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Exceptional teaching is central to the Schulich School of Law’s mission. Our faculty are recognized for their extensive knowledge of the law, their excellence in interpreting legal issues, and their impassioned approach to teaching. This year’s recipients delivered an outstanding learning experience while fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

DLAA & LSS Award for Excellence in Teaching Law –
Hannah Rosborough

The Dalhousie Law Alumni Association (DLAA) & Law Students’ Society (LSS) Award is given in recognition and appreciation of excellence in teaching demonstrated by enthusiasm, commitment, dedication, and outstanding service to students. Nominations are made by current law students, then a winner is selected by a committee comprised of students and alumni.

This year’s recipient, Instruction & Scholarly Communications Librarian Hannah Rosborough, joined the law school community in 2016.

“I am grateful and, honestly, surprised to receive this award,” says Rosborough, who teaches Legal Research and Writing (LRW). “This nomination is meaningful because, as a librarian, my role doesn't fit the traditional faculty teaching model. It is rewarding to know that my approach has resonated with students—especially because research can often be perceived as dry and technical. It’s actually really fun, I swear! I always hope my enthusiasm for research comes across in the classroom.”

Her teaching philosophy consists of three main points. First, she teaches legal research as a process rather than a product, considered from a critical perspective. Second, she believes the classroom is built collectively and adjusts her course every year based on formal and informal student feedback. Third, she believes the library, and by extension legal research, shouldn’t be intimidating. “Library anxiety is well-documented and I want LRW to reduce those barriers,” she adds.

Rosborough says that the most rewarding part of teaching, without question, is the students themselves. “They are engaged, curious, and funny. I love seeing the moment when part of the research process ‘clicks’ for them,” she shares. “As a direct result, my own research has naturally shifted toward student-centred projects like a practical citation and style guide, and trying to better understand how generative AI tools are being used in legal education to improve preparation for practice.”

Third-year student Isabella Harris says Rosborough is an excellent teacher. “The effort that she puts into her lectures, videos, and slides is evident—she teaches the course in a way that really sets students up to succeed. She also makes herself available to us, which has been incredibly helpful to me. Beyond 1L, I have gone to her with many citation questions and she has always been willing to help.”

Rosborough says that she loves it when students continue to reach out to her beyond LRW for assistance with upper-year courses, experiential opportunities, competitive moots, and more. “Knowing that I’ve helped make the library a supportive space is the best part.”

Hannah and Harold Barnett Excellence in Teaching Award –
Adelina Iftene 

The Hannah and Harold Barnett Excellence in Teaching Award is given by the LSS to a professor who teaches first-year law. Each first-year section collectively puts forward a nomination, and a winner is chosen by a committee of students. 

This year’s recipient, Associate Professor Adelina Iftene, joined the Schulich Law community in 2017. This is her second time receiving the award – she was previously recognized in 2019. She also received the DLAA & LSS Award for Excellence in Teaching Law in 2023.

“Being nominated for this award is an incredible honour, and receiving it is just the cherry on top,” Iftene shares. “I love teaching. I love being in the classroom and discussing law with the students. It's beautiful to see that my passion and commitment to teaching are appreciated.”

She says it is even more meaningful when she considers the richness of talent at the Schulich School of Law. “My colleagues are dedicated and accomplished teachers, and I have learned, and continue to learn, from many of them. Receiving this award in this context makes it even more special.”

Iftene describes her teaching approach as an exchange of ideas between herself and the class. While she is the one doing the substantive teaching, she also learns a lot from the class in terms of how they think about the law, how it fits within society, and how it is received by future legal practitioners. She carries that knowledge into her research and subsequent teaching.

She says the most rewarding part of teaching is the relationships she forges with students. “I often get emails from former students telling me about their new job or asking me a question that came up in their work. I am always so happy to hear from them or to run into them at events,” says Iftene. “Playing a small part in my students' professional journeys is an incredible privilege.”

First-year student Joshua Holik says Iftene is highly deserving of this recognition and that students appreciate her ability to make challenging subject matter more approachable and engaging. “On behalf of Section A, we are very excited that Professor Iftene is being recognized with the Hanna and Harold Barnett Award. She demonstrates compassion in handling sensitive criminal law topics, which creates and maintains a classroom environment where students feel safe to participate. She encourages us to question pre-existing beliefs, myths, and stereotypes that exist within the criminal law system in ways that promote our growth. We are very proud to have nominated her for this award because her mastery of the subject matter and dedication to inclusive teaching have made a deep impact on our learning.”

Congratulations to Rosborough and Iftene on their awards and a special thank you to the entire Schulich Law faculty for their hard work and dedication!