It was the East Coast that drew twin brothers Nicolas and Salvador Pimentel to pilipiliÂţ» to study law. The Vancouver natives were eager for a change of scenery and the opportunity to explore the area where their mother grew up.
“We did high school together, we did the same undergrad and thought that law school was maybe the right time to go to separate schools,” says Nicolas. “But we ended up getting into all of the same universities.”
Since arriving at Dal, the collegial atmosphere and sense of community has had a big impact on the pair, inspiring them to give back to the community through student societies and events. They have both been actively involved in strengthening this community through participation in student societies and events.
“We realized that what you have here is so rare,” says Salvador. “You have a great school, you have a big city, but they are both so close that everything there is to do here is within a 15-minute walk. So, it really makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.”
As co-presidents of the Domus Legis Society, the duo organized social outings and events throughout the year to connect law students with one another. One of the most significant experiences for Nicolas was his semester working with the Dalhousie Legal Aid Clinic. “The hands-on experience you get there, you can’t get anywhere else,” he says.
Salvador was also outreach co-chair of the Law Orientation Week, arranging events for incoming students. “It’s kind of nice immediately getting here and being welcomed by people that have already been through the same process,” he says.
This summer, they will return to Vancouver where Salvador will be completing his articling at Borden Ladner Gervais and Nicolas with Alexander Holburn. It will also be the first time the two brothers won’t be living in the same house.
“It’s going to be a new experience for us because the longest we’d ever been apart was five days,” says Nicolas.
The article is part of a series of profiles on members of the Class of 2016. . takes place May 13 in Truro and from May 30 to June 4 in Halifax.