John Brennan, class of 2011

Strathroy, Ontario
Graduating with a Juris Doctor degree

How did you pick your major of study, and why did you choose the University of Windsor?

Ever since I was a kid I knew I wanted to do something that would enable me to continually develop my skills, knowledge, and life experience. Assisting my community to the extent to which I am capable has also always figured prominently into my major life decisions. To this end, Law seemed to be a natural choice. Studying law is a prelude to a career which I believe is dynamic, challenging and one, which if done correctly, can lead to the betterment not only of myself but to society at large.

I chose Windsor for two reasons.

First, the summer before I made my decision, I toured several other law schools in the country. Windsor I found was unquestionably unique. The faculty members at the school during my tour warmly introduced themselves to me as did the support staff. Students I found were interacting and engaging in conversation about the law outside of the classrooms. I believed then that this was the type of environment that I would thrive in. I was right. 

Second, I have a number of family members who attended Windsor Law. They reinforced my observations and encouraged me to go to enroll. I very much look up to them and trust their guidance. Again, they were right.

What were your expectations of university? Has the University of Windsor met those expectations?

My expectations were to obtain a first rate legal education including not just the substantive aspects of the law but also the development of critical thinking skills which would enable me to think beyond the descriptive and towards the normative. Simply put, Windsor Law has exceeded these expectations.

What would you say is the most important thing you have learned at university: about yourself, about other people, about your field of study, or about the world?

Difficult question to answer. I learned an awful lot. Perhaps most of all however I learned that under every overturned stone there lays another stone to be overturned. Black and white rarely exist. Assume nothing, embrace unknowns and always know that at the end of the day you have your skill, your values, and your community to help guide you through even the most vexing problems. Sounds a bit aloof but I hold this to be true.

What would you say has been the most memorable part of your UWindsor experience?

The people. Unquestionably. All universities have bricks, all universities have skilled academics and support persons. Windsor Law however, has an environment of individuals who are truly vested in your future success. The numerous professors, practitioners, students and support persons who contribute to the school environment are unquestionably the foundation of the school. They are consequently the most memorable aspect of the school.

Please tell us why you are proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011.

More than anything, I am proud to be counted among the 150 odd exceptionally skilled students who make up our class this year. Being among these graduates is a truly humbling experience for me. I am proud because I know how hard we all worked to get to where we are and I am proud because I know we will all have an impact on future success of our society.

Did you have a course, professor or classmate who inspired you?

Again, another very difficult question. Windsor Law is full of inspirational people which makes it difficult to choose only a few. For fear of excluding anyone I will simply list the major contributors to my experience.

Professor Laverne Jacobs for her ability to continually challenge and encourage my intellectual and professional development. Professor Reem Bahdi who showed me how knowledge of the law can have a real impact on the world around me. Professor Donna Eansor who showed me that passion for teaching leads inevitably to greater learning. Professor Jasminka Kalajdzic who encouraged me to develop my own style of written and oral advocacy. Justice Douglas Phillips who showed me that excellence is the product not only knowledge but also of dedication and hard work. Finally, Dean Bruce Elman who taught me that leadership goes beyond care for an institution, it requires care for the many individuals that make up that institution.

What are your plans following graduation?

I plan to write my bar examinations, travel to Eastern Europe and return to London to begin my career with Lerners LLP.