Andrea’s superior oral and written advocacy skills, supported by her diligent preparation and strategic analysis, translate into client success.
Diversity & Inclusion
Our Commitment
We strive to have a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and that fosters a sense of belonging.
We promote diversity and inclusion through our culture, practices and community partnerships. We endeavour to empower and to create change through education, resources and activities that recognize and celebrate our diversity. We frequently offer complimentary educational programs and resources to our clients, and we regularly engage our firm members with educational programs and activities to enhance inclusion. In the recruitment, retention and advancement of our people, we strive to eliminate barriers and to ensure equality of opportunity for every member of our firm.
We call our firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion “ABDI.”
Below you will find a number of our firm’s complimentary resources, examples of internal initiatives that illustrate our workplace culture and a list of community partners who support our firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Initiatives, Insights & Impact
We are proud of the various initiatives that we have spearheaded or participated in, and the impact that members of our firm are making in the community. We recognize and celebrate Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Asian Heritage Month, Pride, National Indigenous Peoples Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities, among others.
Below you will find information and links to webinars, resources and news about various diversity and inclusion initiatives, insights and events involving our firm and firm members.
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Event
Exploring Accessibility: Healthcare, Design, Advocacy & Law
- 12:00 PMJoin our esteemed panellists for a dynamic program which will provide registrants with first-hand stories of the lived experience of navigating the world as a person with a disability, alongside leadi... -
Event
In Recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Kimberly Murray, Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites
- 03:15 PMJoin us in support of bringing truth to future generations by learning more about the ongoing work being done by the OSI in reconciling the history and destructive legacy of Residential Schools on Ind... -
Event
LGBTQ2+ People in the Legal Workforce & Beyond: Employment, Environment & Industry
- 11:45 AMJoin us for a panel discussion in recognition of Pride Month, where employment experts will discuss strategies employers can use to create inclusive workplaces for LGBTQ2+ professionals and lawyers. -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Named Excellence Awardee for 2024 Canadian Law Awards
Aird & Berlis is proud to be named as an Excellence Awardee for the 2024 Canadian Law Awards in the Mid-Market Deal of the Year and Diversity Initiative of the Year categories. -
Event
Black Excellence in Law: Exploring Opportunities in the Legal Profession
- 11:45 AMThe goal of this virtual event is to show Black youth that the sky really is the limit when it comes to career paths. Each of our panellists will bring their unique voice to the session and speak to t... -
Event
Women Professionals & Lawyers Discuss the 'Second Shift' as Family Caregivers
- 03:00 PMWe invite you to join our panel of industry professionals for a thoughtful discussion on managing family caregiving while maintaining a robust career. We will also allocate time to delve into the goal... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Honours Kimberly Thomas With Formation of New Indigenous Law Student Scholarship
The Kimberly Thomas Indigenous Law Student Scholarship Provided by Aird & Berlis LLP will be granted to an Indigenous law student in the amount of $10,000 annually, for up to three years. -
Event
Intergenerational Trauma and the Protective Effects of Culture in Relation to Well-Being Among First Nations Peoples in Canada
- 04:00 PMSeptember 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day supports the Canadian government's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities across the country, ensuring th... -
A&B In the News
Kindness Can Accomplish Everything: Aird & Berlis Lawyers Featured in Law Times Article
Aird & Berlis lawyers Angela Swan and Naomi Mares, alongside André Bacchus, a career counsellor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, recently shared their thoughts on progress, challenges and allys... -
Event
LGBTQ2+ Representation in the Legal Sector: Insights from Industry
- 11:15 AMIn recognition of Pride Month 2023, join us for a panel discussion including lawyers who are members of the LGBTQ2+ community. Hear their perspectives regarding ways the industry continues to evolve i... -
Event
Architectural Design Projects Through an Indigenous Lens
- 03:00 PMJoin us for a one-hour presentation from Matthew Hickey, Partner at Two Row Architect, as he takes us through the lens of Indigenous design and its application to architecture projects. The program wi... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Named Excellence Awardee for 2023 Canadian Law Awards’ Diversity Initiative
We are delighted to be named an Excellence Awardee for the 2023 Canadian Law Awards’ Bereskin & Parr Diversity Initiative of the Year. This award celebrates the steps taken by law firms and law depart... -
Event
Black Voices (In)Justice: Supporting Black Youth Representation in the Legal Profession
- 12:30 PMJoin the Ontario Heritage Trust and Aird & Berlis for this special complimentary program, Black Voices (In)Justice: Supporting Black Youth Representation in the Legal Profession. -
News Item
Black History Month: Supporting Black Youth Representation in the Legal Profession
Aird & Berlis is proud to continue its support of Black History Month by hosting a special complimentary program on March 2, 2023, “ Black Voices (In)Justice: Supporting Black Youth Representation in ... -
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Best Practices for Organizations to Create Inclusive Workplaces for People with Disabilities
- 04:00 PMJoin us for an engaging discussion with Lorin MacDonald, a human rights lawyer supporting people with disabilities. Lorin is an accessibility subject matter expert and the founder of HearVue, a social... -
Event
Reinventing You: Personal Branding and Authenticity in the Workplace
- 04:00 PMJoin the Aird & Berlis Women’s Initiative Co-Chairs, Adria Leung Lim and Jacqueline (Jack) Goslett, alongside Jeanne Lam, President of Wattpad, for an insightful conversation about reinventing yoursel... -
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Addressing Indigenous Consent for Infrastructure and Development Projects
- 04:00 PMACCESS ARCHIVEExternal Speakers: Darwin Hanna - Founding Partner, Callison & HannaCarol Anne Hilton - CEO & Founder, Indigenomics Institute and the Global Centre of In... -
Event
Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Transgender Professionals
- 04:15 PMACCESS ARCHIVEExternal Speaker:Emily O'Donohue - Director and Associate General Counsel, Ontario Teachers’ Pension PlanIn recognition of Pride Month 2022 in June, we are deli... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Wins Outstanding Canadian Firm of the Year Award at 2022 Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America
Aird & Berlis is honoured to announce that it is the recipient of the 2022 Chambers Diversity & Inclusion: Outstanding Canadian Firm of the Year award. -
Event
Asian Canadians in the Legal Sector: Industry Leaders Talk Success, Challenges and the March Forward
- 01:00 PMACCESS ARCHIVEExternal Speakers:Justice Julia Shin Doi - Ontario Superior Court of JusticeJustice Maryka Omatsu - Semi-Retired, Ontario Court of JusticeHenry Yu - Associate Professor, History Pri... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis/Aird & McBurney Partner With Black Entrepreneurs to Protect and Drive Innovation
Aird & Berlis LLP and Aird & McBurney LP are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance to provide legal guidance and support for Black entrepreneurs. -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Named Excellence Awardee for Canadian Law Awards’ Diversity Initiative
We are delighted to be named an Excellence Awardee for the Canadian Law Awards’ Bereskin & Parr Diversity Initiative of the Year. This award celebrates the steps taken by law firms and law departments... -
Event
From the Locker Room to the Boardroom: Empowering Women Through Sport
- 05:00 PMACCESS ARCHIVEIn recognition of International Women’s Day, hear from four women lawyers whose involvement in sport has positioned them for success in their personal and professional lives, and l... -
Event
Black Women Leaders: Diversity in the Legal Profession
- 04:00 PMACCESS ARCHIVEExternal Speakers: Sarah Coderre - Partner | Lawyer & Co-Founder, Bow River Law LLPTasha De Freitas - Senior Associate | Lawyer & Patent Agent, Torys LLPBéatrice... -
Event
On-Demand Video - Expect Acceptance: The Story of Transgender Lawyer Angela Swan & Her Daughter Ellen Swan
- 12:00 AMACCESS VIDEOExternal Speaker: Ellen Swan (she/her), Lawyer - Caravel LawAngela Swan is a lawyer, author and educator who has been practising law in Ontario since the 1960s. With over 50 year... -
Event
Women Today: Caregiving, Career, Mental Health & Resilience
- 04:15 PMACCESS ARCHIVEExternal Speaker: Andrea Sadler, Occupational Therapist and Psychotherapist - Women's College HospitalWomen working in all professions have felt an unprecedented impact on thei... -
Event
Indigenous Business Leaders Talk Employment, Industry & Growth
- 04:15 PMExternal Speakers: Laurie Froman, Director - Grand River Employment and TrainingScott Hill, Vice President - Original Traders EnergyACCESS ARCHIVENational Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated eac... -
Event
The LGBTQ2+ Family: Family Law, Family Status & Workplace Accommodation
- 04:15 PMExternal Speakers:Sara R. Cohen, Fertility Lawyer - Fertility Law CanadaSandeep Nair, Manager of Business Development - Pride at Work CanadaACCESS ARCHIVE The passing of the Civil ... -
Event
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act: Legal Compliance with Web Accessibility and Accessibility Compliance Reports
- 04:00 PMACCESS ARCHIVEUnder the legal requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), organizations with 20 or more employees in Ontario must submit an accessibil... -
Event
Then and Now: Legal and Legislative Challenges Faced by Asian-Canadians
- 03:00 PMExternal Speakers:The Honourable Avvy Yao-Yao Go - Justice of the Federal CourtDr. Angie Wong - Adjunct Professor, Lakehead University Indigenous Learning DepartmentACCESS ARCHIVEJoin us for... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Shortlisted for Chambers D&I Awards: North America 2021
We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2021 in the Canada Private Practice – Firm Award category. -
Firm News
Happy Lunar New Year!
The date of the Lunar New Year is determined by the lunar calendar, falling on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Though celebrated in winter for most of Asia, the Lunar New Year is popula... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Signs BlackNorth Initiative Law Firm Pledge
As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, Aird & Berlis LLP has signed the BlackNorth Initiative (“BNI”) Law Firm Pledge. We are proud to be a part of this important initiative and... -
Event
Stories from Canadian Para Athletes: Waiting for Game Day
- 04:15 PMExternal Speakers: Camille Bérubé - Two-Time Paralympian, SwimmingTara Llanes - ParaPan Champion, Wheelchair BasketballJosh Vander Vies - Retired Paralympic Medallist... -
Event
An Employer’s Guide for Addressing Racial Discrimination in the Workplace
- 04:00 PMExternal Speakers: Esi Codjoe - Turnpenney Milne LLP, Nadine Spencer - Black Business and Professional Association -
Event
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day: An Interview With Chief Jessica Hill, Oneida Nation of the Thames
- 02:00 PMExternal Speaker: Chief Jessica Hill, Oneida Nation of the Thames
Our Culture
Virtual Yoga Class
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Pride Celebration
Fall Video Montage
Mental Health in the Workplace
Our mental health initiative focuses on building awareness and understanding, reducing stigma and fostering a safe and supportive work environment. In partnership with recognized mental health advocates and experts, we regularly offer educational programs that address mental health and wellness. We also facilitate educational programs led by colleagues from within the firm (or from the community at large) with first-hand experience dealing with mental health issues.
Recognition
We are proud of our achievements as we continue on our diversity and inclusion journey.
Our Partners
We acknowledge and value the effort and support of our community partners.
Committee Members & Contacts
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With an international background and hands-on business experience, Aaron provides practical and strategic advice to a broad range of domestic and inte...
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member -
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Jasmine’s prior experience in land use planning gives her an unique insight into municipal and planning matters.
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Jack provides clear, actionable guidance to her financial services clients, both lenders and borrowers.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member -
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Adria enjoys the fast-paced and challenging nature of securities law.
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Megan is the firm's Senior Manager of Student & Associate Programs.
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Georgia leads and directs the planning and execution of the firm’s Human Resources function.
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Tony represents clients in a variety of high-technology industries, and has extensive patent prosecution experience in the fields of software, hardwar...
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With a focus on education, innovation and collaboration, Neil is responsible for the firm's professional development activities and knowledge manageme...
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With a calm demeanor and extensive experience in banking law, Jill remains poised in even the most testing circumstances.