The LSA team comprises a group of dedicated students who are committed to representing your needs and enhancing your experience at UofA law. We work collaboratively for students, coordinate intramurals, organize social events, and even maintain a database of class notes, commonly known as “CANs”.

MEET THE TEAM

PRESIDENT

Patrick Battigelli

Hi friends! My name is Patrick (he/him pronouns) and I have the privilege of being your LSA President this year!

My job involves being the primary contact between the faculty and the student body, making sure your voices are heard regarding decisions that affect you. I also work closely with the rest of the LSA team to ensure they are each able to do the best job possible in their own portfolios.

This is my third year on the LSA, so I am very excited to try and do even better than the last two years in terms of making sure all students have a great experience at U of A Law. My main interest is in criminal law, but I’m very passionate about any issues that relate to access to justice (I am just not good enough at golf to make it in corporate law).

I am from Edmonton, and when I am not busy with law school you can often find me enjoying one of our many fine local craft breweries or possibly riding my bike around the river valley. I am always happy to chat with anyone about law school or whatever else is on your mind!

VP GOVERNANCE

Mercedes Belcourt-Rothe

Hi everyone! I’m Mercedes (she/her), and I’m excited to be serving as your VP Governance on the LSA this year.

In this role, I help keep the LSA’s operations aligned with our policies and Constitution. I support advocacy efforts, help coordinate policy updates, and work with other execs on things like student group funding, budgeting, and committee oversight. I also occasionally handle the things that end up outside the President’s to-do list.

Last year, I served as the Indigenous Law Students’ Association (ILSA) Rep, where I advocated for equity and inclusion. I bring that same commitment into my new role, along with a deep belief in community-led change.

A bit about me: I’m originally from northern Alberta and came to law school with a passion for Indigenous justice and client-centered advocacy. I grew up playing competitive soccer and spent my undergrad as a varsity athlete. Outside of law school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, reading fiction that isn’t a law textbook (lol), and rewatching an unreasonable amount of 2000s television shows, One Tree Hill and Veronica Mars are all-time favourites.

If you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hi or chat about anything, I’m always happy to connect! (even if I don’t always look like it, I promise I am!).

VP COMMUNICATIONS

Mahnoor Khan

Hi everyone! I’m Mahnoor, and I’m excited to be the VP Communications for LSA this year.

I was born in Pakistan and grew up in Ontario where I completed my HBSc in biology, neuroscience, and psychology at UofT. I moved to Edmonton in January 2024, and during my first year of law school, I had the privilege of serving as the Cohort 3 representative (shout out to the best cohort!). That experience gave me the chance to connect closely with my classmates and build a strong foundation for continuing in student leadership.

During my undergrad, I had various opportunities to get involved, particularly in marketing and graphic design roles. I loved it so much that I went on to complete a certificate in Digital Marketing at UofT, where I gained experience with websites, social media marketing, email campaigns, and more. Now, I’m excited to bring those skills to the LSA by giving our digital and physical presence a refresh, making it easier than ever for students to stay connected with our events and initiatives (and yes, make sure you’re following us on socials!).

When I’m not studying or working, I’m painting or doing photography. Art is my favourite way to spend my free time, and I love experimenting with different mediums and design software (I’m a bit of a tech geek at heart). I know my creative passions will come in handy for this role, and I’m so excited to share my ideas and bring a creative touch to the LSA this year!

If you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hi - I would love to chat and connect!

VP FINANCE

Matt Olson

Hello everyone, my name is Matt, and it’s a privilege to serve as your VP Finance for the year. My role primarily involves managing the LSA’s finances and helping to secure sponsorships for many of our wonderful events.

I am originally from Kamloops, British Columbia, and hold both an undergraduate and masters degree in Business Administration. My main interests lie in the area of Corporate Law, but I still need to explore a few different course topics before fully committing myself to such a tremendous practice area.

Outside of law school, I enjoy spending time with my friends, engaging in personal fitness activities, going to restaurants/bars, and reading either political science or economics literature (I’m not insane). If you ever want to talk, please feel free to reach out, I look forward to seeing many of you around the Law Center!

VP COMMUNITY

Jessica Kumar

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica, but I go by Jess and I am your VP Community for this year. As much as I loved my role of VP Communications in 2L and sending out my silly sometimes Sabrina Carpenter themed emails, I am excited to transition to the VP Community position. My role concerns setting up the 1L mentorship program and handling club grant applications.

A fun fact about myself is that I spent two years of my undergrad giving fish LSD and that I will be spending this Fall semester in Spain. And speaking of, while I won’t be on campus for the first half of the year, feel free to reach out anytime! I love to yap and am always here to help.

VP ACADEMIC

Tessa Sautner

I’m Tessa (she/her) and I am your VP Academic! I’m excited to support you all this year in this role organizing PASS sessions and advocating wherever I can.

I’m originally from Kindersley, SK and have an undergrad degree in nutrition! I have some pretty dynamic and varied interests, but law is a great fit since I love to learn and I also love working with people.

When I’m not studying, I like reading (re: crying about how the The Hunger Games is the single greatest piece of literature ever created [Suzanne, my girl, you are my everything]), hanging out with my cat (Cabbage you are also my everything), hiking, and am easily convinced to take niche recreational fitness classes (looking at you tap dance). I will always play intramural sports and I will also always be bad at them. I can (and probably will) be bullied into signing up for 10Ks but I WILL complain the whole time so hit me up if you ever want to run but with a bad attitude.

A fun fact about myself is that I won a silver medal at the youth provincial bowling tournament when I was 8 years old. I have never won at bowling since. But I did win that one time and it was pretty swaggy.

Please feel free to chat and say hi!

VP EVENTS

Carmen Brar

I’m from the Lower Mainland of BC, where I hope to return to practise in the corporate field. I’m excited to join the LSA as this year’s VP Events, and am looking forward to putting on the best events I can as your representative. I want to form an open line of communication with the student body so that events reflect what the faculty wants to see–so don’t hesitate to say hi and share your ideas if you see me around! A fun fact about me is that I can play guitar behind my head B-)

VP JEDI

Harman Parmar

I am a 3L student, originally from Vancouver Island. As VP of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Law Students' Association (LSA), I'm excited to work on initiatives that promote inclusive legal education, advocate for underrepresented voices, and build a more equitable community within our faculty.

In my free time, I love hiking, playing sports and checking out cool restaurants/bars. Please feel free to reach out regarding any issue that you might have or just need a buddy to chat with (I love giving unsolicited advice!).

VP SPORTS & WELLNESS

Taryn Ghostkeeper-Dachuk

Hey everyone, my name is Taryn and I’m excited to be your VP Sports & Wellness this year! My role this year will be putting on the best events I can for the student body while making sure we have every opportunity to focus on and support our mental and physical wellbeing as law students.

My hobbies include hiking and camping, playing guitar, hockey, and a lot of golf! I can also never say “no” to eating out or going for drinks with friends.

Always feel free to reach out or say hi if you see me around the Law Centre!

ILSA REPRESENTATIVE

Brittany Bitternose

My name is Brittany Bitternose, I am in my second year of my J.D. I am a Cree member of George Gordons First Nation and my hometown is Calgary. I am excited to serve you as the ILSA representative, and be there to advocate for you. Outside of studies I am catching up on Bravo shows and creating beading projects.