As one of the oldest law schools in Canada, Osgoode Hall Law School has a wide and successful alumni network, ranging from sole practitioners to Supreme Court Justices.
On 29 August 2024, the Honourable Arif Virani, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced the appointment of Osgoode alumna, Justice Bhavneet K. Bhangu, to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Newmarket. Justice Bhangu fills the space of Justice Jonathan Dawe, who now serves as Justice at the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
As an experienced lawyer and engaged community member, Justice Bhangu has demonstrated dedication and diligence towards the values that uphold the Canadian justice system. Justice Bhangu comes from a Sikh family from Punjab, India, and immigrated to Vancouver in 1974. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of British Columbia and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1992. Justice Bhangu was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994.
Justice Bhangu articled with the Ministry of Labour and sought to pursue a career in criminal law and prosecutions. Since 1996, Justice Bhangu has worked as an assistant Crown attorney in the Thunder Bay, Sudbury, and Barrie Crown offices.
Moreover, Justice Bhangu’s involvement in the community is well-founded and appreciated. Justice Bhangu mentored young lawyers throughout her career, and encouraged youth to pursue legal careers by coaching high school students in the Simcoe County Mock Trial competitions. Justice Bhangu participated in educating police officers in the Simcoe County area. She has additionally served her Punjabi Sikh community through volunteer work with women who have experienced domestic violence and Fraser Valley farmworkers who have experienced exploitation.
Osgoode Hall Law School congratulates Justice Bhangu on this achievement and is proud of the milestones that each of its graduates accomplish throughout their illustrious legal careers.