Andrew Clark-Alfaro, JD ‘24

OLR 2022-2024
Associate Editor and Senior Editor and Human Resources Manager

Andrew’s favourite part of OLR experience: 

“Meeting and working with so many interesting and accomplished people!”

George Hua, JD ‘23

OLR 2020-2023
Assistant Editor, Associate Editor, Senior Editor and Special Projects Manager

George’s favourite part about his OLR experience:

“The unique combination of intellectual and collaborative opportunities OLR offered. I loved being exposed to high-level academic writing and novel perspectives in Canadian law, which broadened my understanding of the legal landscape. Gaining insights into the selection process for one of the most prestigious law journals in the country was equally rewarding and gave me an appreciation for the rigor and thoughtfulness behind curating impactful scholarship. Above all, the camaraderie on the editorial board made the experience truly special. Working alongside such talented and driven peers was inspiring and created memories I’ll always cherish.” 

How did you writing and editing skills improve at the OLR?

“My time at the OLR definitely helped improve my writing and editing skills. Working with high-quality submissions exposed me to exceptional legal writing, which deepened my understanding of what makes a paper compelling and well-structured. Beyond that, the collaborative discussions with the rest of the editorial board were invaluable. Engaging with diverse perspectives and reviewing different writing styles not only sharpened my editorial eye but also helped me refine my own approach to writing. Those experiences collectively shaped me into a more thoughtful and effective writer.

How did your time at OLR affect your career?

“My time at the OLR definitely had an impact on my legal career. I believe the experience and credibility I gained as an Assistant Editor in 1L played a key role in helping me secure my 1L summer position. The writing and editing skills I developed during that time, along with the attention to detail required in the editorial process, are qualities I use every day in my practice—whether I’m drafting agreements, reviewing contracts, or crafting persuasive arguments. Beyond that, the friendships I built at OLR remain an important part of my professional and personal network, providing both support and inspiration as I navigate my legal career.”

George cheerfully shared about the friendships he made during his time at the LRO and said: “I made lifelong friends during my time at the Ottawa Law Review. The editorial process was more than just reviewing submissions—it was a shared journey. Whether it was debating the finer points of an article, working as a team to meet deadlines, or just sharing laughs over drinks, we built a strong sense of camaraderie. Those experiences brought us together not just as colleagues but as friends, and those friendships have stayed with me long after our time at the Review.”  

Jean-Simon Schoenholz, JD '16

OLR 2014-2016
Editor-in-chief, French articles

Jean-Simon’s OLR reflections: 

“My year (Volume 47) completely modernized the image of the OLR with a new logo and a new website, both of which are still in use. Implementing this very ambitious vision for the OLR with my fellow editors-in-chief, Tanner McInnis and Mathew Quintieri, is my fondest memory!

My time as editor-in-chief forced me to improve my attention to detail, and this asset is something that really serves me well in my practice.

Having served as editor-in-chief made my clerkship applications for the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada really stand out, and also gave me practical experience in project management that prepared me well for a career in private practice.

The OLR taught me how to take and defend difficult decisions. There were times when the editorial board had to reject some articles after detailed review and after receiving peer evaluation comments. In a few cases, the authors were very unhappy, and even tried to have the decision reversed. It’s when you are under that type of pressure that you need to trust the quality of the process.”

Marc Tremblay, LLB ’90

OLR 1989-1990 & 1991-1992
Editor (student) and advisor/supervisor (professor)

Marc’s OLR reflections:

“I really liked the camaraderie and team spirit, but also the serious nature of the work: that a small team should be so dedicated and professional throughout the academic year, with all its pressures and requirements, impressed me then, and still does.

I learned a lot reading the articles submitted for review, including the strength of a clear, logically presented argument, but also the high price paid by authors who are a bit fuzzy and who haven’t properly checked their sources! I also learned to master the McGill Guide, a skill that while not very sexy is still very useful.”

Kyle Kirkup, LLB '09

Faculty Advisor of the Ottawa Law Review since 2017

"As an alumnus of the Ottawa Law Review (2006-2009) and now a Faculty Advisor (2017-present), I am proud of the collaborative community we have built together. While our alumni go off to practice in every area of law imaginable in Canada and across the globe, they are brought together by the long-lasting connections that are forged during their years with the Ottawa Law Review."