Toronto, ON – Blakes, BLG, Davies, Dentons, Fasken, Goodmans, Gowling WLG, McCarthy Tétrault, Osler and Torys are committed to addressing and ending anti-Black and other forms of structural racism in the legal profession. We have signed the BlackNorth Initiative Law Firm Pledge because of our individual and collective commitment to achieve the goals set out in the Pledge and to deliver on these concrete, measurable actions that will effect meaningful change.

We commend the BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) for initiating the Law Firm Pledge. The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), played an important role in our collaborative discussions. We will continue to work with BNI, CABL and other stakeholders across the legal profession to break down barriers to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Black people in our firms. Stronger together, we will drive progress and deliver lasting change.

To read the BlackNorth Initiative - Law Firm Pledge our firms signed, click here.

Dentons is committed to creating inclusion across our Firm, including understanding the systemic barriers that Black, Indigenous and underrepresented people face. Our commitment is backed by a comprehensive plan designed to challenge systemic barriers within the legal profession and create a culture of allyship by:

• Empowering our affinity groups and provide opportunities for our team members to learn about system racism, inequality and privilege
• Collaborating with our team members to listen and learn from each other’s diverse lived experiences with our Discussions to Disrupt series, our Take Action: Anti-Racism and Advocacy Resources Guide, and reaffirmed our recruitment processes to ensure inclusion is top of mind
• Creating scholarship opportunities for Black students who have an interest in business law, have demonstrated a commitment to the Black community and are pursuing post-secondary education in Canada
• Empowering Black students to achieve their maximum potential in education and to build on life skills through the 100 Strong Foundations’ Day on Bay, in partnership with other Canadian firms
• Motivating high school students from marginalized Toronto neighbourhoods through a mentorship program and summer co-op placement terms in partnership with Law in Action within Schools

Visit our Inclusion and Diversity in Canada page, to learn how we are fostering an inclusive workplace and legal profession.

Media contact

Jamie Crawford-Ritchie
647-963-7691

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