Meet our Current Students

Meet Our Students

Riley Bushell - Riley (she/her) was born and raised up in the foothills of southern Alberta in Treaty 7 Territory. She eventually returned to the big blue skies of her home province to earn a Juris Doctor at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2024. During law school, Riley particularly enjoyed her classes in administrative, constitutional, environmental and public law, and had a hoot as co-producer of the Faculty’s Law Show. She has been grateful for learning opportunities at the Department of Justice Prairie Regional Office, the Legal Services Branch (LSB) of British Columbia’s Ministry of Attorney General and at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre. Riley is returning to the West Coast and to LSB after a one-year clerkship with Justice Benoit M. Duchesne of the Federal Court in Ottawa. In her spare time, she likes to go to the movies, climb mountains, ride her bike, bake too many goodies and hang out with her sweet cat, Callie. 

Benjamin Gelfand - Originally from Calgary, Ben (he/him) completed a BSc (major: chemistry, concentration: nanoscience) and PhD (area of study: chemistry) from the University of Calgary.  Ben received his Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria in 2025, and is interested in environmental/resource law, administrative law, and litigation.  Ben spends most of his free time outside: walking his dog, hiking, or swimming.

Fleurie Hunter - Fleurie (she/her) is a graduate of University of Victoria’s joint degree in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders (JD/JID). She is of Ukrainian and Scottish/Irish descent, grew up on Treaty 1 territory, and now lives on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Fleurie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Resource Systems from UBC, and a Master’s Degree in Social Policy and Planning from York University. Her professional background is in management and administration in the health and social sectors, and most recently she worked with the Province of B.C.’s Declaration Act Secretariat. She is a volunteer Board Member of Canadian Lawyers for Ukraine and B.C.’s Youth Climate Corps. In her free time Fleurie likes to read, experience music/art, watch films, dance, be outside (trail running, skiing, swimming), and spend time with family and friends.

Rachael Khamphasouk - Rachael (she/her) was born and raised just outside Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territories of the Carcross/Tagish and Kwanlin Dün First Nations. While she maintains a strong connection to her Northern roots, Rachael has embraced the opportunity to trade the snow for the milder winters of the Island. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria (UVic), where her interest in constitutional and health law developed. Passionate about public service, Rachael strives to make a meaningful impact in her community. During her final year at UVic, she served as president of the OUTLaws club, promoting inclusivity and raising awareness of 2SLGBTQ+ issues within the legal field. In her spare time, Rachael enjoys making sourdough bread, boxing, and spending time by the ocean with her dog.

Elyse Loewen - Elyse (she/her) grew up on a family farm in rural Manitoba in Treaty 1 territory. She obtained two degrees in English literature: a Bachelor's degree from Queen's University in Ontario, and a Master's degree from the University of Victoria in B.C. After a week-long road trip from Victoria to Halifax, Nova Scotia, she arrived at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, where she obtained a Juris Doctor with a specialization in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law. After graduating, she drove across the country again for a clerkship with the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Elyse is excited to return to the Legal Services Branch in Victoria for articles this fall after summering  there in 2023, and is particularly interested in gaining more experience in administrative and constitutional law. Apart from very long road trips, in her free time Elyse enjoys reading, playing violin and piano, making fancy coffees, baking, and doing crosswords. 

Rachel McMillan - Rachel is from Kelowna, BC (Syilx Territory) but has spent time living, working, travelling, and studying across the country. She studied political science at the University of Victoria before moving east to complete her Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctor at Dalhousie University. While at Dalhousie, Rachel worked with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, volunteered with the Dalhousie Student Advocacy Service and the Anti-Racism Working Group, and completed a student clerkship with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. Outside work, you can find her hosting family and friends, playing sports, or reading a book outside in her hammock.

Montana Mjaaland – Montana (she/her) received her Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria. During her time at law school, she completed two co-op terms, including a term with the Legal Services Branch’s Natural Resources, Transportation and Indigenous Legal Relations Group. Montana grew up on Vancouver Island and completed her undergraduate degree at Vancouver Island University, majoring in Anthropology. In her free time, she enjoys walking, reading, spending time with her cats Kuma and Hachi, and visiting her husband’s family in Japan.

Tessa Prior - Tessa Prior grew up in the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). She obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Quest University in Squamish. After working and travelling, she attended Trinity College Dublin for a Master of Philosophy in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation at a satellite campus in Belfast, Northern Ireland. After returning to Canada, she worked at an employment centre, a women’s centre and the Civil Resolution Tribunal before attending the University of Victoria for law school. Tessa is excited to rotate through the many practice areas of LSB. When not working or studying, Tessa likes to travel, swim outside, ride her gravel bike and grow vegetables in her community garden plot. 

Eric Shapiro - Eric grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, where he completed his degree in sociology and urban planning at the University of Alberta. Eric then moved to the West Coast and completed his JD at the University of Victoria, with a concentration in Environmental Law and Sustainability. He is excited to begin his career at LSB and to explore his interests of environmental law, administrative law, and litigation. In his spare time, Eric enjoys exploring the beautiful Fraser Valley with his fiancee, spending time with his nephews, and staying home to read books and play with his mischievous cat Amethyst.

Bora Won - Bora Won (she/her) was born and raised in Korea, where she graduated with a degree in Law, focusing on International Relations. During her studies, she worked in the public sector, advocating for human rights both nationally and internationally. After immigrating to Canada, she broadened her experience through various roles with the Ministry of Attorney General, most recently at the Legal Services Branch. Having completed the NCA accreditation process, Bora is excited to continue her journey at LSB. She looks forward to contributing to its diverse environment and commitment to public service. Outside of work, she enjoys going on adventures with her two daughters, spending time with friends, and volunteering in her community.

Hannah Van Laethem - Hannah (she/her) is a second-year Juris Doctor student at the University of Victoria. Originally from Port Moody, she completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Simon Fraser University. She has a strong interest in litigation and looks forward to further developing her legal skills at the Legal Services Branch. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her cat, Rufus, playing tennis, and hosting dinner parties with her friends.

Will Stothers – Will (he/him) was born in Vancouver, BC. For his undergraduate degree, he pursued a dual degree. He received a Diplôme du Collège Universitaire de Sciences Po from Sciences Po Paris, Campus de Reims majoring in Politics and Government. From UBC, he received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Economics. He is currently pursuing a juris doctor from the University of Victoria and has completed first year and half of the credits for second year. Will hopes to learn more about litigation and gain experience working in the government this fall. In his free time Will enjoys playing the piano and occasionally playing rugby.