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Congratulations to third-year Schulich Law student Juliet Watts and the Dalhousie Feminist Legal Association (DFLA) who were both named 2024-2025 Dalhousie Impact Award recipients on March 27.

The annual event, hosted by the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) in collaboration with Dalhousie University, recognizes outstanding individuals and student groups that impact our community.

Juliet Watts – Faculty Leadership Award

Faculty Leadership Awards are given to undergraduate or graduate students, in good academic standing, who exemplify the highest level of passion for their discipline. They show initiative in creating new opportunities and have a positive impact on their peers, as well as the reputation of their faculty outside of the classroom.

Third-year law student Juliet Watts, from Kelowna, BC, is a dedicated leader at the Schulich School of Law. She consistently ranks among the top of her class while exemplifying the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service through her contributions to the law school, Dalhousie community, and the broader legal field.

"I am humbled to receive the Law Faculty Leadership Impact Award,” says Watts. “It has been a privilege to learn with and from my peers, who exemplify exceptional intelligence, genuine care for one another, and a commitment to unselfish public service.”

Watts is the current president of the Law Students' Society, a member of Faculty Council, and serves on the Dalhousie Law Alumni Association Board of Directors. She was previously a 1L and 2L representative on the Law Students’ Society Board of Directors and a member of the Orientation Committee. In addition, her efforts over two years as co-director of Pro Bono Dalhousie expanded the organization’s reach and secured funding for key projects, enhancing its impact on the community. In these roles, Watts was responsive to student needs and led with a problem-solving approach.

“Being a part of this community, who bring the Weldon Tradition to life by using their skills and knowledge to advance access to justice, has been truly inspiring. It has been a pleasure to grow alongside such impeccable colleagues and friends in Schulich Law’s uniquely engaged and tight-knit community,” shares Watts. “I am deeply grateful for the incredible friends, patient mentors, engaged professors, and receptive administrators who have collaborated with me and supported student initiatives. Being involved in student leadership has brought immense meaning to my education and enrichment to my life.”

Dalhousie Feminist Legal Association (DFLA) – Most Impactful Charitable/Community Society Award

The Most Impactful Charitable/Community Society Award is presented to a Dalhousie University student society that has made a significant contribution to a charitable cause, within the Dalhousie community or beyond. The society has demonstrated consistency in planning and delivery of programming or events, high student participation and attendance of its membership, and sets an example for other student societies.

The Dalhousie Feminist Legal Association (DFLA) is committed to combatting inequality in the legal profession by focusing on activities that support its mandate of enhancing education, offering resources and support, providing a safe space, and advocating for equality and inclusivity within and outside the law school. Additionally, it organizes student events and holds fundraisers for various feminist initiatives and/or non-profit organizations around Halifax.

“On behalf of the executive team, we are deeply honoured to receive the Most Impactful Charitable/Community Society Award this year. The Dalhousie Feminist Legal Association remains steadfast in our mission to advance gender equity through legal advocacy, education, and community engagement,” shares Ashley Thornton and Isabel Little, co-chairs of the society.

This year the DFLA organized its second annual Women+ in Law networking event, partnered with the Dalhousie Black Law Students Association to host a fireside chat to address intersectionality in the legal profession, hosted a talk on intimate partner violence in family law, and engaged with the law school’s administration to improve institutional support for survivors of gender-based violence. They raised more than $2,000 for organizations such as Adsum House, the Elizabeth Fry Society, and Wellness Within.

“As Nova Scotia is facing a gender-based violence epidemic, which was officially recognized by the provincial government in September, our work has never been more important,” explains Thornton and Little. “Now more than ever, it is critical to hold space for meaningful advocacy and action that challenge systemic inequities and create safer spaces for all. This award reaffirms the importance of the DLFA and our drive to keep pushing for change.”

Congratulations to all the nominees and recipients! The full list of winners can be read here.