UNB Law has a longstanding tradition of incisive contributions to the field of international law. And, with the addition of new full-time faculty members bringing fresh expertise and perspectives, the law school is bolstering its commitment to this critical area of legal scholarship, notably through the UNB International Law Group (ILG).
The ILG is a specialized academic unit within the Faculty of Law comprised of scholars, students, and visiting experts. This group is committed to cutting-edge legal research, and pedagogical approaches embedded in the Atlantic Canadian context. The group’s research explores critical issues in public international law—like human rights, international trade, climate change and disasters, humanitarian assistance, and international dispute settlement—while its teaching covers general and specialized areas of international law. With its growing expertise and comprehensive course offerings, the ILG is a hub for those interested in understanding and engaging with international legal research and practice. At home in Atlantic Canada, and mindful of how this region sits within an increasingly interconnected world, the ILG emphasizes the development of legal professionals who are as comfortable shaping international law and policy in Fredericton as they are in the Hague.
As the international landscape continues to evolve, ILG member Prof. Maria Panezi highlights the significance of this shift in focus, emphasizing the broader goals behind UNB Law’s renewed commitment: “This renewed focus underscores UNB Law’s dedication to advancing innovative research and preparing students to engage with the complex challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.”
The ILG is driven by a dedicated team of four full-time faculty members—Bruno Gélinas-Faucher, David Matyas, Maria Panezi, and Anne Warner La Forest, K.C.—who have not only shaped the curriculum but also made critical contributions to global legal discourse. Their passion and commitment to international law are central to the ILG’s mission of fostering a vibrant academic community that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Bruno Gélinas-Faucher is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law. Bruno’s teaching and research interests include State responsibility, international human rights, and dispute resolution. Active in public interest litigation, he has appeared as counsel at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Prior to joining UNB, he worked as a Judicial Fellow to the President of the International Court of Justice and as a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada.
David Matyas is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law. David's research focuses on the laws of humanitarian assistance and disaster law. His research draws on mixed-method approaches to put doctrinal analysis in conversation with practitioner perspectives. His teaching interests include international humanitarian law, public international law, and the law of disasters and emergencies. Prior to joining UNB, David worked as a regional technical advisor for a major humanitarian organization on disaster risk and vulnerability. He also worked as a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada. He has consulted on humanitarian effectiveness and provided advice and research to government on issues related to humanitarian assistance and disasters. David is also an affiliate of The Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society.
Maria Panezi is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law. Maria’s research focuses on the interaction between national strategies on climate change and World Trade Organization (WTO) law. Her teaching interests include International Trade Law, Public International Law, Contracts and Globalization and the Law. She has recently been researching and writing on economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples as they appear in Canada’s free trade agreements. In 2022, Prof. Panezi was included in the EU's list of candidates suitable for appointment as arbitrator and as trade and sustainable development expert in FTA panel proceedings and she is a member of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) panel and appellate panel roster for New Brunswick.
Anne Warner La Forest, K.C. is a full Professor in the Faculty of Law. Anne’s research covers many different areas including property, extradition law, international law, and labour and employment law. Anne teaches in the areas of property law, international law and international human rights law, comparative law, commercial law, conflict of laws, and feminist jurisprudence. Anne has extensive experience as an arbitrator and adjudicator; she has also acted as a consultant and expert witness on matters relating to human rights, employment, property, and extradition law.
This group is supported by a team of student researchers including Hayley Bone (2L), Marina Luro (3L), and Kathleen Thompson (3L).
"Working as a research assistant for Professor Matyas has been a wonderful experience,” said Luro. “His subject expertise is complemented by an evident curiosity for delving into innovative and unexplored areas of international law which makes for research that is not only interesting but exciting. As a student looking to specialize in international law, access to mentorship, education, and scholarship of this calibre has been invaluable in shaping my future academic and career goals."
Over recent years, the Faculty has strengthened its international law curriculum, adding a variety of specialized courses that address pressing global issues. These courses equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of global legal systems, exploring the legal frameworks that govern international law, trade, and armed conflicts, amongst others. Course offerings include International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, International Trade Law, Public International Law and Institutions, The Law of Disasters and Emergencies, and Maritime Law.
"Expanding the course offerings in international law is crucial for a law faculty to provide students with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a globalized legal environment,” said Prof. Gélinas-Faucher. “A diverse curriculum in international law not only deepens students' understanding of cross-border issues but also equips them to engage with the evolving legal challenges that shape international relations, trade, human rights, and environmental law, as relevant at home as abroad."
One of the objectives of UNB Law’s strategic plan is to establish the law school as an international centre for dialogue and debate, where influential and consequential discussions happen. The ILG is playing a crucial role in achieving this goal.
In the last few years, for example, UNB Law has hosted a number of global experts in international law, including Gabrielle Marceau, Senior Counsellor in the Research Division (ERSD) of the WTO Secretariat; Stephen De Boer, Deputy Minister and Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister; Risa Schwartz, member of the World Economic Forum’s Indigenous Trade Steering Group; Bob Rae, Ambassador to the United Nations; and Simon Lester, Trade Policy Analyst with the Cato Institute's Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. Since 2006, UNB Law has co-hosted the annual Atlantic Humanitarian Law Conference with the Canadian Red Cross and Dalhousie University.
The ILG plans to leverage its extensive network and strong connections to play an increasing role in bringing together academics, legal professionals, members of the judiciary, and government officials to foster meaningful dialogue on critical international law issues facing Atlantic Canada, and critical areas of international law where an Atlantic Canadian perspective can offer meaningful insights.
“From rising sea levels to the risk of trade wars, Atlantic Canada faces a future where international legal issues are becoming everyday regional concerns,” shared Prof. Matyas. “Our commitment to international law at UNB is a commitment to building a cadre of homegrown talent capable of confronting these concerns.”
In the new year, the ILG will launch a dedicated web presence featuring updates on upcoming events and outreach, details on research initiatives, and much more. Stay tuned for exciting developments!
