About Us
About
JD Bridges Foundation
Mission & Vision
We are a Canadian non-profit organization that envisions a legal profession in Canada that is accessible, diverse, and inclusive.
The law school application process in Canada is a significant financial undertaking. The JD Bridges Foundation aims to bridge the gap for prospective Black applicants who have an interest in law but may be deterred from applying to law school due to financial need.
Eliminating the biggest barrier to entry for black students who are pursuing an education and a career in the legal profession.
Values
Integrity
Integrity is the foundation for everything we do. We believe in transparency, accountability and respect. We strive to build trust with the community we aim to serve.
Inclusivity
We achieve inclusivity when the views, ideas and lived-experiences of Black people are seen, heard, understood and valued. We embrace inclusive change for the future of the legal community in Canada.
Accessibility
We recognize that all opportunities are not equal. We aim to build bridges where there are gaps in access to the legal profession by addressing systemic barriers faced by Black people in Canada who were previously excluded and underrepresented.
Why Us Why Now?
We have experienced the systemic barriers against access legal education for Black people in Canada — a community that has been historically denied such access and is currently underrepresented in the legal profession. Our courts have recognized the existence of anti-black racism in Canada, and its influence continues to express itself throughout Canadian institutions.
We know that law schools are the gatekeepers of the legal profession. We believe that if we can inspire and encourage more Black students to apply to law school, we can create a justice system that better serves our communities.
In 2022, we launched the JD Bridges Bursary as our flagship program, which awards bursaries to alleviate the cost of applying to law school in Canada.
We are the change we want to see
Bursary Program
We’ll cover the fees if you can’t so that you can focus on applying to law school.
Bursary Program
We’ll cover the fees if you can’t so that you can focus on applying to law school.
The JD Bridges Bursary is our flagship program which funds critical aspects of the law school application process including the law school admission test (LSAT), preparation courses, study materials, university application fees, and transcript fees.
In addition to financial support, the JD Bridges Bursary will also provide mentorship. Recipients will be paired with a mentor who will guide them in the preparation of their personal statements, essays, and answers to any law school application questions and/or interviews.
JD Bridges Bursary Details
See yourself here and apply!
The JD Bridges Bursary is valued at approximately $2,500.00
JD Bridges Bursary recipients are awarded the following:
1. Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
2. LSAT prep course (Upper Canada LSAT Prep):
Eight-Week Online LSAT Foundations Course with Live Instructor to include:
• 30 hours of online instruction taught by experienced Canadian lawyers, graduate students, and university professors.
• Real-world experience with all sections of the LSAT: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games), Reading Comprehension, Writing Sample, Timing and Strategy.
• Personal feedback on coursework and LSAT review journals.
• Self-proctored full diagnostic tests that are integrated with our education platform.
One-year access to course materials and support
• Guided online 1500-point study system with full explanations for all content.
• PDF lesson notebooks, including over 500-pages of detailed lesson exercises with full explanations.
• Live recordings of all lessons posted on our LSAT education platform.
One-year subscription to LSAC’s LSAT Prep Plus® in LawHub
• Access to 70+ full official past LSAT tests using the official test day online LSAC system.
3. LSAT study materials (PowerScore 2023 LSAT Trilogy Practice Pack)
4. Ontario Law School Application Service voucher
5. Cheque to pay for 3 university application fees and 3 official transcript fees
6. Personal statement mentor
JD Bridges Bursary recipients are awarded the following:
1. Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
2. LSAT prep course (Upper Canada LSAT Prep):
Eight-Week Online LSAT Foundations Course with Live Instructor to include:
• 30 hours of online instruction taught by experienced Canadian lawyers, graduate students, and university professors.
• Real-world experience with all sections of the LSAT: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games), Reading Comprehension, Writing Sample, Timing and Strategy.
• Personal feedback on coursework and LSAT review journals.
• Self-proctored full diagnostic tests that are integrated with our education platform.
One-year access to course materials and support
• Guided online 1500-point study system with full explanations for all content.
• PDF lesson notebooks, including over 500-pages of detailed lesson exercises with full explanations.
• Live recordings of all lessons posted on our LSAT education platform.
One-year subscription to LSAC’s LSAT Prep Plus® in LawHub
• Access to 70+ full official past LSAT tests using the official test day online LSAC system.
3. LSAT study materials (PowerScore 2023 LSAT Trilogy Practice Pack)
4. Ontario Law School Application Service voucher
5. Cheque to pay for 3 university application fees and 3 official transcript fees
6. Personal statement mentor
Message From The Founder
When I applied to law school in 2016, my bank account was in overdraft. Everyone advised me to apply widely because the admission process was so competitive. But, did they realize how much “widely” cost?
I was fortunate enough to have parents who agreed to split the cost of my applications. I purchased self-study LSAT books, practice exams and a $400 two-day accelerated LSAT prep course – because that’s what I was able to afford.
From May-August, I worked full-time during the days, and studied for the LSAT in the evenings and on weekends. When my LSAT score wasn’t competitive, I paid to write the exam again.
I didn’t grow up with lawyers in my family. I am so grateful for the upper-year Black law students who reviewed my personal statements and encouraged me along the way.
At the time, I could barely afford to apply to law school, much less fund my legal education. Today, I am a practicing lawyer with ambitious career goals. I am not an anomaly. Many of my fellow Black colleagues in law faced similar barriers during the application process. However, what may separate us from others is not ability, but opportunity.
I started this organization to give more Black students the opportunity I had. Build a bridge with me, build an opportunity.
Message From The Founder
When I applied to law school in 2016, my bank account was in overdraft. Everyone advised me to apply widely because the admission process was so competitive. But, did they realize how much “widely” cost?
I was fortunate enough to have parents who agreed to split the cost of my applications. I purchased self-study LSAT books, practice exams and a $400 two-day accelerated LSAT prep course – because that’s what I was able to afford.
From May-August, I worked full-time during the days, and studied for the LSAT in the evenings and on weekends. When my LSAT score wasn’t competitive, I paid to write the exam again.
I didn’t grow up with lawyers in my family. I am so grateful for the upper-year Black law students who reviewed my personal statements and encouraged me along the way.
At the time, I could barely afford to apply to law school, much less fund my legal education. Today, I am a practicing lawyer with ambitious career goals. I am not an anomaly. Many of my fellow Black colleagues in law faced similar barriers during the application process. However, what may separate us from others is not ability, but opportunity.
I started this organization to give more Black students the opportunity I had. Build a bridge with me, build an opportunity.
JD Bridges Bursary Details
Meet our Board of Directors
We’ve applied to law school. We know how much it costs and we’re here to help.
Kayla Smith Campbell
Founder & Chairwoman
(Toronto, ON)
Kayla Smith Campbell
Founder & Chairwoman (Toronto, ON)
Kayla Smith Campbell is a lawyer by trade and a philanthropy enthusiast.
She is an associate in the Litigation Group at Cassels, Brock and Blackwell LLP and maintains a broad corporate commercial and civil litigation practice.
Kayla completed her J.D. from the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, of which she graduated as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020. She also holds a Joint-Honours Bachelor of Social Science in Political Science and Public Administration in the French Immersion Program from the University of Ottawa.
During law school, Kayla was an Executive Member of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada, and sat on her law schools’ Admission Committee, Student Law Society, Faculty Council, Women and the Law Club, the Equity and Diversity Committee and the Transforming Windsor Law Building Cabinet Committee. Kayla was also awarded a Windsor Law Social Justice Fellowship and has appeared before the Senate of Canada to present research on millennial involvement in the charitable sector.
Kayla is an advocate for increasing access to legal education for Black students in Canada. She co-authored an article about law school admission reform and discussed the topic on news media broadcasts.
She is the founder of the Lloyd Dean Moot, an oral advocacy competition geared to support undergraduate students with an interest in the law. Most recently, she founded the JD Bridges Foundation, a not-for-profit organization aiming to support prospective law students in their applications to law school through funding and mentorship.
Kayla also sits on her law firm’s Inclusion and Diversity Committee and is a member of the firm’s Black Affinity Group.
Nashara Peart
Executive Director
(Windsor, ON)
Nashara Peart
Executive Director
(Windsor, ON)
Nashara Peart is an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group in Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.’s Detroit office. Nashara earned dual law degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, and she is licensed in both Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Nashara’s practice includes commercial and public real estate dispute resolution. She has experience representing municipalities, corporations, private citizens and title companies in issues including zoning, land use, real estate, and easement litigation. Nashara has serviced clients on multi-million-dollar real estate and land use litigation matters, including arbitrations, and has successfully represented a client in the Michigan Court of Appeals regarding a dispute over property boundaries. Nashara has experience working in all levels of Michigan courts, including federal and probate court, and also represents clients in Ontario courts. Nashara’s federal court experience includes representing incarcerated individuals in prisoner civil rights matters, and her probate court experience focuses on estate litigation concerning trusts and estates of varying sizes.
Nashara served as 2017-2018 National President of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada (“BLSA Canada”) and as its first National Conference Chair in 2016-2017. She currently serves as Chair of BLSA Canada’s Alumni Advisory Council.
Charles Campbell
Treasurer
(Toronto, ON)
Charles Campbell
Treasurer
(Toronto, ON)
Charles Campbell is an articling student at the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Human Rights and Equity Studies from York University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law.
In 2019-2020, Charles acted as the Director of Finance at BLSA Canada, managing a significant portfolio of sponsorship and fundraising. Subsequently, he organized BLSA Canada’s 30th National Conference, virtual-style during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charles is an innovator of ideas, cultivator of talent, national community leader, professional public speaker, and published author.
Natasha Daley
(Toronto, ON)
Natasha Daley
Vice Chair
(Toronto, ON)
Natasha Daley is a Director and Vice-Chair of the JD Bridges Foundation. She is currently a third-year law student in her final year of the joint Master of Social Work/Juris Doctor program at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. She is also the National Chair of the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) of Canada for the 2021- 2022 term. Natasha is also serving as the Co-chair of the Lloyd Dean Moot, hosted by BLSA Windsor. This is a beginner-friendly mooting competition that seeks to give undergraduate students the opportunity to network with law students, lawyers, and sitting justices while developing their oral advocacy skills in a supportive environment.
Prior to law school, Natasha graduated as Valedictorian from Tyndale University with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services with a minor in Psychology. She gained extensive front-line experience working with high-risk youth and vulnerable communities, which sparked her passion for exploring the intersection of law and social work.
During law school, Natasha was selected for a Social Justice Fellowship and worked as a Student Scholar Fellow at the Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) on policy development related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in administrative decision-making and criminal law. She contributed to the LCO’s 2021 publication on the use of AI in the criminal justice system. She also worked as a Summer Law Student at the Crown Law Office-Criminal where she assisted counsel on a high-profile prosecution, appeals before the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and an intervention before the Supreme Court of Canada. Natasha will serve as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Central West Region) for the 2022- 2023 articling term. She is passionate about access to justice and sees the law as a vehicle for social change. She unwaveringly encourages the Black community, and other historically underrepresented groups, to be a part of diversifying and adding value to the practice of law.
Abigail Ywaya
(Vancouver, BC)
Abigail Ywaya
(Vancouver, BC)
Abigail is an employment lawyer at a national law firm.
During her time at Allard, she researched mining governance in international law as a research assistant for Professor Sara Ghebremusse. She also worked alongside Dr. Ghebremusse on an equity and diversity research project which resulted in a resource guide for law firms looking to increase and retain Black representation.
She also worked as a legal intern for lululemon athletica.
Karl Racine
(Ottawa, ON)
Karl Racine
Board Member
(Ottawa, ON)
Karl Racine is a lawyer in Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office, practising in the Intellectual Property Group.
Karl received his French Common law degree from the University of Ottawa. During law school, Karl competed in the Julius Alexander Isaac Moot and the National Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition in the United States. He was also a teaching assistant in alternative dispute resolution, and served as a member of the University of Ottawa’s Senate Appeals Committee, which makes final decisions on individual cases of academic appeal.
Prior to law school, Karl earned his bachelor’s degree with honours in biomedical sciences and contributed to several peer-reviewed articles in bio-organic chemistry and neurophysiology.
In his spare time, Karl enjoys coaching high school basketball, playing the trombone and practising hot yoga.
Karl is fluent in both English and French.
Deborah Yeboah
(Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Deborah Yeboah
Board Member
(Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Deborah (Debbie) Yeboah was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to two Ghanaian immigrants. She was raised in Winnipeg, but left home to complete her undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. There she was student-athlete, competing on the Women’s Basketball team while majoring in Philosophy and minoring French. Debbie graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in 2013. Following her time in Victoria, Debbie went on to play basketball professionally in Würzburg, Germany for two years.
She later returned to school as a law student at McGill University and graduated with her BCL/JD (Bachelor of Civil Law/Juris Doctor) in 2019 being named the class Valedictorian. While a student at McGill, Debbie was a Tutorial Leader, participated in the JA Isaac Moot, and was also a member of the Black Law Students Association of McGill.
Currently, Debbie is back in her hometown working as an associate at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP. Debbie practices primarily in the areas of civil litigation and intellectual property.
The Board of the JD Bridges Foundation appointed a selection committee of 6 members across Canada to review the applications of each student who applied to the 2022 JD Bridges Bursary. After reading written applications, viewing a video presentation, and holding interviews, the Selection Committee was extremely impressed by the ambition of each applicant, and moved by their stories. We thank this esteemed panel for helping us build bridges for the upcoming 2023 law school admission cycle.
