Lakehead law launches student newspaper

Still in its inaugural year, Canada’s newest law school at Lakehead University has launched its student newspaper today.

The first edition of The Northern Law Compass is available online only and predominantly features coverage of recent law faculty activities.

“We just really wanted to have an outlet for students, whether it be to voice opinions or discuss events that are going on in the law school,” says Elizabeth McLeod, co-editor of The Northern Law Compass. “We want people to know what’s going on and see that we’re developing a community and a student culture here.”

Recurring features will include a section on environmental law, an aboriginal law column, and lifestyle columns. The publication will also review important recent Supreme Court decisions that set a binding precedent for Canadians.

“We’re hoping that this column will be a way for the general public to be [introduced to] recent decisions,” says Scott Mainprize, also a co-editor of the paper.

So far, submissions have been made by volunteer student writers, as well as one faculty member. They hope to include local members of the bar in the future.

The team decided together on the appearance of the paper, looking to other some other student publications for some inspiration when needed.

“It’s been a long time coming,” says Natalie Gerry, the paper’s third and final co-editor. “So we’re just looking forward to showing everyone what we’ve designed and I think everyone is looking forward to seeing other student columns and what they’ve been writing about.”

All three co-editors have seen the time they devote to the paper increase since the concept was first imagined in October last year.

“Because we’re a new faculty and new small student body, everybody has multiple commitments,” says Mainprize. “Everybody is involved with at least one other group within the school community, so it has been a juggling act for everybody, but I think it’s been a priority to each of us.”

The Northern Law Compass received funding from the Lakehead law faculty, the univeristy’s student union, and Lakehead University Law Students’ Society. Funds were used to buy equipment for the production of its web site, as well as general administrative costs.

The editorial team plans to produce a print version of the paper in the future. They will continue to publish stories on the site throughout the summer and an official second edition will be published in the fall.


* Updated March 27 to amend the name of the newspaper

Recent articles & video

Roundup of law firm hires, promotions, departures: July 15, 2024 update

SCC reinforces Crown's narrow scope to appeal acquittal

Final changes to competition laws will require more sophisticated merger analysis: Blakes lawyers

Ontario Court of Appeal upholds paramedics' convictions over death of shooting victim

BC Court of Appeal upholds class action certification in Capital One data breach case

BC Supreme Court awards damages for chronic pain and mental health issues from car accident

Most Read Articles

BC Supreme Court dismisses applications seeking personal liability of estate executor

BC Supreme Court upholds trust company's estate administration amid beneficiary dispute

Alberta Court of Appeal reinstates sanctions on naturopathic doctor for unprofessional conduct

Government of Canada publishes a report to tackle anti-black racism in the justice system