Dear PBSC Supporter,
On behalf of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and the Board of Directors and staff of Pro Bono Students Canada, I write with very mixed feelings to announce that Nikki Gershbain is leaving PBSC to commence the next chapter of her career. At the end of this month, after almost nine years at the helm of PBSC, Nikki will join McCarthy Tétrault LLP as their Senior Director, Inclusion and Community Engagement.
Those of you who are familiar with PBSC will know that Nikki’s impact on the organization has been nothing short of transformative. Over the last nine years, PBSC has grown in size, impact and influence. As a nationally respected, multiple award-winning program, PBSC is considered a Canadian leader and innovator in access to justice, pro bono and experiential education. With her trademark passion and conviction, Nikki has almost single-handedly put the importance of law student pro bono on our national radar. The profession is in her debt.
On a personal note, I have known Nikki for 20 years, having been her law professor in 1998, her colleague when she was Executive Director of the Dean’s Office here at the Faculty, and more recently her Dean and Board Chair. I will miss her deep commitment to the law school and the legal profession.
Our search for a new National Director will begin immediately. While it will not be easy to fill Nikki’s shoes, we are pleased that part of her new role will involve responsibility for McCarthy Tétrault’s pro bono program, allowing her to partner with PBSC in this new capacity. Nikki’s last day with us is October 19.
Please join me in thanking her for her contributions, and wishing her all the very best as she embarks on this exciting new role.
Sincerely,
Edward Iacobucci Dean, University of Toronto Faculty of Law Chair, PBSC Board of Directors