With their diverse areas of expertise and impressive backgrounds, these accomplished scholars are poised to make significant contributions to the field of law and enrich the academic experience for students.
Professor Roojin Habibi, a graduate of the French Common Law Program (PCLF) in 2018, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in international law, health law, and human rights. As a Senior Visiting Fellow of the United Nations University's International Institute for Global Health, and a Research Fellow of the Global Strategy Lab at York University and the University of Ottawa, Professor Habibi has established herself as a respected figure in the field. Bridging the fields of international law, health law and human rights, her current research program examines normative interpretation and change in global health law.
Professor Habibi is thrilled to be returning “home” to the Common Law Section and to “paying it forward to the city and school that guided [her] way to such a rewarding career in academia and advocacy.
“I know firsthand that there's no better place to learn about law as a tool for social justice than here in our nation's capital. I'm incredibly excited to work with uOttawa law students and help them unlock their potential through the unparalleled array of hands-on learning opportunities that come with the experience of living in Ottawa.”
Professor Habibi will teach courses in public and constitutional law, as well as public and global health law. Her multidisciplinary approach, bridging law and global health, will offer students unique perspectives on the evolving legal landscape and its impact on public welfare.
In addition to her JD from the University of Ottawa, she also holds a specialization in transnational law from the University of Geneva Faculty of Law, and a Master’s of Science in Global Health from McMaster University. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and is fluent in English, French, and Farsi.
Also joining the faculty is Professor Doug Sarro, whose research centers around corporate law, securities regulation, and the relationship between innovation, law, and politics. His recent work, featured in publications such as the Osgoode Hall Law Journal, UBC Law Review, Queen's Law Journal, Canadian Business Law Journal, and Brooklyn Journal of Corporate, Financial & Commercial Law, has garnered recognition within the legal community.
Before pursuing an academic career, Professor Sarro clerked at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, practiced corporate law at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York, and was a senior advisor at the Ontario Securities Commission. He remains engaged in the securities industry as Chair of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Societies Canada’s Advocacy Council.
Professor Sarro is excited about his move to Ottawa, which he says is “home to a dynamic entrepreneurial community.” He looks forward to engaging with that community to develop new learning experiences for students, such as the Start-up Law course he will be teaching this winter. He says that the course “will look at some of the legal issues start-ups navigate, as well as broader challenges these firms and their innovations can pose for law and society.”
“From AI and big tech to environmental sustainability and human rights, uOttawa has been ahead of the curve on so many of the major challenges facing business lawyers today. If you're interested in the future of Canadian business law, this is the place to be.”
With his extensive knowledge and practical experience, Professor Sarro will provide students with insights into the world of corporate law and securities regulation. His expertise will enable students to grasp the complex legal and regulatory challenges faced by businesses and explore the evolving intersection between law, innovation, and politics.
Kristen Boon, the Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean of the Common Law Section says that thethe addition of these two esteemed professors speaks to our Faculty’s commitment to entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary and innovative legal education, and a global perspective.
“Their respective expertise in corporate law and technology, and public health and human rights will enrich our academic community. Their arrival signifies an exciting chapter in our institution's journey, and we eagerly look forward to the transformative impact they will have on our institution.”
We wish Professors Roojin Habibi and Doug Sarro a warm Fauteux welcome.