Wilfrid Laurier University appoints Dahlia Bateman as general counsel

Wilfrid Laurier University has announced the appointed of Dahlia Bateman as the institution’s new general counsel and lead for the office of legal services and fair practices.

Bateman brings to Laurier 17 years of experience as a legal counsel, providing strategic legal advice and advocacy across various sectors including technology, broadcasting, music, and hospitality, according to a news announcement posted on the university website. Most recently she served as general counsel for a restaurant and hospitality services group of companies that operates across Canada. Her previous experience in the post-secondary sector includes working as the university ombudsperson for Dalhousie University. She has also served on the admissions committee at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie and assisted the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto in its admissions process.

Bateman holds a Juris Doctor from Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University and a Master of Information Studies and Honours BA from the University of Toronto. She completed her Canadian Certified In-house Counsel from Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

“I am honoured to join Laurier as its next general counsel,” said Bateman, in the statement from the university. “Joining a global leader in post-secondary education with impressive, award-winning faculty and innovative learning environments across its campuses, is exciting. I look forward to assisting Laurier in achieving its institutional goals and upholding its tradition of excellence.”

Bateman joined Laurier on May 30, succeeding current previous general counsel Shereen Rowe, who will retire on June 17, the university reported. Rowe joined Laurier 17 years ago in faculty relations, and served as university secretary and general counsel (2009-2016). Rowe is currently general counsel and lead of the office of legal services and fair practices. In 2015, she was recognized for her significant contributions to Laurier with a President’s Award for Individual Achievement. 

“I am excited to have Ms. Bateman join our senior leadership team. I am confident that her skills and expertise will be a valuable addition to Laurier, including as a key contributor to the president’s cabinet,” said Deborah MacLatchy, president and vice-chancellor, in the university’s announcement. “Her spirit of volunteerism and community service makes her an excellent fit in our thriving community.”

In 2018, Bateman was inducted into the Bertha Wilson Honour Society, presented by the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, which is an award that recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to non-profits, legal professions, and their communities.