Ellison Mallin is a graduating UVic Law student from North Vancouver, BC. His studies and research carried him through many areas of law. He found his passion in Indigenous governance and bylaw drafting. After his convocation in June 2026, he will be returning home to North Vancouver to article with Ratcliff LLP, a firm that works with First Nation Governments.
Mallin is one of the inaugural recipients of the Black Student Leadership Award for his leadership and community involvement. He also received the Faculty of Law’s McIntyre Medal, in recognition of his academic excellence and engagement in student life.
What moment or memory stands out most from your time at UVic?
It’s hard to pick a single moment or memory. Relaunching and performing at the UVic Law Students’ Society (LSS) Skit Night was a highlight of last year.
Where did you spend most of your time studying, hanging out or unwinding on campus?
In first year, I spent most of my time at Felicita’s Pub or Finnerty Gardens. In second year, my friends and I often ate lunch at the Grad House. In third year, I was in the Fraser Building, attending to my various duties or events as the LSS President.
Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?
Indigenous Legal Drafting with Professor Melanie Mortensen shaped my career and sparked my interest in bylaw drafting. We worked through problems that a Band and Council may face trying to assert sovereignty and create laws. Professors Mark Zion and David Milward also supported my major research paper.
What does it mean to you to be recognized with the McIntyre Medal?
This medal is meaningful because it really exemplifies that the importance of legal education is not found entirely in textbooks and classrooms. There are so many ways to prepare yourself for the work ahead, and I think everyone should explore as many avenues as possible. I think the biggest lesson I am taking away from this medal is the importance of finding balance.
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
I loved playing sports with the LSS. Wednesday night ice hockey with the Jury Doodies was a favourite, even though I wasn’t very good, and we rarely won. Sundays with the Supreme Court of Tennis were always fun too. I was definitely better at tennis.
As one of the recipients of the Black Student Leadership Award, what did that experience mean to you? How did it support your degree?
The Black Student Leadership Award gave me the support I needed for my final year of school by helping me focus on studies and community. The institutional support —knowing my faculty was there for me and recognized my work—gave me confidence and clarity. It also gave me the motivation to pay the award forward to my peers. I would not have been able to achieve half the work and volunteerism that I did this year without this award.
What are your plans for after graduation and is it the path you envisioned for yourself growing up?
I will be articling with Ratcliff LLP and hope to stay on, focusing on governance work and tax law. Growing up, I didn’t plan on law school, I was more interested in working on political campaigns and in the music industry. I dabbled in both, but burned out.
What would you tell someone who is considering choosing UVic for their degree?
UVic is a genuine school to study at. The supports and tools come from a place of caring and a desire to help me succeed. Classes are collaborative, with no sense of competition for jobs or grades. The campus is large enough that there is always something to do, but feels small enough to build meaningful community.
