Investing in the Future

Since 2005, Blakes has been working with students at some of Toronto’s most diverse high schools to participate in the LAWS (Law in Action Within Schools) program. The program combines law-related studies with practical experiences for high school students who face barriers to achieving their academic, career and life goals. We offer a unique workplace mentoring program that provides these students with positive exposure to a professional workplace and connects them with lawyers who provide mentoring and serve as positive role models.

Since 2010, Blakes has been the organizer of The Wilson Moot, an annual competition in Toronto that brings together judges, lawyers and law students with the goal of promoting justice for those disempowered within the legal system. In 2017, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, the first female Chief Justice of Canada, presided over the final round of the competition (see press release for more information). The Wilson Moot was conceived in 1992 to honour the outstanding contribution to Canadian law made by the late Honourable Justice Bertha Wilson, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. Since its inception, The Wilson Moot’s focus has been to shine a light on legal issues concerning equity-seeking groups, with the hopes of educating students and the legal profession on these issues.

Blakes is also the longest-supporting employer of Project Work, a Toronto-based community employment organization serving people who have intellectual disabilities. We value the contributions of each member of our team and, in so doing, gain the benefit of dedicated, positive employees who bring their unique perspectives and life experiences to bear on our work and community.