Commitment to Community

Committed to our clients. Committed to our communities.

At Aird & Berlis, we believe that the donation of our skills, expertise and time to support social programs and to act in the public interest is key to being a responsible member of society. Our professionals and staff regularly contribute time and financial support to dozens of charities and arts organizations. Our lawyers also serve as volunteer board members for hospitals, educational institutions, charitable foundations and other social organizations.

We believe that it’s important to give back to our community and actively participate in making it a better place for all.

Some of our more significant firm-wide programs include:Ongoing commitment to Pro Bono Ontario.

  • National sponsor of the David Foster Foundation (DFF), established by the 16-time Grammy award winning Canadian performer, writer and producer himself to provide funding for the non-medical expenses to the families of Canadian children needing life-saving organ transplants.
  • Aird & Berlis LLP lawyers, students and staff participate in the annual Canadian Blood Services Law Challenge Blood Drive. Aird & Berlis also supports the Canadian Blood Services’ “Partners for Life” program, a Canada-wide initiative that encourages members of corporate and community organizations to become regular blood donors.
  • The Aird & Berlis LLP/Women’s Law Association of Ontario Advocacy Award, which was designed to recognize a woman who has dedicated her time and talents to an advocacy project advancing equality rights.
  • Fundraising activities to support the United Way and, independently, various organizations that are under the United Way umbrella. Our firm members participate annually in our United Way campaign, which includes activities such as gratitude grams, bake sales and other fun events. 

Our individual lawyers and staff devote their time and energies to many organizations and events. Here is just a small sample:

  • Homeward Bound – Our staff contribute to Homeward Bound through a range of initiatives, including hosting food drives, participating in quarterly industry council meetings and providing mentorship on career development and educational pathways. This program developed by WoodGreen helps homeless or inadequately housed single mothers to earn college diplomas, start careers and achieve financial stability for their families
  • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada – Aaron Bains was named the 2021 Toronto and National Man of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) is a 10-week philanthropic competition amongst leaders in local communities across Canada who vie to raise the most funds for the blood cancer community. Aaron took on this philanthropic challenge in honour of his sister Suneeta and the many others who have been lost and impacted by blood cancer. Through his MWOY fundraising campaign, Aaron raised an outstanding $114,131 for blood cancer research. Aird & Berlis is extremely proud of Aaron’s achievement and was pleased to support his campaign.
  • Counsel Jane Pepino is a leading advocate for gender equality, community safety and women's health issues. Her activities include serving on boards and other noteworthy roles for the International Women's Forum, Province of Ontario Women's Health Council, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Women's College Hospital, The Bishop Strachan School, Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Metro Action Committee on Public Violence Against Women and Children, Mayor's Committee on Employment Equity and the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
  • Partner Tim Lowman, a long-standing Scout leader, has led various groups of Rovers from the 153rd Old Mill Scouts on hiking, canoeing and sea kayaking expeditions in Temagami, Algonquin and Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Parks,  the Northern Rockies, Willmore Wilderness Park, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, and the West Coast Trail, British Columbia.
  • Partner Joel Rose is a Director and Vice Chairman of the Granting Committee for the MLSE Foundation which supports the refurbishment of athletic facilities in Toronto and funds charities that benefit children through sports and recreational programs. In addition, he is the Director and President of the Robert Kerr Foundation, which is committed to addressing basic and urgent needs to improve the lives of children and the homeless.

Because of their tireless efforts, our lawyers and staff are recognized for their contributions. For example:

  • Aird & Berlis LLP has been named as one of the United Way's 2019 Platinum-level Local Leaders, which is the highest level of recognition. This award recognizes that our firm is leading the way in giving back to our community, and shows our commitment to fighting local poverty and changing lives in our communities. Aird & Berlis was also the recipient of a United Way Spirit Award in the category of Employee Campaign for Professional Services Firms. This award acknowledges organizations that bring United Way’s campaign best practices to life.
  • Jane Pepino received the Order of Canada for "lending her voice to those less fortunate or marginalized by society."
  • Nick Torchetti served as Chairman of the Board of Villa Charities Inc. from 2007 to 2017, and was elected Chair of Villa Charities Foundation in 2018. Villa Charities is the largest charitable and cultural organization in the local Italian community, and through its various related entities, operates cultural centres, retirement homes and other community facilities. Nick was also the recipient of Villa Charities'' "Heart and Hand Award" in 2006. The award is given each year to a volunteer who has gone "above and beyond" in giving of their time, and who embodies the true spirit of volunteerism. He was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in January 2025 for his contribution to the community.