Laurelle Harris, K.C.. Photo credit: Reanna Khan.
Faculty of Law announces inaugural Director of Internationally Trained Lawyer Program, Equity and Transformation
Alum Laurelle Harris, K.C., returns to Robson Hall in new role
The Faculty of Law is pleased to announce the arrival of its inaugural Director of the Internationally Trained Lawyer Program, Equity and Transformation, Laurelle Harris, K.C. [JD/2001], starting September 16, 2024.
Earlier in the summer of 2024, the Faculty of Law announced the development of a the program which would to enable Internationally Trained Lawyers to complete two micro-diplomas that would allow them to meet Law Society of Manitoba requirements to become licensed to practice law here. All the program needed was a Director. Harris will fill that role by administering and leading the beginning phases of this initiative for the next two years.
“Laurelle will also retain the equity and transformation portfolio that has been ably stewarded by our other Directors, notably Trina McFadyen and Dr. Laura Reimer,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law. “This will be a seamless portfolio because the Internationally Trained Lawyer Program (ITLP) will attract a diverse array of students with multifaceted life experiences. In getting to this point in the ITLP’s development we should acknowledge the development work of Tamra Alexander, Dr. Reimer and Jenna Chemerika.”
“The ITL Program has the potential to make a significant impact on the careers of internationally-trained lawyers, the clients they will serve, and our ability to impact access to justice in Manitoba,” said Harris.
Harris (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Women’s Studies, History) and has undertaken graduate studies in Women’s Studies and Black Studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She earned her law degree in 2001 from Robson Hall and is an experienced litigator with formal training in mediation, arbitration and conflict resolution undertaken locally and at York University in Toronto, Ontario.
For most of her career, Harris practiced law with a mid-sized firm in Winnipeg. From 2018 to 2024, she continued to practice law through Harris Law Solutions, practicing primarily in the area of family law. In 2020 she founded Equitable Solutions Consulting to pursue her passion for helping organizations develop the skills and capacity to function equitably.
“Equity and transformation, to paraphrase Lily Zheng, are commitments to the practice of ensuring wellbeing, success, and the absence of mistreatment and discrimination for all,” said Harris. “It is my intention to lead the work in equity and transformation at Robson Hall with these commitments in mind.”
In 2023, she was appointed King’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor in Council of Manitoba for demonstrating outstanding practice, integrity, leadership, and excellence in the legal profession.
Harris has been a frequent guest lecturer in anti-racism and equity in various classes at the Faculty of Law, including advanced family law, negotiation, and access to justice courses. She had taught in the capacity of Practicing Professional Instructor, and previously co-taught Family, and taught Gender in the Law. In appreciation and recognition of her contributions to legal education, the Faculty of Law made Harris a “Jurist of Robson Hall” in 2023.
“I am thrilled to return to the Robson Hall community and am looking forward to connecting with students and collaborating with colleagues to bring our vision of a more equitable and accessible law school to life,” said Harris.