Blakes is committed to providing legal services with a workplace environment rich in perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. Diversity strengthens the Firm, making it more effective in competing in an international marketplace and representing our multinational client base. Blakes periodically publishes the Blakes Bulletin on Equity & Diversity, holds Firm seminars on subjects related to equity and diversity, and supports a number of ongoing initiatives including:
Urban Financial Services Coalition: Blakes has been acting as pro bono counsel to the Toronto chapter of the Urban Financial Services Coalition (UFSC) since July 2008. A not-for-profit organization, UFSC is dedicated to promoting the growth of minority professionals in all areas of financial services. UFSC also seeks to promote financial fluency and increase awareness of personal finance issues in disadvantaged and minority communities. Several of our lawyers are active in the organization and contribute to UFSC's various educational and professional development initiatives, including by serving on UFSC's corporate advisory board and leading professional development seminars at its general meetings.
Women at Blakes: In 2008, Blakes launched "Women at Blakes," a network for women legal professionals at the Firm. This initiative was launched to provide support, mentorship, client development and networking opportunities and work/life resources to women students, associates and partners at Blakes in an effort to ensure their success in the practice of law.
Rotman/University of Toronto Program for Women in Law: Blakes is partnering with Rotman and the University of Toronto to develop a program for senior women associates. The program will focus on the power of influence, presentation skills and how to succeed in the legal environment. Blakes is a lead sponsor of the program.
New Pioneers Awards: Blakes has been sponsoring the New Pioneers Awards since 2002. The awards were created by Skills for Change, an organization providing support for new immigrants to Canada, and showcase outstanding contributions by immigrants and refugees. In 2009, the Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by Blakes, was presented to Neena and Vijay Kanwar, a power couple of Indian descent who work in Canada’s health services circle. Neena has degrees in science and nuclear medicine technology and is the founder of KMH Cardiology and Diagnostic Centres. KMH is North America’s largest provider of nuclear cardiology services. Vijay is an engineer with an M.B.A. from the University of Toronto and is the president and chief financial officer of KMH and president and director of Lambardar Inc., where he oversees the design, planning and construction of state-of-the-art medical facilities.
Law in Action within Schools (LAWS)/Blakes Mentoring Program: Blakes is partnering with the University of Toronto Law School to provide academic support and mentorship to a group of inner-city high school students facing barriers in achieving academic, career and life goals. Blakes is the only law firm participating in this pilot project.
Student Outreach Programs: Blakes supports the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada, the Jewish Law Students Association of Canada, the Korean Law Students Association of Canada, and other student organizations and community outreach programs promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
To learn more about the Firm’s commitment to equity and diversity, please contact either David Tupper or Andrea York, Co-chairs of our Equity & Diversity Committee. Or, you may click here for more information on our equity and diversity programs at Blakes.
