UBC Law Faculty receives $1 million gift from Davis LLP and Mr. Irwin Davis

Publié: mardi, 11 décembre 2007

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The Faculty of Law at the University of British Columbia has received a $1 million gift from national law firm Davis LLP and Mr. Irwin Davis, grandson of the firm’s founder Edward Pease Davis, K.C., towards the faculty’s new building project.

The future building, aimed to meet the needs of legal education in B.C. in the next century, will include a student lounge dedicated to the Davis firm. The firm’s evolving history in Canada’s legal community includes the leadership role played over 100 years ago by the firm’s founder in British Columbia and the pivotal role the firm plays today as the only national law firm to originate in Vancouver.

“This gift represents an important contribution to the future excellence of our legal community,” said Mary Anne Bobinski, Dean and Professor at the UBC Faculty of Law. “I am pleased that it honours a founding father of B.C.’s legal community. This is something that will hold special meaning for our professors and students.”

The building will provide space for more than 50 faculty members, 600 undergraduate and 100 graduate students. It will include contemporary classroom designs, more student service spaces, more moot court space, a larger library and new research spaces. It will be designed to provide a welcoming environment for returning alumni and members of the community.

“We are pleased to be partners in the creation of the new UBC Faculty of Law building,” said Doug Buchanan, former National Managing Partner of Davis LLP and a UBC law graduate. “Many members of our legal team received their education at the university, and demonstrate the high standards of excellence that it represents. This is a vital project for our profession and the province.”

The building will replace the existing Faculty of Law building that is comprised of two aging structures. It is anticipated construction will begin in 2009 and will take approximately 18 months.

“It is a special thrill for me to be part of this gift. I know what a difference it will make for the UBC campus and for so many students aspiring to make a real impact in the field of law,” said Mr. Irwin Davis, who grew up within walking distance of the current UBC Faculty of Law building. His childhood home is now UBC’s Cecil Green House, which was built by his grandfather, Edward Pease Davis, K.C., the founder of the law firm.

This gift will be matched by the Law Foundation of British Columbia, which has committed to match donations – up to a total of $12 million – in support of the UBC Faculty of Law’s vital role in Canada’s legal system.

UBC is proud to welcome Davis LLP to a select group of law firms that have taken a leadership role in this transformative campaign for UBC Law. To date, $1-million donations have been made by Farris Vaughn Wills and Murphy LLP, Richards Buell Sutton LLP, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and the Ladner family.

“Davis LLP has been a pioneer in B.C. in many ways,” added Doug Buchanan. “With this gift we carry on that tradition by supporting the creativity and innovation that are part of the education excellence at the UBC Faculty of Law”.