewart Cup. As a student caseworker at Downtown Legal Services, Ayushi has also represented clients in matters involving employment law and academic appeals. Most recently, Ayushi successfully represented clients in two mediations at the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

Natalie Workewych is currently completing her JD at Western University. As a law student, she is interested in a broad range of legal subject matter, with a particular emphasis on studying intellectual property law. With a passion for science and technology, Natalie has participated in the Harold G. Fox Intellectual Property Moot, works as a Clinic Fellow for the Western Intellectual Property & Innovation Clinic (WIPILC), and as legal intern for a biotechnology startup.