Executive Board

This year, our Executive Board had the honour of shooting our professional headshots with acclaimed photographer, and UTPLS Alum, Nathan Ching. To learn more about Mr. Ching’s photography services please click here, or check out his portfolio here!

All headshots taken by Mr. Ching are noted with a “📷” before the name of the respective Executive Officer.

Majuri Majooran (she/her), President

Majuri is a fourth-year student pursuing a Specialist in Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, and Minoring in Sociology.

Her involvement in UTPLS began in her first year when she joined an LSAT study group. In her second year, she participated in the UTPLS Mentorship Program, was an Events Intern for our Canadian Mock Trial Board, and competed with the American Mock Trial Team.

Last year, Majuri held the executive position of Events Director and competed with the Canadian Mock Trial Team.

Going into her fourth year as President, Majuri looks forward to maximizing accessibility of UTPLS, so every member is aware of all the amazing ways they can join our community to learn, connect and enjoy! 

Outside of UTPLS, Majuri's interests include fashion, museums and event planning. In the future, she hopes to attend law school!

Majuri can be reached at president.utpls@gmail.com

Malika Bhambra (she/her), Vice President

Malika is a fourth-year student pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies.

Within the UTPLS, Malika has two years of competitive experience with our American Mock Trial portfolio, and is an Outreach & Communications Officer on our Moot Board! Her favourite UTPLS memory thus far has been attending AMTA Open-Round Championships (ORCS) with our American Mock Trial Team in 2022.

Having spent her entire undergraduate career with the UTPLS, Malika is both honoured and excited to serve as Vice-President this year! Malika first joined our Executive Board in 2021 as an Events Director, and previously held the position of Communications Director during the 2022-2023 academic school year.

Outside of the UTPLS, Malika is a volunteer with Crohn’s & Colitis Canada, loves painting, playing the piano, and Lebanese food!

Malika can be reached at vp.utpls@gmail.com

Aaminah Qureshi (she/her), Co-Director of Communications

Aaminah is entering her third year as a Political Science Specialist. She grew up in Oslo, Norway and lived there for most of her life up until university. It’s her first year with the UTPLS, and she is excited to get involved in the pre-law community at the University of Toronto. She is primarily interested in international human rights law and hopes to practice in that area one day.

As the Co-Director of Communications, she hopes to make UTPLS events and opportunities more accessible and available to the student body. She has previously served similar roles in various student organizations, and is passionate about social media and marketing.

Outside of school, Aaminah enjoys fashion, cooking, and true crime podcasts/shows. She also loves music and concerts, and her all-time favorite that she has attended is The Weeknd.

She is super excited to work with the rest of the incredible team and what they’re going to accomplish this year!

Aaminah can be reached at promo.utpls@gmail.com

Arshiya Bhatia (she/her), Co-Director of Communications

Arshiya is a third-year student with a major in Political Science and a double minor in Women and Gender Studies and History. She is looking forward to pursuing a career in international legal advocacy. 

Her first ever UTPLS event was the 2021 Garden Party, where she was inspired to join as a general member. The following year, she was introduced to mooting. She is enthusiastic about the upcoming year, eagerly looking forward to participating in moot events and contributing to the growth and success of UTPLS. Arshiya aims to engage with fellow students, faculty, and external stakeholders through various channels, ensuring that pertinent information and resources are accessible to all.

Outside of UTPLS, she is a member of the Global Research and Consulting Group, the University of Toronto Policython, and UTMUN, where she hopes to expand her communication strategies.

Arshiya can be reached at promo.utpls@gmail.com.

Sacha Samouk (she/her), Equity Director

Sacha is a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto, and is excited to take on her first year with the UTPLSA Executive Board for the upcoming year.

Throughout her time at the University of Toronto, Sacha has been actively involved in various student organizations, attending events, and participating in discussions centred around equity, diversity, and inclusion. Sacha’s experiences have fuelled my desire to promote a more inclusive environment for all students.

As an Equity Director, Sacha’s primary goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.

She believes that it is crucial to acknowledge the experiences and perspectives that each individual brings to the table.

Sacha can be reached at equitymanager.utpls@gmail.com.

Carly Struthers (she/her), Co-Events Director

Carly is a third-year student pursuing a degree in Bioethics and Political Science. This year is Carly’s third year as a member of the UTPLSA, and second year as Events Director on our Executive Board.

Carly looks forward to working alongside her co-director to create inclusive and innovative events that empower members to reach new heights on their pre-law journeys. By fostering a strong sense of community through events, she hopes that more people feel comfortable engaging with what this association has to offer and establishing new connections with peers.

Outside of the UTPLSA, Carly was also involved with the American Mock Trial team this past year, where she competed alongside a talented team of peers. She loves watching hockey with her family (supporting the Toronto Maple Leafs of course!), finding new music to listen to, watching documentaries, and searching for the best iced coffee in the city!

Carly can be contacted at events.utpls@gmail.com

Li-An Ju (she/her), Co-Events Director

Li-An is a third-year student studying Philosophy and Political Science.

Her involvement in UTPLSA began last year as a general member. Li-An is excited for the upcoming year with UTPLSA, and she plans to host fun and uplifting events for everyone in the Association. 

Outside of UTPLSA, you can find Li-An cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs, hiking and camping in nature, exploring various places in Toronto and helping out at Model United Nations Conferences.

Li-An can be reached at events.utpls@gmail.com

James Wang (he/him), Co-Finance Director

James is a third-year student pursuing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy at the University of Toronto. In his first year, James showcased his skills in the UTPLS on both our Moot and American Mock Trial teams. During his second year, James delved deeper into the world of law, taking on the responsibility of Finance Officer for both teams, a testament to his dedication and expertise.

This year, James is focused on meticulously managing the society's annual budget and strengthening sponsorship outreach. His primary goal is to implement cost-effective strategies and reduce financial losses, ensuring the smooth operation of the programs as they transition back to in-person activities.

In addition to his involvement in UTPLSA, James plays an active role as an Associate Editor for the Canadian Law Review and a Program editor at the NATO Association of Canada. These diverse roles have given him a unique perspective on law and policy-making, enhancing his contributions to the society.

Outside of his work with the UTPLSA, James indulges in his love for movies, baseball, and drumming, bringing an infectious energy and enthusiasm to every endeavor.

James can be reached at finance.utpls@gmail.com.

Andrea Cheung (she/her), Co-Finance Director

Andrea is a current second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. With a natural curiosity and an aptitude for critical thinking, Andrea is deeply invested in exploring the fundamental questions that shape our understanding of the world.

In addition to her Executive role with the UTPLS, Andrea an active member of the University of Toronto’s Philosophy Club, and has participated in several debates and discussions on topics ranging from ethics to metaphysics. Andrea is also involved with several non-profit organizations and has volunteered her time to help raise funds and awareness for important causes.

In her free time, Andrea enjoys going to drop-in dance classes and baking.

Andrea can be contacted at finance.utpls@gmail.com

Kristina Co (she/her), Co-Mentorship Director

Kristina is a third-year studying Criminology & Socio-Legal Studies with minors in Critical Studies in Equity & Solidarity and Philosophy.

Last year, Kristina participated in the mentorship program and was a member of our Moot Team.

This year, Kristina hopes to hold initiatives that encourage professional development and community!

Kristina looks forward to meeting everyone and having a wonderful year with the mentorship program!.

Kristina can be reached at mentorship.utpls@gmail.com

Ira Chandershekar (she/her), Co-Mentorship Director

Ira is a fourth-year student pursuing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy. In the legal field, Ira is interested in the impact and application of cybersecurity policy, and hopes to pursue a career in a field pertaining to information technology, or intellectual property law. 

During the start of her second year, Ira began her involvement with UTPLS as a general member. Last year, Ira served as a UTPLSA' Co-Communication Director, and she is excited to remain involved as an executive this year.

Ira’s favourite memory from her pre-law involvement has been competing with our American Mock Trial Team last year!

Apart from her academic and professional interests, Ira loves spending time with her dog (Olaf), hanging out with friends, and visiting niche cafés.

Ira can be reached at mentorship.utpls@gmail.com

Sommer Pesikan (she/her), Intra Vires Co-Editor-in-Chief

Sommer is a fourth year student pursuing a degree in Ethics, Society, and Law, Political Science, and French. She has a particular interest in Indigenous politics and a new found interest in tort law.

Sommer’s involvement with UTPLS began last year, where she served as Co-Editor-in-Chief. She is thrilled to be reprising her role for a second year and can’t wait to see the journal grow and develop further. Sommer’s favourite part of Intra Vires is being able to work with a very talented editorial team and authors who bring unique perspectives to the table.

This year, Sommer hopes to increase the social aspect of the journal and strengthen the sense of community. She hopes that this will aid in increasing the journal’s visibility and readership.

Outside of UTPLS, Sommer works as a project coordinator at an insurance company and is President of the Ethics, Society, and Law Student’s Association. In her spare time, Sommer enjoys going to barre class, exploring coffee shops, going plant shopping, and being with her dog, Snoopy.

Sommer can be reached at intravires.utpls@gmail.com

Rachel Brouwer (she/her), Intra Vires Co-Editor-in-Chief

Rachel is a fourth-year student pursuing a major in Political Science with a double minor in History and African Studies.

Rachel previously worked as an Editor for Intra Vires and is excited to work alongside Sommer as Co-Editor-in-Chief this year. She is passionate about legal research and ensuring that student voices on novel legal issues are heard.

Rachel believes that Intra Vires creates an invaluable opportunity for students to discover their passion for legal research and express their perspectives in a collaborative environment.

Outside of UTPLS, Rachel is the President of The Purification Project– a startup she founded, Co-President of The Coalition Fund, and a Junior Research Fellow at the Canadian Law Review. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, trying new cafés and taking care of her houseplants.

Rachel can be reached at intravires.utpls@gmail.com

Ashvini Giridaran (she/her), Co-Moot Director

Ashvini is a third-year student double majoring in American Studies and Religion. Ashvini’s interest in American Studies led her to join the American Moot team in the summerafter her first year. She went on to compete on the Canadian Moot team in her second year and has been captivated by the activity ever since.

As Co-Moot Director, Ashvini is excited to help grow and strengthen both of the UofT Moot teams.

Outside UTPLSA, Ashvini enjoys reading, singing, running, and spending time with her family.

Ashvini can be reached at mooting.utpls@gmail.com

Clair Ruatos (she/her), Co-Canadian Mock Trial Director

Clair is a fourth-year student majoring in Philosophy and double minoring in Economics and Geographic Information Systems. 

Clair joined the Canadian Mock Trial team in 2022 and especially enjoyed competing at the McGill Maple Bowl.

This is Clair’s first year on the UTPLS board and hopes to further the success of the Canadian Mock Team by ensuring a healthy collaborative environment where every member can improve their skills. 

Outside of UTPLS, Clair goes out for runs, watches TV shows (highly recommends "Succession"), is a courtroom reporter, and likes discovering new unique spots around Toronto with friends.  

Clair can be reached at mocktrial.utpls@gmail.com.

Ashley Cha (she/her), Co-Canadian Mock Trial Director

Ashley is a third-year Ethics, Society and Law & Criminology student. She has been passionate about the legal field and mock trials since high school, and continued her involvement throughout university.

Ashley has competitive experience in both Canadian Mock Trial and mooting, and is aspiring to apply to law school in the future.

In her spare time when she isn’t reading appeals or adding to her Pinterest boards, Ashley likes to feed her extroverted nature by rock climbing, or hanging out with her friends. She can’t wait to apply her leadership to her portfolio this year, and continue the winning legacy with the Association.

Ashley can be reached at mocktrial.utpls@gmail.com.

Awards & Recognitions

UTPLSA is a University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU) recognized club, which spans all three UofT campuses; St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga. This club is operated by volunteer undergraduate students.

We are proud to have previously been awarded the “Executive Leader of the Year” award for 2018-2019. This award was given to recognize our former Vice President for the 2018-2019 school year; Anna Nabutovsky. This award recognizes the outstanding and “above and beyond” contributions of an executive member who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and role modelling.

In the same year, we are proud to have also been awarded the UTSU’s “Academic and Student Rights Award” (2017-2019). More information about this distinction can be found here!