Considering a Career in Law or Public Policy? Huron's New Lawyer-in-Residence Will Help You Get There

Meet Bill Simpson, on hand to help Huron students with an interest in law and policy!

Many Huron University alumni have gone on to successful careers in law and public policy. Our alumni thrive because we believe in education inside and outside of the classroom. Our newest initiative is designed to empower our students with career-building opportunities, throughout their time on our campus.

Huron University is proud to announce the appointment of William A. G. Simpson ’99 (known to friends as “Bill”), Partner at Lerners LLP and proud Huron alumnus, as our inaugural Lawyer-in-Residence.

Each year, many Huron students are drawn to fields rooted in justice, public policy, advocacy, and leadership, areas where ethical decision-making and a commitment to the public good are essential. The August 2025 appointment of Bill Simpson to Lawyer-in-Residence reflects Huron’s dedication to supporting those aspirations through co-curricular programming, alumni mentorship, and leadership learning opportunities.

Opportunities for students

As Huron’s inaugural Lawyer-in-Residence, Simpson will create opportunities that Huron students can take part in, including:

• Learning directly from legal professionals through non-credit, co-curricular presentations designed for students considering a career in law, public policy, governance, and advocacy
• Building their professional networks by participating in mentorship and career development programming alongside alumni working in related fields
• Engaging with legal concepts when Simpson visits classes as a guest speaker
• Exploring the legal profession firsthand through the creation of a Huron Mock Court program, where Simpson will mentor student participants
• Teaching Huron students to launch their careers, as Simpson acts as an alumni ambassador for prospective students considering Huron as a pathway to a law-related career — this makes for a great addition to our Career Development team
• Meeting leading legal professionals through special guest speaker and panelist events that Simpson will help organize

Leadership with heart

“Bill’s appointment as Lawyer-in-Residence is a huge gift to Huron students,” says Dan Smith, VP Academic, Dean of Theology, & Acting Dean of FASS. “It enriches the student experience with real-world legal insight and demonstrates our commitment to value-driven leadership. We’re especially proud that this role is being filled by a Huron alumnus who has remained so connected to our mission.”

Simpson brings more than two decades of legal experience to this new role, with a national reputation in personal injury law, teaching experience at Western Law, and ongoing contributions to legal education across Ontario. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Simpson is deeply committed to practicing law with empathy, emotional intelligence, and kindness; qualities he hopes to pass on to the next generation of legal professionals.

“More than ever, the legal profession needs leaders with heart,” Simpson says. “Huron gave me a foundation that valued character as much as intellect. I’m looking forward to giving back by helping students shape careers in law that are not only successful, but grounded in integrity and purpose.”

Looking ahead

This appointment is the latest example of how Huron continues to strengthen its co-curricular and mentorship offerings by engaging alumni leaders across sectors. If you’re considering a future in law, governance, or public service, Huron is ready to help you get there. Explore our programs or book a campus visit to see these opportunities in action.