Anders Chapman and Caitlyn McCann, third-year students in Humber College's Paralegal Studies degree program, were ranked 7th of 49 teams at a national mooting competition last month. McCann won a Top Ten Distinguished Advocates Award. It was her first-ever competition.

"Between COVID-19, school, my work obligations and raising a child, it was a real challenge. I am very proud to carry this torch for Humber during such a challenging period in history," she said. McCann's win marks the fifth consecutive year a Humber student has placed among the top ten.

Four teams of students from the Paralegal Studies program competed at the 2021 Osgoode Cup National Undergraduate Mooting Competition March 5 to 8.

Paralegal Studies degree students benefit from their instructors' firsthand experience as lawyers and judges of the Ontario Courts. Classes focusing on paralegal practice and advocacy before courts and tribunals also provide a foundation for graduates who go on to law school.

"I was interested in the program because it offers a unique focus on oral advocacy, which I consider to be the foundation of a great legal practitioner," said McCann.

"I intend to use my bachelor's degree from Humber to pursue a law degree in Canada or overseas."

McCann and Anders studied together to prepare for the competition with coaches including Humber graduate Paige Diebel, also a recipient of the Distinguished Advocates Award, and Advocacy instructor Andrij Kowalsky.