Justicia: Leading the way to a more inclusive future

As you may know, we’ve made tremendous progress with our Justicia Project over the past several years.

The first of its kind in Canada, the Project was launched in 2008 in partnership with law firms throughout the province, to identify and develop best practices that retain and advance women lawyers in private practice.

Last week, on May 28, we marked another “first” with a Justicia symposium and public launch of all of our Justicia resources to the profession and the public. Previously, only Justicia partners were able to access these valuable tools. Now, they are available to everyone.

More than 500 people participated in the symposium — some 200 attended in person, while another 350 tuned in via webcast.

Participants were able to choose from a roster of practical workshops and panel discussions that explored the valuable resources created through the collaboration of the 57 participating Justicia firms.

Noted speakers and visionaries from law firms and businesses shared their insights and vision on Justicia resource topics such as leadership, mentorship, flexible work arrangements, parental leaves — and more.

The Justicia Project also represents a “first” for me — it is one of the first major initiatives I became involved with during my time as a bencher.

And, as a former co-chair of the Retention of Women Working Group, I am especially pleased to see the continued level of interest and commitment to this important project from the profession.

By addressing the realities that women lawyers face in private practice, Justicia is leading the way for innovative change that will help the legal profession truly reflect the diverse public it serves.

I want to extend my thanks to all the managing partners and firm representatives for their extraordinary work in helping to make the Justicia Project, and the resources, a reality.

We will continue to lead this important project by working with other law societies in the development of the national Justicia initiative — and monitoring the resources to ensure the policies and practices continue to work.