Noted business leader and philanthropist Hal Jackman has made a historic new gift of $80 million to the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, bringing his total contributions to $100 million.

Jackman’s new gift is the largest ever to a Canadian law school, with $35 million earmarked for scholarships and student programs. In recognition, the University of Toronto is renaming its law school the Henry N. R. Jackman Faculty of Law. This donation builds on Jackman’s earlier support, which included funding for scholarships and the modern Jackman Law Building.

The donation will widen access to legal education by funding scholarships, bursaries, and hands-on learning opportunities for students. It will also create a Dean’s Strategic Initiatives Fund to support visiting scholars, global exchanges, and a new program that trains students in leadership and entrepreneurship. These efforts will help expand the Future of Law Lab to explore issues such as AI, climate change, privacy, and access to justice, ensuring the school remains at the forefront of legal change. Finally, the gift will establish four new research chairs, including two named after Jackman’s grandfather, to attract top experts and strengthen scholarship in areas that shape Canada’s legal and social future.

For more than a century, the University of Toronto’s law school has trained outstanding lawyers and leaders who have influenced Canada and the world in law, government, business, and the arts. Its alumni include judges such as Rosalie Abella, leaders like Paul Martin and Anita Anand, and creators like David Shore. Jackman’s historic gift will build on this legacy by supporting students, faculty, and alumni, enhancing the school’s role at U of T and reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most influential law schools.

Source: University of Toronto