Inclusion@Blakes

Blakes has been a leading business law firm in Canada for more than 160 years. The plurality of voices that inform our policies and actions reflect the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We are committed to providing a workplace environment rich in perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures, because that’s how we work best.

We offer several training programs to legal professionals and supervisors, including workshops related to unconscious bias, cross-cultural competence and inclusive leadership, allyship and mentoring in a diverse workplace. Blakes also offers training for our legal professionals on interviewing candidates without bias or discrimination. Our thorough orientation for new hires includes discussions about culture, professionalism and commitment to teamwork, along with diversity and inclusion, pro bono and community initiatives.

The Blakes Diversity Network members include Blakes students, associates and partners from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds interested in promoting diversity within the Firm and the broader legal profession. The network identifies business development and leadership opportunities for diverse lawyers and hosts professional development and client networking events.

Blakes is a founding member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network (LFDIN) and a signatory to its Statement of Principles. LFDIN is a group of Canadian law firms that have agreed to work together to promote diversity and encourage a culture of inclusion in our firms and the broader legal profession. Diversity is a core value for LFDIN members, who believe that valuing and enhancing diversity and inclusion will help attract and retain the best talent and better serve clients’ needs in an evolving global marketplace.