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Congratulations to the Schulich School of Law’s Class of 2026!

In the coming weeks, we’ll feature Q&As with graduating law students who will reflect on their time at Weldon.ÌýToday we're talking toÌýSybil Danyk-White.

Why did you want to attend the Schulich School of Law?

The truth is that when I applied to Schulich Law, I did not initially think that’s where I would end up studying law. I was living in Alberta at the time, and I decided to apply only after being sent to the East Coast for work the year prior, during which time I spent a month and a half in the North End and fell in love with Halifax. It felt more like a ‘nice thought’ to attend law school there, but I wasn’t sure a big move like that was best for me.

That all changed when I attended Weldon Welcome Days. My experience during that weekend, when I made so many connections and got a sense of what the law school wanted to impart on students during their studies, really pulled me towards this community. I deeply connected with the school’s spirit of collegiality and the concept of the Weldon Tradition, the use of law as a tool for social change and justice.

In what ways were you involved with the law school community?

For the last two years, I served as the co-president of OUTLaw, Schulich Law’s 2SLGBTQ+ law student society. I was also involved with Domus Legis as the society’s president this year, and VP Communications the year prior.

In 1L, I volunteered with PATH Legal and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, through Pro Bono 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂ, assisting with legal research and drafting for client files of incarcerated women and gender-diverse folks. In 2L, I completed another pro bono placement, this time with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, on a team of queer students who drafted an identity affirmation guide for Nova Scotians navigating legal name and gender changes.

Without a doubt, my extracurricular involvement in the Weldon community defined my law school experience.

What does the Weldon Tradition mean to you?

To me, the Weldon Tradition means being surrounded by a community that is willing to show up for you. The students at Schulich Law work so hard to make sure everyone feels supported and empowered.

Having so many alumni, upper-year students, and peers who were willing to connect with me, mentor me, and offer advice has been invaluable. This law school community also made me feel confident to be my authentic self, which is another aspect of the Weldon tradition – accepting one another.

Throughout every step of my law school journey, I have felt supported and uplifted by the Schulich Law community, and the Weldon Tradition is the backbone of that culture amongst students, past and present.

What is your favourite law school memory?

My favourite memory was being a part of the Laskin Moot team this year. I had the opportunity to work alongside three incredible student colleagues – Emily Huang, Pascale Legault, and Lauren Rodgers – and learned about what collaboration in a professional context can be. When we were competing, I had a moment after a stressful round when everything ‘clicked’ in my mind, and I thought, ‘Ah, yes! This is why I wanted to become a lawyer in the first place!’ It was exhilarating and rewarding, and I think back to that moment often.

I would be remiss not to mention all of the fond memories I have from Domus Legis events too. For me, there was something really special about having a space to connect socially with my peers, every week, especially across different years of law school, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of it, both as a student and a member of the executive.

What will you miss most about Schulich Law?

I will miss having so many of my favourite people in one place!

One of the best parts of this law school is that it truly is a national law school. It attracts so many students from right across the country, and that contributes to the special bonds we form while we are here. We build community from the ground up and rely on one another.

And although this is a strength of the law school, it is bittersweet because after graduation so many of my classmates are spread out across different cities and provinces.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am moving to Ottawa to article at Goldblatt Partners, a firm that focuses primarily on union-side labour law and public interest litigation. I am thrilled to be articling at a firm whose work is so strongly aligned with my values and interests.

Aside from my brief time in Ottawa last year as a summer student, I have never lived in Ontario before, so this will be a new setting for me. I really enjoyed all the amazing art galleries, museums, and bike infrastructure that Ottawa had to offer, and am excited to explore them further during my articling term.Ìý

My best friend is getting married this summer, which means I will be back and forth to Alberta, which is where I am from originally. I’m looking forward to celebrating with her, as well as spending time with family, and visiting my favourite hometown restaurants that I miss so dearly.
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