Alumnae named to London’s 20 under 40 Class of 2020
January 26, 2021
Three Western Law alumnae were recently announced among a group of “disruptors, innovators, rebels and creators” named to London’s 20 under 40 Class of 2020.
The awards are organized by the Twenty Under 40 Foundation, in association with London Inc. magazine. Launched in 2013, the foundation is comprised of past award winners, recognized for their innovation, achievement, and community involvement.
“We are so proud of these talented and dedicated alumnae,” said Dean Erika Chamberlain. “They are using their education and drive to make a positive contribution to law and the local community.”
The alumnae are three of eight Western alumni named to London's 20 under 40 Class of 2020. Read full article here.
The Western Law graduates on the 2020 list include:
Carolynn Conron, LLM’13, is a criminal defence lawyer, and principal of Conron Law Professional Corporation. She was honoured for "ensuring a single poor choice or misunderstanding doesn’t ruin a life, and for building a law firm championing flexible work-life balance and a modern, cloud-based approach to business.”
Conron worked as a review counsel at Western's Community Legal Services. She is active in the legal community, holding the positions of the London Director of the Ontario Criminal Lawyers’ Association, Vice President of the London Criminal Lawyers’ Association and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Middlesex Law Association.
Katelynn Drake, JD’17, is a lawyer at Legate Personal Injury Lawyers. She was honnoured for "using her knowledge as a lawyer and former registered nurse to work to improve the living conditions of those lacking the privilege and position to advocate for themselves."
Drake has appeared in the Superior Court of Ontario, Ontario Court of Justice, and Small Claims Court. In addition to her legal practice, she has been a volunteer with Pro Bono Ontario’s program for seniors who have been victimized by fraud, the London Food Bank, London Lawyers Feed the Hungry, and the London Branch of the Ronald McDonald House.
Rasha El-Tawil, LLB’07, is partner and personal injury and litigation lawyer associate at Siskinds LLP.
She was honoured for "overcoming barriers that come with being a person of colour, a woman, a mother and a refugee/immigrant, and employing her professional success to pave the way for others."
El-Tawil worked at Western's Community Legal Services from 2004-2007, providing legal representation in areas of civil, administrative, and criminal law. She hassuccessfully argued appeals at the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal for Ontario. She has also been counsel on applications for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
