Current Students
Ava Torkaman
Ava Torkaman is a second-year law student at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to attending law school, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, majoring in Political Science and International Development Studies. This past summer, Ava worked as a Legal Intern at Cogeco, where she supported the in-house legal department on legal files and research pertaining to contract law, employment law, and litigation. Last year, she worked as a Program Coordinator at Foresight Canada, where she organized and oversaw projects relating to the promotion of clean technology in the built environment. Throughout her Bachelors, Ava worked in various environmental positions, including as an Events Coordinator at Sustainable Youth Canada, a Research Assistant for an environmental consultant, and as an Environmental Commissioner for the McGill Arts Undergraduate Society.
Allyson Manzie
My name is Allyson Manzie, and I am entering my second year at Osgoode Hall Law School. Home for me is the small town of Kenora, Ontario, located on Treaty Three territory. As a proud Metis citizen, under the Metis Nation of Ontario, our culture’s environmental stewardship practices and traditional understanding of ecology have provided a strong sense of guidance in my choice to pursue an interest in environmental law and sustainability. My involvement in my family’s small local business has helped me develop a keen interest in corporate governance, particularly in how this field intersects with resource management and land development. I look forward to my participation in Osgoode's Environmental Justice and Sustainability Clinic this upcoming year, as I will have the opportunity to apply my academic training and explore this knowledge in a hands-on environment to gain practical experience.
Martin Whittaker
My name is Martin Whittaker. I hold an honours BA in Philosophy from Western University, and I am a 3L student at Osgoode Hall. I grew up in a small town, and I’ve always been very close to nature. Camping, hiking, and bike rides along the lake have always been an important fixture in my life; when doing those things, I saw an incredibly beautiful thing worth protecting, and I still do. I understood the importance of environmental stewardship early on, and that understanding is as strong as ever now. At Osgoode, I realized that I could leverage my expertise in order to affect positive change in the world. Given that ecological destruction and climate change are particularly pressing threats, I am drawn to environmental law as a means to build sustainable and innovative climate and conservation solutions.
Jalissa Boucher
Jalissa Boucher is a 2L student at Osgoode. After studying philosophy at Queen’s University, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with Distinction in 2024. Jalissa’s attraction to the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Clinic stems from her involvement in undergraduate courses focused on environmental ethics and animal rights, alongside her keen interest in litigation. She looks forward to exploring the intersections between environmental law, ethics, and litigation while gaining hands-on legal experience through the clinic.
Skye Baylis
My name is Skye, and I am entering my second year (2L) at Osgoode Hall Law School. I earned my B.A. in History and Political Science from McGill University. My interest in environmental law stems from my work in the agriculture industry, where I developed an appreciation for the legal and policy challenges surrounding land use, sustainability, and resource management. I am particularly drawn to issues at the intersection of environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and resource development. Through the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Clinic, I hope to gain practical experience supporting impactful legal work and to deepen my understanding of how law can advance environmental stewardship and justice for affected communities.
Annabelle MacRae
Annabelle is a 2L student at Osgoode where she is a junior editor on the Journal for Law and Social Policy. In 2021, she graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and Global Development. She subsequently attended the University of Toronto’s Munk School where she pursued a Master of Global Affairs. Prior to law school, Annabelle spent a year working as a policy analyst at the Chiefs of Ontario where her work focused on consultation and Ontario’s free-entry mining system. She most recently spent her 1L summer at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. With a strong interest in Aboriginal law and natural resources, Annabelle is very excited to participate in the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Clinic. Outside of school, Annabelle enjoys baking treats to share with her friends and playing the piano.
Alexandra Rufo
Alexandra is a second year student at Osgoode. This past summer, she worked at the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Legal Services Branch, primarily working in Aboriginal law. Alexandra completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Indigenous Studies. As an undergraduate student, she explored her interest in environmental and Indigenous legal issues as a teaching assistant for a course on Indigenous environmental justice movements in Latin America. Prior to beginning legal studies, Alexandra worked as an event coordinator for three years. At Osgoode, she is involved with the Osgoode Environmental Law Society and will be a Co-Director of Events this year. When she has time, Alexandra enjoys hiking, camping, playing guitar, reading fiction, and café hopping.
Henry Challen
Henry is a second-year student in the joint JD/Master in Environmental Studies program at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, Henry studied Arts and Science at McMaster university where he first became interested in environmental issues by working with the City of Hamilton. For the past 16 months, Henry has worked with Swim Drink Fish in Vancouver and Toronto, a national non-profit dedicated to protecting and promoting swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. Outside of school and work, Henry tries to stay outside; reading, hiking, running, and playing soccer.
William Hanlon
Will is a 2L student at Osgoode, having previously studied geography and political science at the University of Northern British Columbia. Will’s interest in environmental justice and Indigenous self-determination was catalyzed by his brief visits to Guatemala during his undergrad, where he learned about Indigenous and campesino communities’ historical experience of genocidal violence and displacement and their current legal struggles against the Guatemalan state and transnational mining companies. Will recently participated in the Queen’s International Law Program, studying international environmental law, which only reaffirmed his commitment to working towards strong environmental action at home to support global change and a more just future for all. In his free time, Will can either be found reading a good book (preferably outside), trying to learn how to play his guitar (it’s a work in progress) or listening to some great live music at his favourite watering hole.
Joshua Cugini
Joshua is currently a 2L student at Osgoode Hall Law School. He holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University, where he specialized in environmental planning. Joshua is especially interested in the areas of land use regulation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. His previous academic experiences have explored how municipalities can respond to environmental challenges through planning, policy, and legal reform. Through the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Clinic, Joshua looks forward to applying his legal skills to real-world environmental challenges and threats.
James Bird
James is a 2L student at Osgoode, who previously majored in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Queen's University. This past summer he worked as a research assistant for Professor Dayna Scott at Osgoode, where he primarily assisted in helping Neskantaga First Nation challenge the passing of Ontario’s Bill 5. His interest in environmental law stems from his undergrad, where he extensively studied the philosophy of animal welfare and agency. In his free time, James enjoys lifting weights, reading, writing, studying fish, and hiking.
