Obiter Dicta Issue 2 - September 16, 2013 | Page 5

page 5 news Law student volunteers for local gang of petty thieves to help underprivileged youths EVAN IVKOVIC Contributor A second year law student at a prestigious law school, Graham Wilkins, has joined a local youth gang and is helping them rob people of their possessions and money. When asked about his motivation for joining the gang, Graham said, “As a representative of my law school, which is committed to helping underprivileged members of society, I decided to volunteer my time helping the under-18 members of the local gang in their operations. This typically involves the robbery of local university stu dents by way of deft hands, intimidation or sometimes force.” When further pressed on why he joined the gang, Graham noted that “the gang I joined is largely composed of impoverished youths, and since my school requires me to do social work for a law degree and I need a law degree to work for a large corporate law firm, it just made sense.” We approached members of the gang for a statement. They promptly stole most of our material possessions. Afterwards, one member, who chose not to disclose his identity, praised Graham’s ability to quickly adapt to the rigours of robbing random civilians, noting that “he’s robbed more people than any other member of our crew and he’s only been with us for 3 hours”. Another member of the gang said, “Graham is the scariest person I’ve ever met and I regularly hang around guys who’ve been to prison.” Graham’s work for the gang has not gone unnoticed. A partner at a large business law firm, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said, “That’s the kind of initiative that we look for at our firm. Graham’s volunteer experience shows that he has the right kind of attitude to be a successful corporate lawyer.” But volunteering for the gang has not been without unique challenges. “It’s pretty awkward robbing fellow law students, especially if I know I’m going to have class with them the next day”, said Graham. He followed up on that statement by clarifying that “that’s just the nature of the work, though.” others, even if those people are underprivileged. I don’t know for certain though, I’ll have to go check my textbooks.” Nyla Nardique, an alumna of the school, touting herself as a rare voice of reason, took a more dogmatically critical stance, stating that “what Graham is doing is unequivocally horrible and my law school’s endorsement of Graham’s gang affiliation has completely tarnished the fondness of my law school memories, as well as my grip on reality.” Presently, Nyla, who quit the legal profession and is disillusioned with the world at large, can be seen stocking shelves at Wal-Mart with a despondent look on her face. Yet Graham is not bothered by the challenges, or the criticism. “I believe Some are hesitant to join in in myself and everything that I do. on the praising of Graham. Honestly, I’m loving this, and I plan Third year law to be with the gang student Ashley PICTURED: ENTERPRISING STUDENT GRAHAM WILKINS. for the foreseeGreene, when able future,” said asked about her thoughts Graham, later flashing a subtle but menacing on the matter, said, “I’m pretty sure robbing grin that left us with a chill feeling. We then people is illegal, and if it’s illegal a law student ended the interview and scurried away in fear and future lawyer should not help anyone rob when Graham began leering at our iPhones. duty to warn Thursday Pub Nights Keep your eye on the “Thursday Osgoode Pub Nights” Facebook group for details on upcoming Thursday merriment. We never miss a week. Student Caucus Applications Fancy a spot on a Faculty Committee this year? There are seats available on the Academic Policy, Admissions, Equality, Information Technology, Osgoode Community Enhancement, Research and Seminars, Teaching and Learning, and Student Awards committees. Send a current CV and statement of interest (max 500 words) to [email protected] by Friday, September 20 at 5PM. You can apply to a maximum of 3 committees. Questions can be forwarded to same or to jeffreymitchell@ osgoode.yorku.ca. the obiter dicta Cassels Brock 2013/2014 season © 2012–2013 Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP. All rights reserved. | 416 869 5300 Obiter Dicta student ad “Yellow - Coffee” 4B Prestige, b&w Contact: Heather Murray [email protected] 416 869 5782 - fax [phone] Please PRINT a hard copy of the file and either FAX it or SCAN and EMAIL it back to me, thanks! monday - september 16 - 2013