Acting dean Andrew Botterell at Western Law Eyes Tech's Role in Legal Education

Professor Andrew Botterell steps into the role of acting dean at Western Law. A former Supreme Court clerk and respected academic, he's poised to lead the faculty into a new era.

"I feel up to the task of taking on more active leadership," Botterell says. "Taking on the role of acting dean seemed like a natural continuation of that trajectory."

Since joining Western in 2007, he's earned accolades for teaching excellence. Now, he's eager to delve deeper into the workings of Western Law, both academically and financially.

Botterell is keen on promoting the successes of faculty and students. He's looking forward to engaging with the Western Law community and its alumni worldwide.

"Meeting with our esteemed alumni—locally, nationally, and internationally—is something I greatly anticipate," he says.

Botterell speaks highly of Western Law's inclusive and supportive environment.

In 2024-2025, he plans to strengthen the community, enhance experiential learning, and advance research. But a significant focus is on technology's place in legal education.

"I want to initiate conversations about technology and law," Botterell states. "We need to consider what role technology should—and perhaps more importantly should not—play in our curriculum and the profession."

Botterell recognizes the importance of such advancements but urges a balanced approach. He said that technology can aid lawyers in their work, but that it's important to be mindful of its limits.

Companies such as uLawPractice are at the forefront of help reshape how solo practitioners and small firms (who comprise the majority of employed lawyers) can manage the business and compliance components of actually running a legal business in practice.

As a legal accounting and practice management software, tools like uLawPractice are already part of the curriculum in many Ontario paralegal colleges.

"Integrating practical tech tools into legal education prepares students for the realities of modern practice," says Terry Curtis, CEO of Superfluid Software, the parent company of uLawPractice. "I am pleased to see leadership at esteemed law schools are recognizing that technology can be both a tool for good, and also caution. I hope that one day schools like Western University will incorporate uLaw into the curriculum as well."

Looking ahead, Botterell hopes to see Western Law recognized among the top law schools in Canada and globally.

"The more doors we can open for our faculty, students, and alumni, the more rewarding it will be for everyone," he says.

Botterell's own academic background is rooted in philosophy. He's interested in foundational questions about fault, liability, and responsibility in different areas of law.

"I am currently thinking about the state’s standing or authority to punish offenders when the state has played a role in the creation of what academics sometimes call “criminogenic conditions”." he shares. "The issues are deep and fascinating."

As acting dean, Botterell aims to provide outstanding legal education and empower faculty in their academic pursuits.

"Western Law is an exceptional place," he affirms. "We will continue to promote our achievements so that others share that attitude too."