“Education is Life Itself”

 

Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.

–  John Dewey.

On March 11, 2025, students from the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law visited students at Balmoral Hall School to share information on business law fundamentals and paths to becoming a lawyer in Manitoba.  

Third-year law students Kassandra Taverner (3L) [BSc/2020], Skylar Ferbers (3L), [BComm(Hons)/2022], Moira Kennedy (3L), and Emily Palmer (3L) [BA)/2019] gave a presentation on various areas of business law, including information on business structures, contracts, intellectual property, taxes, and employment.

At the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic, law students provide free legal information and legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford a lawyer or face barriers to accessing legal support in Manitoba.

The audience consisted of students from a grade nine entrepreneurship class and a grade ten law class. Through its entrepreneurship class, Balmoral Hall School has created the Balmoral Hall Maker Market, where young entrepreneurs create products to sell through its physical storefront as well as its online Shopify store. The shop has showcased several items such as jewelry, accessories, candles, and other forms of artwork.

Skylar Ferbers (3L) [BComm(Hons)/2022]

Ferbers expressed the importance of educating young people through the Clinic. “It was inspiring to present to such a driven group of future leaders. I was particularly impressed by how many students were already running their own businesses,” she said. “For entrepreneurs, knowledge truly is power, no matter their age. I hope the students walked away feeling empowered to keep creating and pursuing their goals.”

During the presentation, the Clinic students shared their individual journeys to law school, highlighting the fact that not every path is the same. Taverner shared the importance of connecting with future legal minds.

Kassandra Taverner (3L) [BSc/2020]

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to give this presentation. Above the practical legal information we shared, I hope the students go forward in their studies and lives with confidence knowing that there is not one path to law school.”

The presentation took place just days after the annual celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD). This year’s theme for IWD is “Strength in Every Story,” which stresses the importance in celebrating voices of all women and finding opportunities to unlock potential and facilitate innovation.

Moira Kennedy (3L)

For Kennedy, this visit to Balmoral Hall School was a full circle moment. “Having attended Balmoral Hall in elementary school, it was both wonderful and timely for me to return and provide information about law school and entrepreneurship with students, especially as I look forward to my graduation in the coming months,” she said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to speak with these inspiring young women in celebration of International Women’s Day.”

The Business Law Clinic has visited Balmoral Hall School on an annual basis and intends to continue this tradition in the future.

Kirstan Osborne [MEd)/2018], a teacher at Balmoral Hall School, expressed student interest in the Business Law Clinic presentation. “The business law event was a great experience that sparked students’ curiosity, particularly around emerging issues like copyright and AI, as well as social media and privacy,” said Osborne. “It also provided a platform for students to reflect on their own experiences in part-time jobs, fostering a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.”

For more information on about the Balmoral Hall Maker Market that showcases the incredible talents of student entrepreneurs, the power of community, support and recognition, check out their website here.

Story submitted by Emily Palmer, 3L [BA/19, MJ/22 (UBC)]