By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Gail O’Neil began her undergraduate education at the University of Windsor in STEM, but changed her major after taking political science classes as first year electives.
“I’m so glad I did,” she says. “Political science gave me the opportunity to study current global events and analyze political trends. I especially enjoyed courses that focused on indigenous affairs and American politics. My indigenous affairs professor was an amazing mentor.”
O’Neil had long known that she wanted to study law.
“I want to challenge myself. I want a career where everyday is different and I can make an impact on the world,” she says. “Law always seemed like the perfect choice. I love a fast-paced work environment that throws new challenges at me.”
Her interest in law was solidified by working as a legal assistant to partner Sarah Weisman at Stipic Weisman LLP in Windsor from the end of high school and through most of undergrad, part-time in the school year and full time during the summers.
“I learned the inner workings of a boutique law firm, and specifically worked in family law,” she says. “I was trained to interview clients, take notes, draft documents and file documents for court.”
She also spent a semester interning at Transit Windsor, learning how municipal government works together with other departments and levels of government to deliver city-wide services.
As president of the University of Windsor’s Pre-Law Student Society for two years, she networked with legal professionals, law students and students, and helped students gather vital information to help them chart their own legal journey. A large portion of the society’s mission was giving back to the local community.
“Through fund-raising events and our end of year charity gala, we were able to raise several thousand dollars for local charities like the Windsor Youth Center and Hiatus House of Windsor, a local women’s shelter,” she says. “I loved having the opportunity to inspire fellow students and see the impact our strong community has on others.”
In her final 17 months of undergrad, O’Neil worked with the public in a variety of positions for the Canadian government.
“The federal public service is a diverse organization with multiple career paths. I wanted to peek inside to seek how it works,” she says. “The study of political science often focuses on the theory behind policy making—this was an opportunity to see how policies are administered and enforced.”
Now in her 1L year in the Dual JD program offered by Detroit Mercy Law and the University of Windsor, she was drawn to the program by the clinics and hands-on experiential learning.
“The unique Dual JD program is the perfect program for someone who lives on the border and wants the opportunity to practice in either country,” she says.
She also appreciates Detroit Mercy Law’s location at the center of life in Detroit, with all its culture and history, and pre-pandemic enjoyed the restaurants, nightlife, concert venues, and museums—especially the Detroit Institute of Arts and The Henry Ford.
O’Neil would like to work in the field of administrative law—in the public sector, private practice or an NGO (Non-governmental Organization).
“Ideally, I’d like to experience all three,” she says. “An overseas assignment would also be of interest. I want a career where both my Canadian and U.S. degrees will be valued. I speak English, French and Russian, and I’m tech savvy, so I aspire to incorporate those skills into my legal career. Would I consider another field of law? Definitely. I’m only in my first year, so I’m not ruling anything out.”
To cope with remote online studies during the pandemic, O’Neil maintains a separate lecture space and study space at her home in Windsor, and tries to stick to a study schedule.
“I’m grateful for the support from my virtual classmates,” she says. “I can’t wait for the day to meet them all in person.”
O’Neil’s parents and 17-year-old brother have supported all her ventures.
“My mom immigrated to Canada when she was a teen-ager—her stories and journey were among my inspirations to study law and be an advocate for others,” she says. “I want to be able to help other people and have an impact on the world. The study of law will give me the opportunity to use my skills to make a difference.”
For the past four years, O’Neil has volunteered as a Big Sister mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor-Essex, and has been matched with the same elementary school student throughout the years.
In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, traveling and photography.
“I can’t wait to be able to safely travel the world again—but COVID has provided an opportunity to explore local nature trails I wouldn’t have otherwise discovered,” she says.
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