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Law's 2023 Bertha Wilson Honour Society inductees

Each year, the Bertha Wilson Honour Society recognizes Schulich Law’s extraordinary alumni and showcases their geographic reach and contributions to law and society. Meet the 2023 inductees.

Black and white portrait of Bertha Wilson in judge's robe with a half smile.

Posted: October 23, 2023

The Bertha Wilson Honour Society was established in 2012 to recognize Schulich Law’s extraordinary alumni and showcase their geographic reach and contributions to law and society.

The Society is named for The Honourable Madam Justice Bertha Wilson (LLB’57) – the first woman appointed to the Ontario Court of Appeal and the first female Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

This year’s Bertha Wilson Honour Society inductees

Robbie MacKeigan, K.C. (BA'66, LLB’69), Nova Scotia

Beyond his legal achievements, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication to his community through extensive volunteer work with charitable and non-profit organizations, including ±«Óătv University, the Halifax YMCA, and his role as the Founding Director of the Atlantic Breast Cancer Foundation.

Additionally, he has been a key figure in the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia, contributing to the advancement of legal education, justice administration, and public access to the law. His philanthropic contributions extend to his role as a volunteer lawyer for the Girl Guides of Canada, Nova Scotia Council.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, MP, K.C. (MPA'87, LLB’90), Nova Scotia

Her influence extends nationally and internationally, solidifying her as a trailblazer in the legal community. Throughout her career, Lena has worked tirelessly to make legal information more accessible to the public and provide legal services in multiple languages.

Her dedication to community service is evident in her involvement with various organizations, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact on others' lives.

The Honourable Linda Oland (BA'71, LLB’76), Nova Scotia

In 2016, Linda, as a supernumerary judge, was entrusted by the Chief Justice with a special assignment to foster diversity, especially in Indigenous, Black, and Mi'kmaw representation. Her diligent efforts resulted in a comprehensive report with ten pragmatic recommendations that have been fully embraced and implemented, reshaping the legal landscape.

Notable initiatives include establishing permanent law clerk positions for students affiliated with the Schulich School of Law's Indigenous, Black, and Mi'kmaq Initiative and forming the African Nova Scotian Access to Justice Judicial Committee, fostering meaningful engagement between the esteemed judiciary and the African Nova Scotian community.

Madeleine Schwarz (LLB’94), Nova Scotia

Her contributions to the UN Team of Experts on Rule of Law/Sexual Violence in Conflict in Africa and her senior roles in UN Special Envoy missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes Region have been invaluable.

Drew White, K.C. (LLB’88), British Columbia

In Canada, his exemplary legal standing led to his appointment as Queen's Counsel in 2019.

Peter Zed, K.C. (BSc'76, LLB’80, MBA'80), New Brunswick

In the legal profession, he served on councils and committees for the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of New Brunswick, culminating in his role as President of the Law Society and the designation of Queen’s Counsel in 1997 for his contributions.