She succeeded Martin Phillipson in the role
University of Ottawa’s Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean of the Common Law Section Kristen Boon has been announced as the new president of the Council of Canadian Law Deans, succeeding Martin Phillipson.
Boon took over the role on May 2. As CCLD president, she will steer the council’s inter-institutional cooperation initiatives, cultivate national dialogue across the legal academic landscape in Canada, and progress bilingualism. She will also guide new deans and facilitate legal education conversations.
According to the University of Ottawa, she is looking to focus on spearheading national dialogue on integrating technology into law faculties to ensure students are equipped to handle changing legal practice demands.
“I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with my colleagues across the country as we navigate the shifting terrain of higher education. One important ongoing conversation involves law and technology, and how we ensure that students are fully prepared for modern legal practice,” Boon said in a statement.
Boon commenced with the University of Ottawa in April 2023. She prioritized Indigenous-centered initiatives and has expertise in international law and contracts.
She was a law professor in the US for 15 years and served as associate dean for faculty research and development, where she headed up experiential learning efforts, clinical programs, and faculty development. She kicked off her legal career as a litigation associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s New York office.
Boon clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada and was a visiting academic in Global Affairs Canada’s legal bureau.
CCLD executive director Brigitte Pilon praised Boon’s appointment.
“I am pleased to welcome Dean Boon as our new president. In the course of her work with the CCLD, she has proven to be hard-working, insightful and collegial. It is often a challenge to understand and appreciate the differing challenges, ideas and perspectives of the member faculties. Over the last two years, she has demonstrated a keen understanding of the myriad of issues facing legal education,” Pilon said.
The CCLD is led by the five-strong executive committee comprising the president and regional representatives from the Western, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic regions. Boon’s predecessor, Phillipson, had been president since 2022; he is also dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan.
