Interview with Michelle Wilk
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to pursue Justice and Legal Studies (JLS) at the University of Guelph?
My name is Michelle Wilk, I'm 23 years old, and I am a recent alumni at the University of Guelph. I was a part of the first graduating class of the Justice and Legal Studies program and I'm incredibly proud of it!
Before attending the University of Guelph, I actually began my post-secondary education at the University of Toronto for Architectural Studies. Unfortunately, my first year was entirely online and it negatively impacted my perspective towards school. I dropped out after the first year and began working as a Barn Manager at a competitive horse show barn in Burlington (my hometown). This experience essentially changed my life because it highlighted what my future looked like in the horse industry. I was at a crossroads and knew I had to go back to school.
Luckily, one of my friends was taking Political Science at U of G and she invited me to sit in on a Case Friday in Law and Politics. The multi-faceted complexity of the issues explored in that class inspired me to pursue a career in law so that I might be able to solve the legal, ethical, and moral challenges that our legal system faces.
Since I had found my passion for justice, Justice and Legal Studies immediately caught my attention when it came time to apply to the University of Guelph. I loved law and tackling complicated legal questions with societal impact, so I was looking for a program that could introduce me to the tools I need as well as teach me the proper method of analysis to answer these questions. I paired these passions together and found that Justice and Legal Studies encompassed everything I wanted to learn about.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
I loved that the program offered specializations in several different areas of law. It allowed me to explore my interests before law school, which was incredibly unique and exciting.
All of the professors that I interacted with were so knowledgeable about each area. This motivated me to continue to show up to class and connect with the professors outside of class to learn more about their research.
Not only were the professors knowledgeable about the course content, but they also shed light on their life experiences. It created an intimacy within the class that allowed students to bond with each other, and most importantly, it showed the importance of personal growth within an academic environment.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I'm currently working at SV Law as a legal assistant in the Civil Litigation department. Although my responsibilities mainly consist of administrative tasks, I get unique exposure to high-profile matters while supporting a team of top litigators. This kind of role before law school has been incredible and extremely helpful in providing practical experience in private disputes.
This opportunity also allowed me to network with lawyers on a daily basis, giving me endless opportunities to ask about their experience in the legal industry as well as any other questions I may have about the field.
I am very grateful to have been given the chance to work at SV for my last year of undergrad and I will be applying the skills that I've developed to my future roles as a law student and lawyer.
Additionally, I will be leaving my role in August to attend law school at uOttawa in the Fall.
How did the Justice and Legal Studies program and your time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
The University of Guelph, and the Justice and Legal Studies program specifically, opened up so many doors and encouraged me to take leaps of faith into leadership positions. These positions gave me the greatest skillset I could ever ask for. I not only learned how to lead a team, but also how to create a goal-driven society, focusing on past, present, and future to ensure intentionality in every move we made.
The Justice and Legal Studies Society and the Runnymede Society both brought me to where I am today. The networking opportunities that came with attending society events allowed me to work with such talented individuals like the lawyers and clerks at SV Law.
What advice would you give someone considering the Justice and Legal Studies program or applying to the University of Guelph?
My advice for someone considering JLS and applying to the University of Guelph is to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Talk to your professors, go to class, and build your career while you're here. Being a student does not mean that you have to step back from your career goals, you can work on both simultaneously. Believe in yourself and you can achieve your goals.
Bonus Question
What was your pre-exam ritual?
I think my pre-exam ritual was pretty standard, but I would lock myself in a classroom with a chalkboard and practice writing essays on the chalkboard for a minimum of 2 days ahead of the exam. I found that long, uninterrupted writing sessions helped me develop all of the ideas that I wanted to write about beforehand. The chalkboard was my favorite lifehack because it forced you to slow down and be very intentional with your language. It was also a great way to adjust to handwriting if the exam was on paper. I will literally be buying a chalkboard in law school because it's become such a staple in my studying routine.
