A group study room in the library of the new law building was named after the Calgary-based law firm Bennett Jones, in honor of a generous gift of $125,000 toward the construction of the new building. This gift is significant in reflecting the leadership and commitment of UBC alumni at Bennett Jones.
"We are grateful for this generous commitment by [UBC alumni] at Bennett Jones. The gift honours their firm and the close connection between [the law school] and our graduates and the legal profession across Canada." said Dean Mary Anne Bobinski. "This gift represents an important investment in the future of legal education in Canada."
"It is a great feeling to be part of the new law building in this way," said Darcy Moch who was instrumental in the donation along with colleague, Alan Ross. "Many of the partners of this firm are graduates of [the law school] and have fond memories of their time at law school. This gift not only represents that but also reminds us of how important this project is for this country's legal community."
The firm which began as Bennett, Hannah & Sanford in 1922 has employed many prominent lawyers.
These include a Canadian prime minister, R.B. Bennett (1930 – 1935), a provincial premier, federal and provincial cabinet ministers, two Canadian Ambassadors to the United States, two Supreme Court Justices, several chief justices of federal and provincial courts, numerous appointees to provincial supreme courts and the Court of Queen's Bench, and a president of the Canadian Bar Association.
From its birth in Calgary, the firm known today as Bennett Jones grew with the Western economy, expanding across Canada, and now has an international presence with offices in Beijing, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The reputation of Bennett Jones has been built upon the oil industry, which remains a major part of the Calgary office. However, the firm’s other practice areas advise on legal aspects of manufacturing, new technologies, mergers and acquisitions, and tax, among others. The firm provides extraordinary experience in major cross-border and international transactions.
Bennett Jones employs numerous UBC alumni, and has supported the law school significantly in the past as an affiliate of UBC’s Centre for Business Law. This group study room has been made possible through a generous donation by UBC alumni at Bennett Jones.