Kate was born and raised in Beamsville, Ontario, in the heart of Ontario's wine country. In 2003, she earned a B.A. in Philosophy from McGill University, graduating with Great Distinction. Three years later, she obtained her LL.B. from Dalhousie University, graduating with more than a dozen awards to her name. Kate is currently an articled clerk at Ogilvy Renault LLP and will be called to the Bar of Ontario in June 2007.

During her academic and professional career thus far, Kate considers herself lucky to have been involved with a number of worthy organizations, including the Family Law Project, Ottawa Reads, the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre and the Sexual Assault Centre of McGill's Student Society. In addition, Kate gained great satisfaction through her work as a tutor for the Law Program for Indigenous Blacks and Mi'kmaq at Dalhousie University.

In the future, with an LL.M. from Cambridge under her belt, Kate hopes to further her passions for the law, ethics and advocacy, while always making time to practice yoga, run, spend time with her loved ones and stop to smell the roses.

During my studies at Cambridge, I drew on my background in law and philosophy to pursue research in the fields of comparative law, legal ethics and professional responsibility. While at Cambridge, I also cultivated and pursued my passion for public law and international law, graduating with a specialization in public international law. I continue to indulge these passions while practicing at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, primarily in the areas of public law, international trade and appeal and review. In 2009-2010, I will serve as law clerk to Madam Justice Rosalie Abella of the Supreme Court of Canada.

I learned more than I ever imagined while studying at Cambridge. The LL.M. Program's academic environment is inspiring and dynamic, driven by some of the most brilliant scholars in the world. My professors were experts in my fields of study (public international law and comparative law), I had access to preeminent guest speakers and resources of the highest calibre, and I studied amongst future stars of the legal world.

In the plainest terms, Cambridge is stunning. The town is reminiscent of a fairy tale - it is a maze of old buildings, green space and the legendary river, all brimming with 800 years of history, mystery and tradition. Being part of those traditions, from "Bumps" to formal halls to garden parties and the unique graduation ceremony, truly enhanced my Cambridge experience. I was constantly inspired by my surroundings and by the knowledge that a number of world-changing thinkers, from Isaac Newton to Darwin to Bertrand Russell, had graced Cambridge's halls in the past.

However, for me, Cambridge was more than academics and tradition. It was also an opportunity to live, learn, socialize and travel with students and faculty from around the world. While at Cambridge, I was lucky enough to form a number of close friendships and pursue new activities, such as rowing, that have remained a major part of my post-Cambridge life.

Studying at Cambridge was a dream come true for me - a dream made possible by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies and the Right Honourable Paul Martin Sr. Scholarship. I feel truly honoured to be a recipient of this Scholarship and I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the Institute for its support.