The LSA Team comprises a group of dedicated students who are committed to representing your needs and enhancing your experience at UofA law. We work collaboratively for students, coordinate intramurals, organize social events, and even maintain a database of class notes, commonly known as “CANs”

MEET THE TEAM

Scroll down to meet us and learn more about the roles.

PRESIDENT

Joshua Kim

Hi everyone! My name is Josh (He/Him), and I have the pleasure of serving as your LSA President this year.

I work with the Faculty to make sure that student voices are heard in law-related decisions. I also work alongside a passionate and talented group of individuals on the LSA Executive to ensure that we are delivering the best law school experience possible!

I was born in South Korea but have lived in Edmonton for almost all of my life. I have also been golfing for most of my life - however my score doesn't always seem to reflect that. In the summer you can find me at the golf course, just follow the sound of "fore!" In the wintertime you can find me tumbling down the slopes.

This is my third year on the LSA, so I'm excited to take everything I've learned from before and make this year a rockin one. My door is always open. If you have any questions or want to chat, don't be a stranger!

VP GOVERNANCE

Patrick Battigelli

Hi friends! My name is Patrick Battigelli (he/him)(2L) and I am the VP Governance! My job is to make sure the LSA is following proper policies and procedures, organizing advocacy within the Faculty and with other student organizations on campus, and generally doing anything Josh decides he doesn't want to deal with. I also represent law students on the Law Faculty Council.

When I'm not doing my readings in the library or attending a seemingly interminable series of meetings, you can usually find me in a local brewery enjoying some of Edmonton's fine craft beer, hanging out with friends, or attempting to rock climb really poorly.

As a former history student, I am happy to chat about your favourite obscure historical trivia (especially if it's about Soviet espionage or witchcraft), and any sort of LSA or law school-related issues that come up!

VP COMMUNICATIONS

Jessica Kumar

Hi y’all! My name is Jess (she/her), and I am your VP Communications for this year! Or what I campaigned as “VP Yappercation.”

I was born in Edmonton and grew up in Sherwood Park for most of my life (please don’t hold that against me). A bit about me: I love school and would be a lifelong student if I could be, I love to YAP (hence the VP Yappercation platform), and will do anything if there is a cute outfit involved. Seriously, if I see a cute top somewhere, I am FBI level at finding where it’s from.

For my undergrad, I did a your run of the mills psychology degree. However, to make things fun, I gave LSD to zebrafish for two years to study the anxiolytic effects of hallucinogenic drugs! When I am not at school, I love to do yoga and take pottery classes where the only thing I can make confidently are bowls.

Please feel free to reach out anytime, with questions or just for a good YAP. If I am anything, it’s your VP Yappercation.

VP FINANCE

Lucas Novak

Hi Everyone, My name is Lucas Novak (he/him) and I am your VP Finance for  2024/25.

My job involves working with the rest of the Executive to make sure LSA money is being used responsibly and ensuring we can keep hosting all the events and initiatives you know and love!

Prior to Law School I did a Bachelor of Commerce and an MSc in  Agricultural & Resource Economics. Because that apparently wasn't enough years in school I'm here now to see if you get a free TShirt for getting three degrees from three different faculties. 

Outside of school I'm into Hiking and Backpacking and getting outdoors. In the winter you'll find me hiding from the snow in a curling rink or looking up spots I want to check out come the summer hiking season. I'm also a member of the Rugby team and if you're interested in playing you should definitely come out and try it!

Always happy to chat so feel free to reach out to me anytime!

VP COMMUNITY

Amy Kodsi

Hey there! I'm Amy, your friendly neighbourhood Vice President of Community. 

Being from out of province (if you know, you know), I recognize the importance of making law school a place where everyone can feel welcome, accepted, and valued. Making valuable connections is part of what makes the law school experience great, and I'm passionate about helping others do so. I'm all about student mentorship, student groups, and supporting students in any way I can.

A bit about me: I enjoy going to the gym, trying out local restaurants, baking (or purchasing) sweet treats, online shopping (adding everything to my cart followed by frantically closing the tab), spending time with friends, and watching either my favourite TV shows or NHL hockey. I'm a huge extrovert, so if you see me in the halls, feel free to say hello!

VP ACADEMIC

Grayson Ukrainetz

Hello party people! My name is Grayson Ukrainetz. I am your VP academic this upcoming year. My job is to make sure that all your academic advocacy needs are met while we are collectively riding the struggle bus that is law school. You can usually identify me by the small, black toque on top of my head. Come and find me if you have a problem. 

Growing up, I was tempered by the cold winds of Lethbridge, AB. However, I managed to escape the cold for the past six years or so and pursued my undergraduate degree in the Okanagan. I am a big fan of rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and, although I am absolutely awful at it, fly fishing! 

If you see me, say hello! I will chat about anything with anyone and want to make sure everyone feels like they are an integral part of the community here at UofA.

VP EDI

Bhavana Kanagala

Hello! My name is Bhavana Kanagala (she/her), and I’m the LSA’s VP Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion! In my role, I work with and advocate for equity-deserving student groups and law students to identify and resolve EDI issues and make the Faculty of Law a safer and more inclusive space. If you’re experiencing an EDI challenge or are concerned about an issue in our law school community related to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any other form of marginalization or oppression, please reach out to me directly (lsaedi@ualberta.ca), or use the anonymous reporting form here.

A little about me: I’m from Calgary, AB and moved to Edmonton for university. I majored in physiology during undergrad, and had the chance to get involved in many student clubs and advocacy opportunities. This was partly why I chose to pursue law school, and also what strengthened my passion about EDI issues. Apart from school, I enjoy going on long walks, baking, and fostering puppies when I have the time

VP EVENTS

Natasha Nguyen

Hey everyone! My name is Natasha Nguyen (she/her) and I'm your VP Events.  My job, as I'm sure you've guessed, is to plan all the fun events, in hopes of keeping us relatively sane in the midst of all the stress (and tears). Some of these events include Pre-O, the Med Mal mixer, and the Carbolic Smoke Ball.  I had the opportunity to be on the Carbolic planning committee last year, and am super excited to take on a bigger role this year!

A bit about myself: I'm from Edmonton and I did my undergrad in Sciences at the U of A. Despite my love for party planning, I am a big homebody. Most weekends, you'll likely find me bundled up in bed with a cup of tea or stress baking. My skills include: falling asleep anywhere and any time, having a knack for Word Hunt, and making a mean espresso martini.  

I am always happy to hear feedback so that we can continue to improve our events, so please reach out or come chat with me if you have any thoughts or concerns!

VP SPORTS & WELLNESS

Bryce Ruel

Hey everyone! I am Bryce (he/him) and I am your VP Sports & Wellness! This year I’ll be organizing many of your big sports events like El Hacko, Hockey Night in Law, and Bonspiel. I am also your main contact for all things intramurals.

I was born and raised in Cold Lake, Alberta (extreme flex) and like to think my upbeat small town attitude can help keep everyone smiling this year. I hope to help make your law school experience just a little bit less about the law and show much fun can be had along the way, and keep everybody well this year.

When I’m not cuddling with my cat Leo you can find me at the gym, in the library probably not studying, or at any event the law school has to offer with a bunch of friends. Maybe you’ll even catch me at a Golden Bears hockey game.

Don’t ever hesitate to start up a chat with me or send me an email. I'm very extroverted and am always down to talk!

ILSA REPRESENTATIVE

Mercedes Belcourt-Rothe

Hi, I’m Mercedes (she/her), and I am your Indigenous Law Students Association (ILSA) Representative for this year!

In my role, I’m here to advocate for Indigenous voices and inclusion within our law school community, while fostering communication between ILSA and the LSA. My goal is to help ensure everyone feels represented, supported, and heard.

I’m originally from northern Alberta, and my lived experiences as an Indigenous person, along with my passion for Indigenous law and equity in the justice system, have deeply shaped my journey to law school.

A little about me: I grew up playing soccer and spent my undergrad as a student-athlete. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, listening to EDM music, and indulging in copious amounts of 2000s television shows (think One Tree Hill or Veronica Mars).

If you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hi or chat about anything—I’m always happy to connect!

COHORT 1 REPRESENTATIVE

Armann Singh

Hi everyone! My name is Armann Singh and I have the pleasure of being the Cohort 1 representative this year. My role entails bringing 1L student issues to the attention of the LSA but also to ensure that our 1L year is as unproblematic and fun as possible.

I was born and raised in Edmonton and completed my Bachelor of Commerce at MacEwan University with a major in human resources and a minor in business law.

When I am not on the 3rd floor of the library doing all my readings, you can find me on a run, at YEG Cycle, playing basketball, golfing (not well), or enjoying an absurdly expensive iced vanilla latte at a coffee shop. I love to yap and will take any opportunity to stop and talk with someone about literally anything so don't be a stranger. I'm also always jamming out to Drake and will gladly debate you on whether or not he beat Kendrick in their beef (he did).

COHORT 2 REPRESENTATIVE

Calum Ward

Hello!! My name is Calum Ward, and I am the 1L rep for cohort 2.

My job is to advocate for my cohort peers’ concerns, inform them of upcoming events, and to support and work with other LSA executives to represent the law student body. My goal is to foster a positive and welcoming environment within my cohort and beyond.

I was born and raised in Edmonton, and will continue to build my life here. The U of A can’t seem to get rid of me, so here I am again! I truly enjoy spending time outside and love going for walks or runs in the river valley. As an animal lover and former outdoor instructor, I have many fun and random facts that I may share unsolicited. For example, did you know that red squirrels (the farmers of the forest) are omnivores?? If you didn’t, now you know! I also love to bake, try new restaurants, and spending time with my partner and dog, Nandi.

I hope to be a friendly face that you see around, so please don’t hesitate to say hi!

COHORT 3 REPRESENTATIVE

Mahnoor Khan

Hi there! I’m Mahnoor, the 1L Representative for the amazing Cohort 3, class of 2027. My role is to ensure 1L students stay informed, advocate for my cohort’s various needs, and work to make law school life a little smoother (and maybe even fun).

I was born in Pakistan and grew up in Ontario. I completed my Honors Bachelor of Science in neuroscience, human biology, and psychology at UofT before moving to Edmonton in January 2024. I had various opportunities to get involved during undergrad which helped me realize how much I enjoy creating memorable experiences for my peers and fostering that sense of connection.

When I’m not studying or working, I’ll take any chance to pick up a paintbrush. Art is my favourite way to spend my free time (and occasionally procrastinate). I love exploring new things in the creative realm and experimenting with design software (I’m a tech geek at heart). I’ll dive into hours of YouTube tutorials to learn something new - it’s far more entertaining than reading case law!

If you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hi! I’d love to chat and connect.