“Participating in L.E.X. has not only made me a better teacher, it has helped me remember why I came to law school in the first place: to uplift and help others,” says Robyn, L.E.X. Executive Team member in 2024-25 and third-year BCL/JD candidate at 91ֱ Law.
L.E.X. (short for Law – Éducation – Connection) is an outreach program created in 2006 in response to Quebec’s alarming high school dropout rates.
Established by Charmaine Lyn, BCL/LLB’03 - then Assistant Dean of Admissions at the Faculty – L.E.X. set out to work with communities where academic achievement was often an uphill battle. Driven by student volunteers and coordinators, the program continues to pursue the same mission: to empower young people to reach their full potential, with a special focus on guiding them toward post-secondary education. L.E.X.’s rich programming of activities includes classroom visits in local high schools, workshops, and an immersive field trip to the law faculty, complete with a mock trial.
The L.E.X. Outreach program thrives thanks to generous philanthropic support. Since 2009, the Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation has been instrumental in helping the program grow and evolve. In 2023, L.E.X. received a major boost when Davies Montreal announced landmark financial support. “It is through programs like this that Davies not only gives back to the community, but also helps build a more representative student body—and ultimately, greater diversity in the profession,” the firm shared.
“I didn’t want to be a lawyer when I was in high school, but after taking part in L.E.X., it piqued my interest,” says Brittany Williams, Assistant Dean (Students) and Dean’s Lead, Black and Indigenous Flourishing, and a 2019 alumna of the BCL/JD program. “Suddenly, law – and 91ֱ Law in particular – felt within my grasp.” Assistant Dean Williams now acts as L.E.X.’s Faculty Advisor, leading the team of 7 Coordinator and Facilitators (Leads) in delivering the program.
We’re excited to share a conversation with a few of the dedicated student staff who have been instrumental in the program’s success.
Why did you decide to get involved in the L.E.X. program?
“I got involved with L.E.X. because I love making learning fun. It is so hard as a student to know what is out there in terms of careers, and if I can help pique a student’s interest in law by making it accessible and relatable, I’ve done my job of disseminating knowledge.” – Robyn, 2024-2025 Communications Lead
“I got involved with L.E.X. because I am passionate about transformative pedagogy and engaging with youth. I found a community of people dedicated to sharing the important lessons they’ve learned in law school with groups across Montreal, and it’s truly been one of the most rewarding experiences” – Rachel, 2024-2025 Co-Coordinator
“I had worked with youth before and held the experience close to my heart, so I jumped at the chance to revisit it in law school. I love doing outreach, and I truly hope students come away from our workshops even a little bit more empowered and curious about the world.” - Catherine Z, 2024-2025 Partnerships Lead
“I engaged with the L.E.X. program because I was attracted by its hands-on experience and meaningful dialogue with the Montreal youth community. I aspired to work with the L.E.X. team because they highly engage with diverse perspectives in legal studies. Also, providing real-world insights to students willing to gain critical thinking skills motivated me tremendously.” – Nilüfer, 2024-2025 Curriculum Co-Lead
“I joined the L.E.X. program because I’ve seen how the right guidance can transform a student’s perception of the law from something intimidating to something empowering. I wanted to help create those moments of connection where young people realize the law is not just for others—it’s for them, too. Being part of L.E.X. allows me to share my passion for advocacy and show students how the law can open doors they never imagined.” - Zoë, 2024-2025 Special Projects Lead
What is one especially memorable interaction you’ve had with a program participant?
“As a workshop volunteer in 3L, I remember adjusting our criminal law presentation to accommodate a teacher’s request that the workshop help educate the students, many of whom had had negative interactions with the police, on their legal rights. One student was particularly engaged and gave me a heartfelt thanks at the end of the presentation for taking a critical approach to the law, because it was more authentic to their interactions with the legal system. I think demystifying the law is one of the most important objectives L.E.X. tries to accomplish.” - Rachel
“During the question-and-answer period after a workshop, I once had a student who was considering law school ask me many questions about admissions and what a legal education was like. I remember this interaction both because I was pleased that L.E.X. had encouraged their interest in law, and because I had no one to ask similar questions to at their age. It was a material and incredibly rewarding example of the opportunities that L.E.X. is creating.” – Catherine Z.
What has your involvement in L.E.X. brought you?
"From valuable experience developing curriculum to getting to host workshops for youth across Montreal, L.E.X. has reaffirmed my mission to ensure education is accessible and empowering!" – Rachel
"As an out-of-province student, L.E.X. has allowed me to get involved with the Montreal community on a scale I could have never imagined. Breaking down legal concepts to make them understandable to students tests my knowledge and helps me hone my communication skills." - Catherine Z
"Being part of the L.E.X. community broadened my perspective on interdisciplinary legal studies, providing me with skills or pedagogical guidance for reaching out to the youth population more, fostering empathy and deeper understanding." - Nilüfer
"L.E.X. has helped me connect with the Montreal community in a meaningful way, while also reminding me of the impact accessible legal education can have. It’s been an inspiring experience to share knowledge and help empower students to see the law in a new light." - Zoë
What’s next for L.E.X.?
Assistant Dean and Faculty Advisor Brittany Williams says the program’s 2025–2026 priorities include expanding the curriculum, strengthening francophone and Indigenous partnerships, reintroducing a mentorship program, and deepening community relationships.
“[L.E.X. by Davies] is all about engaging youth from communities that face systemic barriers to education and, thanks to the generous financial support from our donors, the program can do more and reach further than ever before,” says Assistant Dean Williams.
To support these goals, the student team has been restructured for greater clarity and effectiveness. Two Coordinators will continue to manage the program—one overseeing internal operations like curriculum and logistics, and the other managing external partnerships and special projects. They’re supported by five Facilitators with expertise in curriculum development, communications, partnerships, and special initiatives. Law student volunteers also play a key role in delivering workshops.
Looking ahead, Assistant Dean Williams is focused on building on L.E.X.'s momentum:“We have ambitious goals for the year ahead, and achieving them starts with empowering our team to deliver meaningful impact. All in the name of strengthening L.E.X.’s commitment to equity, representation, and lasting community engagement.”
Photo credit: Owen Egan and Joni Dufour
