Quebec society and Quebec employers are doing something right, or at least something decidedly different, when it comes to paternity leave. That raises the questions: what they doing, how can it be improved upon and what can other firms do to emulate their successes?

It’s cause for celebration for lawyer moms in private practice—the lawyers who balance discoveries and daycare, partnership meetings and PTA meetings. Learning to juggle it all can be a lonely challenge, and one that leads many of them to change career paths.

Women have arrived in the practice of law, but it seems they’re not staying. Why?

It’s a complaint heard at law firms across the country: “Too many of our female associates are leaving”. They often leave to work in government, corporations, non-profit organizations or educational institutions—or they leave the profession altogether.

Resources from around the web

National TV recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Arin Reeves, President of Nexticons, on the issues of diversity and inclusion. The conversation was captured in five short videos that can be viewed here.

In 2010, the CBA’s Equality Committee produced three videos that were launched at the CBA’s Canadian Legal Conference on Aug. 15. Available for viewing on YouTube, the videos showcase three members of the CBA who are trailblazers for equality seeking groups.

As a follow-up to the videos that were made available online, the CBA’s Equality Committee developed a list of specific tips on promoting inclusion in law firms.

The face of the legal profession — and the society it serves — is constantly changing and evolving. In response, the CBA has identified equity and diversity as one of its strategic plan’s fundamental themes, and the CBA Equality Committee has developed a new Equity and Diversity Guide and resource manual for the legal profession.

The legal profession can excel at mentoring, but it needs a more diverse core of mentors to reflect Canadian society and support diversity within the profession.