JANUARY 28, 2015 | ULTRAVIRES.CA
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO FACULTY OF LAW
First Council Meeting for New Dean Iacobucci sets new vision for future fundraising campaign and position of the law school KENT KURAN (2L) DURING HIS INTRODUCTORY SPEECH to Faculty Council, Dean Iacobucci stressed three main themes: the articling crisis, the law school as a crossroads, and new fundraising priorities. First, on the articling crisis—whether "perceived or real”—Iacobucci said the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) was in a "difficult position” and that “this is something we can all be a part of.” But he was not necessarily supportive of new developments, such as the province-wide Law Practice Program (LPP) or the “Lakehead-model of folding articling into
third year.” He had previously expressed reservations about whether experiential and practical learning would be the best method of teaching, but agreed with the importance of developing "creative problem-solvers." Rather, Iacobucci is more in favor of continuing with U of T Law’s theoretical emphasis. “Our academic approach is what defines us. But how we deliver that approach is what we can have a discussion on,” explained Iacobucci, adding that the law school should "not be seen as seeing ourselves 'above the fray.’” The LPP's practical and experiential char-
acter are regarded by some as opposing the highly academic and theoretical nature of existing legal education. Some have even wondered if the LPP would evolve into a fourth year of law school, which incumbent schools would try and incorporate into their current degree programs. Alternatively, the introduction of the LPP could see a shift more towards the current system in the UK and HK, with their longer bar professional training course programs. Next, Iacobucci spoke of taking better advantage of U of T Law’s position. The Faculty,
he said, is an “institution as a cross roads — hubs of all of these intersections.” It is a hub within the university, with cross appointments, it has members of the global legal academy, through the visiting program, and it is also an important meeting place, between the academy and the profession, explained Iacobucci. He asked how the school could take advantage of "being in one of the great universities, our geographic location, and our proximity to the judiciary, just down the road, and the legContinued on page 11
20 Facts You Didn’t Know About Dean Iacobucci ALANNA TEVEL (3L) & DEAN IACOBUCCI Pictured: Dean Edward "Yak" Iacobucci. Photo courtesy of University of Toronto Faculty of Law
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Do you have any secret talents? See answer to Question 16.
What did you want to be when you grew up? I’d like to say an astronaut, or a hockey player (which was at least partly true until about Grade 4), but the truth is: a lawyer.
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Any childhood pets? Two cats: Napoleon and Josephine. Born on Napoleon’s birthday, as it turns out.
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What was/is your nickname? Various, with none sticking over time: Yak, Eddie, Egg…
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What is your pet peeve? Inconsiderate subway riders.
What do you like to do to let loose? Run. Get out of the city. Both.
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Where do you most like to travel? Favourite country in which to travel: Italy. Favourite trip: Istanbul.
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Who is your celebrity idol? Given that his foundation supports the IHRP, I’d have to say Elton John. (And Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy was the first LP I ever bought.)
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What is the best book you have ever read? I, Claudius. Who is your favourite fictional lawyer? Atticus Finch.
What is your favourite breakfast item at “Iacobucci’s Fiduciary Snack Duty”? Bagels.
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What is your favourite place to eat near or around U of T Campus? Until the condos [on Bloor were built], either Pho Hung or the Chinese restaurant beneath it. Still looking for a favourite now.
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Which class did you get the lowest mark in during law school? It was a multi-way tie.
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-mate?
In law school, you would have been labeled the class ______
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How much was tuition when you went to law school? I can’t recall exactly, but certainly less than today’s—this is why student financial aid is a priority!
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What is your go to dance move? In my youth, I was known on occasion
to dance on my toes. Harder to pull off today, I’m afraid.
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Who is your favourite band or artist? Depends when you’re asking, but these days, the Avett Brothers.
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If you had to choose someone from the faculty to be your partner for the Amazing Race, who would it be? It’s a multi-way tie.
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What did you study in undergrad? Economics.
What would be your go to karaoke song? Hey Good Looking, Hank Williams Sr. Vocal range required: about 5 notes. Perfect.