Morton appointed director of Parkdale Community Legal Services


Patrick Monahan, dean of Osgoode Hall Law School at York, has announced that Chantal Morton has accepted an offer of appointment as academic director of Parkdale Community Legal Services for a two-year term, commencing July 1, 2005.


In a memo to Osgoode faculty and staff, Monahan said, “Chantal will bring great strengths to this position, given her demonstrated interest and expertise in areas of law that are central to Parkdale’s mandate.”


Morton, a graduate student at Osgoode who is currently completing her doctorate, taught poverty law as an adjunct professor in Osgoode’s LLB program and has served as director of Osgoode’s Career Services Office since late 2003. As director, Morton spearheaded efforts to broaden the range and kinds of opportunities that are available to Osgoode graduates. The board of governors for Parkdale Community Legal Services enthusiastically welcomed Morton’s appointment as academic director and looks forward to working with her over the next two years, Monahan added.


Monahan also thanked Professor Janet Mosher for taking on the position of academic director at Parkdale for the current semester on short notice, following the untimely passing of Professor Dianne Martin in late December. “Janet demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the institution through her decision to delay her sabbatical so that she could serve in this capacity, and I am very grateful for the personal sacrifice she made in doing so,” Monahan said.


Gina Alexandris, Osgoode’s assistant dean of student services, has initiated the process to find a replacement for Morton as director of the Career Services Office. “I know that the CSO is of great interest to our students, and I want to assure them that this move will not diminish in any way the priority we attach to this office,” said Monahan.