“US pressure is no excuse for the Canadian legal profession to abandon DEI” says Level’s Social Justice Program Manager

Recently, Level’s Social Justice Program Manager, Fatima Ahmed, voiced her concern for commitments to DEI in the legal profession in her newest op-ed, “US pressure is no excuse for the Canadian legal profession to abandon DEI.” The article, published in the Canadian Lawyer Magazine, dives into the attack on DEI efforts in the US, the threat to Canadian DEI efforts in the legal profession, and the mantle being lifted by law students in the absence of DEI leadership by lawyers and law firms.

Fatima writes:

“DEI initiatives should not be easily dismissed. They are foundational to upholding human rights and fostering a more just society; they are also core to the legal profession’s commitment to equal justice (for example, Rule 5.6-1[2] of Ontario’s Rules of Professional Conduct). A legal system that reflects society’s diversity is better equipped to address the nuanced and intersecting challenges individuals face.

Inclusive legal practices contribute to societal well-being by ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in legal decision-making. This inclusivity leads to more comprehensive and empathetic legal outcomes and strengthens public trust in the justice system. Law firms and legal institutions have a responsibility to lead by example. By standing firm on DEI, they foster their own healthy organizational cultures and create a ripple effect by empowering other sectors and the next generation of lawyers to carry out initiatives that truly benefit society.”

Shelan Markus, the executive director of Level Justice, helped draft this article. You can read the full article here.