Beverley McLachlin had a distinguished academic career prior to becoming the longest-serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Her education shaped her into one of Canada’s foremost legal minds and paved the way for her historic tenure on the nation’s highest court.
Beverley McLachlin’s illustrious career has cemented her legacy as an icon of Canadian law. As the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, she shattered glass ceilings and championed women’s rights. But before rising to the pinnacle of the legal profession, McLachlin embarked on an academic journey that prepared her for national prominence. Her educational background provides insight into the development of her brilliant legal mind.
Quick Facts About Beverley McLachlin
- Graduated top of her law school class at the University of Alberta
- Served as notes editor for the Alberta Law Review
- Was awarded the gold medal as the top law student
- Practiced law in British Columbia from 1969-1975
- Taught law at the University of British Columbia from 1974-1981
Who is Beverley McLachlin?
Born in Pincher Creek, Alberta in 1943, Beverley McLachlin demonstrated exceptional intellect from a young age. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1965. Her outstanding academic performance foreshadowed her future success.
McLachlin went on to become the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 1981. She was elevated to the British Columbia Court of Appeal in 1988 before her appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1989. In 2000, she made history as the first female Chief Justice of Canada.
Where Did Beverley McLachlin Go To College?
University of Alberta
After completing high school as the top academic student, McLachlin enrolled at the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 1961. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in 1965, honing the logic and critical thinking skills that characterize her legal work.
McLachlin remained at the University of Alberta for her law degree, graduating at the top of her class in 1968. She served as notes editor for the esteemed Alberta Law Review and earned the gold medal as the top law student. Her academic excellence demonstrated her suitability for the legal profession.
Call to the Bar
Upon graduating law school, McLachlin was called to the bar of Alberta in 1969 and the bar of British Columbia in 1971. This enabled her to practice law in both provinces.
McLachlin’s Legal Career
After her call to the bar, McLachlin practiced law in British Columbia from 1969-1975. She became a professor at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law from 1974-1981, sharing her legal expertise in the classroom.
McLachlin’s judicial career began in 1981 with her appointment to the Vancouver County Court. She quickly rose through the ranks, serving on the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the British Columbia Court of Appeal.
In 1989, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney appointed McLachlin to the Supreme Court of Canada. She became Chief Justice in 2000, under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
McLachlin’s Legacy
McLachlin’s educationlaid the foundation for her groundbreaking career. As a philosophy major, she gained reasoning skills that served her brilliant legal analysis. Her top-of-class law performance proved her suitability for the Bench.
McLachlin’s career honors her academic roots. She taught law and mentored students, nurturing future generations of legal minds. Through her judgments and leadership, she cemented her legacy as an iconic Canadian jurist.
Follow Beverley McLachlin on Social Media
FAQs
Where was Beverley McLachlin born?
Beverley McLachlin was born in Pincher Creek, Alberta in 1943.
What did Beverley McLachlin major in for her Bachelor’s degree?
McLachlin majored in philosophy, graduating with a BA from the University of Alberta in 1965.
How many years was Beverley McLachlin the Chief Justice of Canada?
McLachlin served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada for 17 years, from 2000-2017.
What provinces was Beverley McLachlin called to the bar in?
McLachlin was called to the bar in both Alberta (1969) and British Columbia (1971).
Where did Beverley McLachlin teach law?
McLachlin taught law at the University of British Columbia from 1974-1981.