In recognition of her exceptional teaching and mentorship, Allard Law Professor Karin Mickelson has been awarded the George Curtis Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence.
Professor Mickelson first entered law school at UBC set on a career as a human rights lawyer. But after her first year of law school, her plans changed.
“I reflected on the ways my education had empowered and inspired me, and I realized that an academic career would provide the opportunity to do that for future generations of law students,” says Professor Mickelson. “I could not think of a better way to contribute to a more just society, and almost forty years later, I am more convinced of that than ever.”
In her teaching, Professor Mickelson’s first aim is for students to take responsibility for their own learning. In her classes, she encourages students to reflect critically on what they read, ask questions and explore alternative ways of approaching complex issues.
“I have never felt that my role is to convince students of a particular point of view,” says Professor Mickelson. “In fact, some of my favourite memories over the years involve students who have told me that while my class has not necessarily changed their views about a particular issue, it has definitely led them to question their assumptions and enabled them to understand differing points of view.”
The Curtis Award is presented annually to an Allard Law faculty member who has been nominated by their students.
Allard Law student Jaya Scott, one of Professor Mickelson’s student nominators, says her approach to teaching empowers students as learners. “I most appreciated Professor Mickelson's willingness to talk through my questions and her patience in guiding me to find the answer for myself,” Scott adds.
For Professor Mickelson, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is witnessing students develop their analytical skills and deepen their understanding of the law. “At the end of a course, I love listening to students discuss legal issues and to look back on how much they have learned since the beginning of the term,” she adds.
This is also one of Professor Mickelson’s favourite aspects of her role as coach for Allard Law’s Jessup Moot team. “Hearing the students provide effective and nuanced answers to tough questions from the bench, involving some of the most complex issues of international law, is genuinely thrilling,” she says.
Third-year law student Madison McBlain nominated Professor Mickelson for her commitment to student learning and development, her dedication as a moot coach, and her support for students’ mental wellbeing – noting that Professor Mickelson frequently checks in with her students to ensure they’re not overwhelmed.
“I've been shaped not just by her excellent teaching, but by her genuine care for me and so many others,” adds McBlain.
While Professor Mickelson enjoys different aspects of each of the classes she teaches, she says there’s a special place in her heart for teaching courses in the first-year program, and she values the opportunity to stay connected with students as they make their way through law school and into their legal careers.
“First-year students are so eager to learn and full of questions and ideas, and they aren’t afraid to ask the important ‘why’ questions that challenge the status quo,” Professor Mickelson says. “It’s a privilege to work with students as they begin their legal education – and it can also be a lot of fun!”
Now nearing her last year of teaching before retirement in 2026, Professor Mickelson notes that it feels particularly meaningful for her to be receiving the award this year. “To know that students value my contributions to their learning is the highest honour I can imagine.”
