PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

What does this committee do for you?

Throughout the year, the PDC organizes networking events and provides resources to students to assist them in their professional development. This Committee is dedicated to providing Robson Hall students with opportunities and resources to build their professional development by hosting networking events with firms and practitioners, assisting students in preparing their resumes and cover letters, and facilitating workshops and panels throughout the school year.

Why should you join this awesome committee?

An individual who joins this Committee will be able to engage with other professionally motivated individuals and will be encouraged to brainstorm and create opportunities to enhance students’ professional development. Committee members are also responsible for organizing core Robson Hall networking events such as the Law Banquet and the Small Firm Wine & Cheese.

PDC resources:

1. Information Sessions

Throughout the year PDC, in conjunction with the Career Development Office (CDO), offers information sessions on upcoming recruits. These will be announced via email, Facebook and on school calendars.

2. Recruit Materials

The PDC and the CDO are creating materials to assist students in the recruitment process. A link will be posted here once they become available.

PDC events:

1. The Law Banquet

The Law Banquet is a formal networking dinner with the biggest law firms in Winnipeg. Students will get to sit with one of the firms of their choice to network with practicing lawyers, all while enjoying a three-course meal. This event is available for all years.

2. The Small Firm Wine & Cheese

The Small Firm Wine & Cheese is a semi-formal soiree where students can network with lawyers from small and medium firms and in-house counsel over drinks and appetizers. This event is available for all years.

3. Panels and Small Events

These events are still in the works, but some notable panels and smaller events this year include: LinkedIn Workshop, Articling Student Panel, Out-of-Town Panel, and a Small Firm Meet and Greet.

Committee Chairs

  • Apara Grace

    Email Apara

    Hello! My name is Apara Grace; I am a third-year student at Robson Hall. For the 2025-2026 year, I have the privilege of serving as one of the Co-Chairs for the Professional Development Committee (PDC).  

    I am passionate about building community and helping others form meaningful connections. Before law school, I earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg. During my undergrad, I served as President of the Biology Students’ Association, where I organized a Faculty and Student Meet and Greet to connect students with professors and showcase their research. That experience sparked my ongoing interest in bringing people together.

    At Robson Hall, I’ve continued to develop that passion. This past year, I served as a 2L Representative, where I helped connect incoming 1L students with upper-year mentors and got to know many of my peers in the process. I also worked with the PDC as one of the Law Banquet Coordinators, helping organize both the Law Banquet and Meet the Rookies event. These events gave students valuable opportunities to engage with lawyers and articling students from across Manitoba and helped strengthen ties between the Bar and the student body.

    I’m excited to be serving as Co-Chair of the PDC this year. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned, supporting the committee, and helping create meaningful and well-organized events that connect students with each other and the broader legal community.

  • Vanessa Smith

  • Priya Dhillon

  • Gilad Stitz