Lenczner Slaght Welcomes Summer Student Class of 2026

Canada’s leading litigation firm is proud to welcome 11 exceptional law students. Throughout the summer, they will gain hands-on experience, contribute fresh perspectives, and help us solve our clients’ most complex legal problems.

“We are excited to welcome Alexandra Stenhouse, Andrew Scott, Ava Taborda, Gabriella Zappulla, Jenna Ferrelli, Maria Puscas, Rameiya Paramalingam, Samuel Ribeiro Toi, Sarah Botsford, Zak Ibrahim, and Zakir Kassam to the firm,” said Monique Jilesen, Managing Partner. “They each bring strong academic credentials and a passion for advocacy. We are delighted to have them join us this summer and look forward to the insight, energy, and commitment they will contribute to our work on behalf of clients.”

Learn more about our Summer Student Class of 2026 below.

Alexandra Stenhouse is a JD candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Alexandra has developed a strong interest in advocacy through involvement in mooting and negotiation competitions, both as a participant and judge. Most recently, she represented Osgoode at the Wilson Moot, where her team placed first overall and received first place facta. She also serves as a Senior Editor of the Osgoode Hall Law Journal. Prior to law school, Alexandra completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts at Huron University at Western in Global Rights Studies and Political Science, and participated in experiential learning in Rwanda focused on post-conflict reconciliation.

Andrew Scott is completing his JD at the University of Western Ontario. Andrew has participated in a range of advocacy competitions, earning first place in the McKenzie Lake Tax Moot, the Lenczner Slaght Advocacy Competition in Legal Ethics and Professionalism, and the Uwagboe Mock Trial Competition. His team also achieved Second Place Facta at the 2026 Wilson Moot. Prior to law school, Andrew studied English at the University of Toronto, where he received the Margaret Penman Scholarship, and worked at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board supporting employers with WSIB accounts and policy navigation.

Ava Taborda is a JD candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Ava has pursued advocacy through mooting, clinical, and student leadership roles. She competed on the Baby Gale Cassels Cup team, earning a Second Place Appellant team award, and represented Osgoode at the Laskin Moot, where her team placed in the Top 10 overall schools and Top 10 written factums. She also works with the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic on immigration law matters through Osgoode's Feminist Advocacy clinic and serves as a research assistant at the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution. Prior to law school, she completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Equity Studies at the University of Toronto.

Gabriella E. Zappulla is completing her JD at Queen's University, Faculty of Law. Gabriella has been actively involved in the Queen's Law community, including serving as Academic Chair with Queen's Women in Law and participating in student engagement activities through the Black Law Students' Association. Prior to law school, Gabriella completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts at the University of Guelph in Political Science and Criminal Justice & Public Policy and a Master of Arts in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies. She also worked in the House of Commons as a Communications and Executive Policy Assistant to a Member of Parliament.

Jenna Ferrelli is completing her JD at Osgoode Hall Law School. Jenna has developed a foundation in advocacy and dispute resolution through clinical work at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, where she supported survivors of gender-based violence. She has also competed in negotiation and moot competitions, including the Walsh Family Negotiation Competition, the Dentons Negotiation Competition (semi-finalist), and the Lerners Cup Moot (top 20). Jenna received academic awards in Torts and contributes to the Osgoode Fashion Law Society as Design Coordinator. Prior to law school, she completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts at McMaster University in Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law.

Maria Puscas is a JD candidate at Queen’s University. Maria has developed experience in advocacy and access to justice through her work with the Queen’s Prison Law Clinic, where she represents prisoners in federal custody. She has also served as a volunteer editor for the Queen’s Law Journal and was a finalist in the Queen’s Law Moot Society’s inaugural moot. Prior to law school, Maria worked as a Court Clerk for the Superior Court of Justice across civil, family, and commercial matters. She also has experience working with the Canadian Space Agency, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Canada Chapter, and the Ontario Ministry of Labour on research, policy, and public health initiatives.

Rameiya Paramalingam is completing her JD at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. Rameiya has focused on advocacy and access to justice through her work with Pro Bono Students Canada, including serving as a project lead at Windsor Law’s South Asian clinic. She has also worked with the Law Commission of Ontario on initiatives aimed at improving access to justice. She has participated in moot competitions, including the Transnational Law Moot and the Zuber Moot, and has experience in public health advocacy and research. Prior to law school, she completed her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto and her Master of Science at McMaster University.

Samuel Ribeiro Toi is pursuing a bilingual BCL/JD at McGill University. Samuel has developed advocacy experience through mooting, including the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Civil Law Moot, where he won Best Respondent and received the Langlois Cup. He holds leadership roles in several McGill student organizations, including the Intellectual Property Law Student Association and the Arbitration Student Society, and serves as an editor of the McGill Journal of Law and Health. Prior to law school, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and worked with Quebec's Child Protection Services, investigating and enforcing cases under Quebec's Youth Protection Act.

Sarah Botsford is completing her JD at the University of Western Ontario. Sarah has demonstrated advocacy experience through moot competitions, including placing in the top five teams in the national Davies Corporate Securities Moot, and has organized moots at the university. She has worked as a research assistant for Professor Richard McLaren O.C., contributing to publications in securities, insolvency, and dispute resolution, and has experience supporting Canadian national team athletes through the Sport Solution Clinic. Prior to law school, Sarah completed degrees in Musicology and French Literature and worked as a proposal writer in the construction industry.

Zak Ibrahim is a JD candidate at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Zak has developed experience in legal research and advocacy through Pro Bono Students Canada, the Investor Protection Program, and moot competitions, including the Hicks Morley Labour & Employment Moot and the Upper Year Contract Law Moot. He also serves as a Senior Associate Editor of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law Review. Prior to law school, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. His undergraduate research in memory reconsolidation led to a co-authored publication in Neurobiology of Learning and Memory.

Zakir N. Kassam is completing his JD at Osgoode Hall Law School. Zakir has developed litigation and advocacy experience through moot competitions, including the Lerners Cup Moot, the Cassels Cup, and the Jessup International Law Moot. He serves as Treasurer of the Osgoode Mooting Society and works as a research assistant at the Law Commission of Ontario on projects including the Human Rights AI Impact Assessment and the Intimate Images and Deepfakes project. Prior to law school, he worked at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on data strategy, data governance, and AI policy, and completed a dual degree in International Business and Politics and Government at the University of British Columbia and Sciences Po Paris.