Cassandra Spade awarded Justice Abella Prize

Announcement

For immediate release: September 9, 2025

Judson Howie LLP is proud to announce that incoming associate lawyer Cassandra Spade is a recipient of the 2025 Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize, awarded by the Royal Society of Canada.

The Abella Prize is awarded to a graduating student from each of Canada's law schools. The prize is presented annually to a student who, upon graduation, is most likely to positively influence equity and social justice in Canada. Justice Abella served on the Supreme Court of Canada from 2004 to 2021.

"I share this honour with all of the change-makers across Northern Ontario who inspire me and who are positively influencing and changing our communities," stated Spade. "This recognition is a celebration of the brilliance of our region and reminds me of the work I plan to do in support of local Indigenous communities as I begin my practice."

Cass graduated from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University earlier this year. During her law school program, she completed her practice placement with Judson Howie LLP. At her convocation ceremony in May, she made headlines after delivering her valedictory address in Anishinaabemowin.

Cass is currently working for the firm as a student-at-law and is expected to be called to the Ontario bar this fall. Her practice interests include Indigenous law, family law, and civil litigation.

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The news release from the Royal Society of Canada is available here.