The University of Toronto Student Leadership Awards (UTSLA) continues U of T’s long-standing tradition of recognizing outstanding student leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to the university.
This tradition began with the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award, which ran from 1994 - 2019 and was named in honour of Mr. Gordon Cressy, former Vice-President, Development and University Relations. In naming the award, the University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA) recognized Cressy's leadership and volunteer service across various spheres, as well as his term at the university. During the award’s 25-year history, it celebrated the exemplary contributions of more than 4,000 students whose commitment and volunteerism had a lasting impact on their peers and the university.
We are delighted to announce the 2025 University of Toronto Student Leadership Award recipients from the Faculty of Law:
Manreet Brar
Manreet is a dedicated and passionate student leader. Throughout her time at U of T Law, she has actively participated in a broad range of extracurricular activities, including moots, the Students’ Law Society (SLS), intramurals, the JD ambassador program, and more.
Manreet has also engaged in meaningful advocacy work through Ultra Vires and the International Human Rights Program working group on gender apartheid in Afghanistan.
Isabel Brisson
Isabel is President of the Students' Law Society (SLS). As President, Isabel has demonstrated remarkable commitment to advocating for students' needs and fostering inclusivity at the Faculty of Law. She works tirelessly to create a culture of kindness, hosting various events and initiatives that bring students together and help build community.
Beyond her involvement with the SLS, Isabel volunteers as a Peer Mentor. The Peer Mentorship Program pairs first year students with upper year mentors who meet with their mentee to give guidance, support and advice on navigating law school.
Keira Carter
Keira is a highly engaged student and leader and consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity. Throughout her time at U of T Law, Keira has worked with several programs and student groups including Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS), Black Future Lawyers (BFL), Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC), Downtown Legal Services (DLS) and OutLaws.
Keira is most proud of her participation in Homeless ConnectTO’s “One Stop Shop” event, where as a student representative of Downtown Legal Services, she provided guidance to marginally housed community members on accessing legal services and programs.
Jarren Fefer
Jarren is President of University of Toronto OutLaws, a student group dedicated to fostering a positive environment for 2SLGBTQI students. He has been an active and dedicated member since his first year when he held the role of 1L Representative. As a student leader, he has played a key role in developing both of OutLaw’s student and alumni mentorship programs.
Jarren has also been an active member of the faculty’s moot court team, having represented the school twice at national competitions.
Jarren is most proud of his volunteer work at Egale Canada and the David Asper Centre, where he assisted with litigation at the Supreme Court of Canada. Jarren's work at Egale Canada was facilitated through the R. Douglas Elliott Fellowship.
Madeline Schneider
Maddy's leadership on U of T campus and at the Faculty of Law is driven by a passion for accessibility in higher education. Maddy is Co-President of the Disabled Law Students' Association (DLSA), a student group dedicated to build community among law students with and without disabilities.
She also serves as Chair of U of T’s Accessibility Services Student Advisory Committee and volunteers as a Peer Mentor with the Peer Mental Health Support Program (PMHSP). The PMHSP supports students through the challenging transitions associated with entering law school and offers an avenue for building a sense of community, connections, experiential knowledge, ensuring increased levels of health, well-being, quality of life and resilience.
Maddy is most proud of her advocacy on behalf of law students, which is leading to several accessible changes in the lecture recording policy.
