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Fasken - Toronto, Ontario
Diversity & Inclusion
| Please describe your diversity programs and initiatives |
At Fasken, we have taken a structured, integrated approach to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) with clearly defined goals, data-based decisions, and rigorous progress measurement. Fasken has been named on Forbes and Statista’s list of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity 2023. This honour highlights our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and reflects the work we are doing to create a culture where everyone can thrive. We demonstrate our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion through the following:
EDI Strategy • Fasken developed a transformational EDI strategy, focused on our commitments to making change through inclusive leadership, process change, awareness, and partnerships to drive measurable outcomes. • We recognize that our EDI strategy is ongoing, and we are committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and transparency. The Firm revisits our strategy annually to identify new areas of opportunities and ensure that the priorities align with our Firm mission and vision. Taking Action Towards our EDI Commitments • We are Mansfield Rule 6.0 certified, which confirms that for leadership and committee appointments, senior associate and partner hiring, and partner promotions, the Firm considered at least 30% underrepresented lawyers. We also achieved Mansfield Certification Plus status, which means that we successfully reached at least 30% underrepresented lawyers in a number of our current leadership roles and committees. We were the only Canadian-based firm among the original 30 law firms to commit to the Mansfield Rule. • The Firm is a signatory to the BlackNorth Initiative Law Firm Pledge committing to eight goals to challenge anti-Black systemic racism. Our progress on these goals includes exceeding the 5% Black student recruitment target in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and surpassing our target of 3% of total donation and sponsorship investments in Black-led, Black-serving organizations. • To forward our learning, Fasken hosts the Spark Series, for Firm members and clients, which invites notable guests to share their thoughts and experiences around EDI issues in the legal industry and beyond. The series deals with topics not often raised or openly discussed in the corporate setting, creating an intentional space to normalize language and conversations about them. • Affinity resource groups, including our regional Women’s Networks, Empower Network for Racialized Legal Professionals, Fasken Black Collective, and the Fasken Pride Network, develop community and work on initiatives both within and outside the Firm. • We offer formal and informal learning opportunities for Firm members, on a range of topics, including unconscious bias, anti-racism, human rights, and bringing your authentic self to work. Building a Pipeline of Diverse Future Lawyers We recognize that a more equitable and inclusive future rests on two key components – attracting a diverse pool of talented individuals and empowering our current talent to shape their careers in alignment with their aspirations. We support the growth of underrepresented talent within the Firm by creating professional development opportunities and partner with organizations to help develop and support underrepresented groups join and thrive in the legal profession. • Fasken supports the development of Black lawyers and students through involvement with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (including partnership on the Early Career Program), the Black Female Lawyers Network, the Black Future Lawyers Program, and the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada. The Firm is also involved in the National Bar Association, the oldest and largest Black lawyers’ association in the U.S. • Fasken has partnered with ICON Talent Partners to provide mentorship and scholarships for incoming first year Black and Indigenous students at Canadian law schools. • The Firm was a sponsor of and participant in the PRISME Conference, a 2SLGBTQIA+ law conference. • Fasken participates in the Law Firm Mentoring Program of Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS), which offers programming to inner city students who face barriers to academic success and post-secondary education. • Fasken partners with Ascend Canada, dedicated to the professional development of Pan-Asian business professionals in North America; the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL) to support and empower Asian Canadian legal professionals; and the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto (SABA) to advance South Asian representation and inclusivity in the legal sector. Truth and Reconciliation • On Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, 2021), Fasken launched its Reconciliation Plan firmwide. The Plan is at the core of the Firm’s efforts in response to the Calls to Action issued to the legal and corporate sectors in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. • Our Reconciliation Plan aims to advance our individual and collective knowledge of the histories, culture, laws and practices of local Indigenous peoples, the legacy of residential schools, and the ongoing process of reconciliation in Canada. As part of this aim and to establish a common base for our knowledge, Fasken’s Reconciliation Committee launched The Path, as training for Firm members in Canada. • In 2023, Fasken opened a new office on Tsuut’ina Nations land, in the professional and retail district known as Taza. The office is intended to form an important new connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. It will provide opportunities for Firm members and clients to advance our Indigenous cultural knowledge, including our understanding of the histories, cultures, laws, and practices of local Indigenous Peoples in order to build respectful relationships and partnerships. Community Impact • Fasken is the Official Legal Services Provider of Pride Toronto – a first of its kind partnership – and marched in the 2022 and 2023 Pride Parade in Toronto. Fasken members also marched in the Pride parade in Montréal in 2023. • The Firm is a national partner of Pride at Work Canada. • We are the official legal services provider for Black Boys Code and continue to support them through financial endorsements. |
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Diversity Contact Information |
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| Students who have questions about EDI initiatives and/or would like to connect with someone with a similar lived experience, please contact |
Cheryl Biehler |
| Diversity website: | https://www.fasken.com/en/firm/equitydiversityandinclusion |
| Please list the various initiatives your firm has undertaken related to providing an accessible workplace and barrier free culture for people with disabilities, as well as any information you may be able to share regarding the types accommodations provided. |
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