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October 26 2007
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC), announced today the inaugural winner of the FMC-sponsored Harry Jerome Scholarship for black law students, awarded by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA). Denise Ann Williams, a second-year student at Osgoode Hall Law School, will receive the scholarship on Friday, October 26, 2007, following a reception at 4:30 p.m. at Fraser Milner Casgrain’s Toronto office. Denise’s accomplishments are featured in an article on page A3 of today’s Globe and Mail.

"Our clients come from all backgrounds and we want our lawyers to reflect that diversity," says Kate Broer, co-chair of FMC’s Diversity Committee. "With this in mind, we put diversity high on our list of priorities in attracting and retaining top talent. By sponsoring the first Harry Jerome Scholarship for law students, we are helping the BBPA to support academic excellence and a commitment to the community among black youth."

Ms. Williams, 24, graduated with an Honours B.Sc. (First Class Distinction, Award of Achievement Scholarship) from York University. She is currently in her second year at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and has been chosen to be on the Equality Faculty Committee as a student representative for 2007-2008. A recipient of the Governor General’s Medal and a Rhodes Scholar finalist, Ms. Williams was named University of Ottawa Social Justice Fellow earlier this year for her research on social justice issues and advocacy.  Last summer she worked with York Regional Police’s Chief Equity Committee to develop a bias-free policing policy. That project, combined with her Trinidadian-born mother’s struggle to raise three daughters singlehandedly while working as a nurse, have helped shape Ms. Williams’ future career in law.

"We grew up in a diverse neighbourhood in Toronto and my mother Barbara always instilled in us a strong drive to pursue excellence," says Ms. Williams, who became a competitive athlete in high school and served as class valedictorian.  "As a result, I plan to use my law degree to affect policy change that will positively impact the daily lives of blacks and other minorities across Canada. I also hope to add to Ontario’s judiciary diversity by becoming a judge."

Journalists are invited to attend the reception on Friday, October 26, 2007, 4:30 – 6 p.m., at Fraser Milner Casgrain’s Toronto office, 1 First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, 42nd Floor, Crawford Room.

About the Harry Jerome Scholarships

The BBPA awards the Harry Jerome Scholarships to black students attending a college or university in Canada, in order to further academic excellence among black youth. The BBPA first established the scholarship fund in 1988 to honour the memory of Mr. Jerome, who held six world track records during the 1960s and represented Canada in three Olympic Games. He earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in science at the University of Oregon and later become a leader in sports administration in British Columbia. Mr. Jerome was admitted to the Order of Canada in 1971 and inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame in 2001.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:

Alison Janzen
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP
416-863-4455
alison.janzen@fmc-law.com

Matthew Kanas
Maverick Public Relations Inc.
416-640-5525, ext. 237
matthewk@maverickpr.com