Milo Hallak is a law graduate, student at BLG, and 2023 Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize winner. While at the University of Ottawa, Milo Hallak founded the LGBTQ+ Rights Association. He remains fully committed to this cause, notably with PRISME, an annual conference dedicated to promoting the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people within the legal profession. In celebration of Pride Month, taking place from June 1 to June 30, 2024, we interviewed Milo to learn more about his inspiring work and aspirations for the future.
Q: Please share a bit about yourself.
A: I’m Milo, a law graduate from the University of Ottawa, currently finishing the Quebec Bar School. I was born and raised in Montreal and come from a mixed background, of Hispanic and Arabic descent. I am also a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Q: You were a 2023 recipient of the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize. Congratulations! What has this recognition meant to you?
A: Being awarded the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize was a deeply meaningful experience for me. It inspired me to keep pursuing my commitment to causes that matter to me, notably the inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals within the legal profession. I strongly believe that we should all be able to work in an inclusive environment that celebrates our authenticity.
Q: What led you to establish the LGBTQ+ Rights Association at the University of Ottawa?
A: Upon joining the civil law faculty at the University of Ottawa, I noticed a lack of support for LGBTQ+ students as well as an overall lack of diversity within the legal field. I felt compelled to create a safe and supportive space where students could find a sense of community and advocate for inclusivity within the faculty.
Q: I understand you’re still actively involved with this cause. What are your goals here?
A: Absolutely! Over the past year, I’ve been involved in the PRISME conference, an annual conference uniting judges, lawyers, activists, and students from across the country on a shared mission of promoting representation and equity for 2SLGBTQ+ legal professionals. This year, the third edition of the conference will take place on July 12 and 13 in Calgary!
I truly believe that the PRISME conference is a step forward in the promotion and inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. In a field where people from diverse backgrounds feel underrepresented, it’s a way to feel seen, to feel like you belong, and most importantly, to find a community.
Q: What's one aspiration you hold for the future?
A: I aspire to continue advocating for the inclusion and advancement of 2SLGBTQ+ legal professionals, whether through initiatives like PRISME or within my professional endeavors.
