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Jonathan Chan wins 2025 Durnford Teaching Excellence Award

Jonathan Chan wins 2025 Durnford Teaching Excellence Award
Published: 30 May 2025

The Faculty of Law is pleased to announce that Jonathan Chan has received the 2025 John W. Durnford Award for Teaching Excellence.

Named in honour of the late professor and former dean John W. Durnford (BCL'52), and conferred by students, this annual award recognizes a law professor’s exceptional pedagogy.

“It is so clear that Prof. Chan cares deeply about his students. He adapts quickly to ensure his teaching style supports students in their learning. He takes complex topics and makes them digestible for students regardless of their prior knowledge,” one student nomination celebrated.

Students lauded Professor Chan’s practice-oriented teaching style. “From negotiation simulations to an esteemed network of professionals, he makes sure students have every opportunity to grow,” one person wrote.

On a personal level, he is beloved for his kindness, perpetual good mood, and availability, holding “weekly walks” to get to know students beyond the classroom.

An expert in law and finance, Professor Chan joined McGill Law in fall 2024. He taught Securities Regulation and Introduction to Corporate Transactions in the winter semester.

Before joining McGill, Professor Jonathan Chan served as a lecturer (assistant professor) at University College London (UCL), from 2021 to 2024. He was previously a departmental lecturer in Law & Finance at the University of Oxford. Prior to embarking in academia, he practiced in M&A and securities with a large law firm in Toronto.

“I’m delighted to see Professor Chan recognized for exemplifying pedagogical excellence, a deeply rooted value of our Faculty, and in his first year of teaching here,” said Dean Tina Piper. “I look forward to his continued contributions as we continue to grow a vibrant hub for studying business and corporate law at McGill Law.”

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