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Because money was tight, the young man decided to put his education on hold. Stepping away from law school, he worked to help the family make ends meet and spent time caring for his ailing father.

One day, he ran into the dean of the University of Toronto’s law school. During a pleasant conversation, the dean mentioned that he was looking forward to seeing the promising student back in the classroom. Returning to school, though, was no certainty. “I’m not sure I can,” he replied. “I’m not sure we can afford it.”

On the spot, the dean offered to cover tuition and, just like that, Jack Major’s life changed.

Able to resume his studies without the financial burden, he excelled.

Graduating in 1957 and eager to make a difference, Jack moved to �����о���. He knew Alberta, unlike Ontario, didn’t require two additional years of apprenticing to qualify for a call to the bar. Once here, legal practice underway and career sparked, he embraced the entrepreneurial energy of the city — a perfect place for a young lawyer to earn opportunities.

A highly regarded litigator, the Hon. Jack Major, who turned 95 in February, helped to build �������-based Bennett Jones into one of the most respected firms in the country. He sat on the Court of Appeal of Alberta and served as a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 1992 to 2005, presiding over 1,000 cases. Well-deserved recognitions include a Companion of the Order of Canada appointment in 2008, a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and an honorary degree from the University of ������� in 2005.

“I’ve often thought about how great it would be if that dean could hear what came from that simple gesture,” says Paul Major, who — like Jack’s other sons, Peter and U�����о��� alum Steven, LLB’94 — is a lawyer. 

“Someone stepped up at the right moment for our dad, and it made a huge difference. It’s really amazing what it led to. That story stayed with us. That’s what we have a chance to do now.”

Endowed award honours lifetime of service

Inspired by their father’s journey, the Major brothers have chosen to establish the Honourable John (Jack) C. Major Scholarship in Law. They also knew U�����о���’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering ambition reflected their father’s qualities, making the university’s Faculty of Law an ideal setting for a celebration of his legacy.

“It’s a really great fit,” says Paul. “And the decision to base this scholarship in �����о��� was easy because my dad’s career and life took root here. The idea was for him to visit, do his articles, then go back east — and he’s still here 70 years later.”

In addition to supporting law students, the endowed award amplifies the accomplishments of a gentleman known for his intelligence, integrity and wry sense of humour.

“My dad influenced countless people over the years. Pete, Steve and I were lucky — we had a front-row seat. This scholarship will allow that influence to continue and grow,” says Paul. “I hope the recipients will know that the person the award is named for came from nothing. Our dad went to the highest mountain, but he never forgot where he was from.”

Being awarded for the first time this fall, the scholarship is offered to the student with the highest grade-point average after their first year in the  . “The most important aspect of what recipients should consider is being humble, applying yourself, recognizing that you need to work hard to succeed,” says Peter Major. “In doing so, you can create a great community around you.”

The prestigious award is renewable, based on continued academic excellence and the completion of at least 25 hours of pro bono service, such as working in a U������� student legal clinic. Giving back to the community is a non-negotiable component of the scholarship.

“There is such deep alignment between Jack’s values and the values of this particular faculty,” says Dr. Laura Spitz, JSD, dean of the Faculty of Law. “There is a deep commitment to civic engagement and leadership. Participating in the world in a meaningful way is something that Jack values and still talks about. His thumb is on the scale for common sense.”

A marquee award for U������� Law

Just like Jack Major, the annual award will produce lasting impact, shaping future generations of law students.

“The gift establishes a truly marquee award. It will create scholars who are connected by academic excellence and a shared commitment to service and integrity — values that truly define Jack’s legacy,” says Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD, president and vice-chancellor of U�����о���.

“I have seen the power of these scholarships. Students are, in essence, linked for life.”

Knowing bonds are being forged excites family members, who envision a thriving community of Major scholars. “Eventually, there will be hundreds of them,” says Paul. “Over time, they’ll form an elite network across law firms, court rooms, public service, academia — all connected by the life of Jack Major.”

One of the pillars of Jack’s life had been his wife, who died in 2022. In her name, he created the  at U�����о��� Law to honour her commitment to his career and to the raising of their children — the three boys and daughter, Suzan. “In doing that, he acknowledged all of her sacrifices,” says Steven Major, a member of U�����о���’s Board of Governors. “For anybody who wins my dad’s scholarship, it should be obligatory that they read about my mom.”

Having both parents commemorated by endowed scholarships at U������� is powerful for the family.

“That means the world to us — it’s moving, it’s emotional,” says Paul. “Sometimes people say it’s generous of us to have done this. In fact, it’s actually generous of the university, with its place in the community, to allow us to associate our parents with the university and to allow other generations to remember them the way we do.”