Journey to Law

The alarm sounds, loud and grating, waking us up before the sun—and for a moment, we cannot remember why. Then memories rush in—it is our Law 12 field trip today! Bleary but excited, 14 Law 12 students arose last Thursday and made their way down to the cafeteria for an early start. Our itinerary was packed and so an early start was essential. Upon arrival in Vancouver we drove to the provincial courthouse. Here we were given an orientation about protocol in the court and what cases were in motion. Then we were set loose to explore.  We were allowed to sit in, quietly, on certain cases. One centered on riots that had taken place in Vancouver during 2011. A woman was on trial for participation in the riot, among other charges. The evidence was presented in video format and it was extremely exciting to watch the defense lawyer make his case.  A different prosecution revolved around two constables on trial for assault. At the time of our arrival one constable was on the stand, being questioned by the Crown. Comparing the two lawyers we saw, the students agreed the differences in their abilities and ideas were fascinating. At 12:30 we reluctantly left the trials and congregated, ready to head to the next portion of our journey- the Supreme Courts. Accompanied by Mr. Bryant, our teacher, and Mrs. Gage, a practicing lawyer helping organize our trip, we walked to our destination. Some of us had never visited Vancouver before and were thrilled at the sights and people we saw along the way. We arrived at the Supreme Courts around 1:00, just in time for our scheduled discussion with a judge. We were able to ask questions and get a feel for the amount of dedication becoming a lawyer—and potentially a judge—takes. We were also able to hear about some interesting stories from his professional career. After this we were once again set free, only this time in the Supreme Courts.  The most interesting case happening there was a first degree murder with a jury. Our entire class ended up there, trickling in in twos and threes until everyone had arrived. Having no background information on the case, we pieced together what we could, enraptured as we witnessed cross-examinations and the questioning of different witnesses. That case closed early, and so some of us went into a secure case where two men were on trial for possession of a firearm.  Around 5:00 we headed to one of Vancouver’s largest law firms to have a discussion with three of the lawyers employed there—Blair Horn, a Brentwood alumnus and partner in the firm, David Wotherspoon, and Vicki Tickle. Mr. Horn’s area of law is mergers, public equity and debt financings, venture capital, and private equity financings and corporate governance matters. Mr. Wotherspoon, also a partner, focuses on commercial litigation, and Ms. Tickle, an associate, also focuses on commercial litigation. The students were able to have active and engaging conversations with all three lawyers while enjoying the astounding view and delicious snacks. The last leg of our journey took us back to the ferry where, tired but fulfilled and excited to continue preparation for our very own mock trial, we relaxed and discussed the adventures of the day.  Featherdawn F, Alex ’15; Photos by Featherdawn F, Alex ‘15