I'm a lawyer obsessed with governance, organizational strategy, facilitation and healthier workplaces that are safe(r) for everyone. And yes, these things all fit together.
I really enjoyed speaking to a packed room of over 80 professionals last night at this event in Toronto about diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. It was a pleasure to hear from and get to know the other panelists - Qadira Jackson, Devin Persaud, Kyle Elliott, Christopher Sweeney (who very much positioned himself as there to learn, which I really appreciated!) - and Pako Tshiamala and Lisa Tan were great moderators. But my favourite part was connecting with attendees before and after the panel discussion. Many approached me after to say they appreciated my message that more lawyers should consider striking out on their own, if they are not getting the support and recognition they deserve at law firms or other legal workplaces. I really mean it when I say I never thought I'd set up my own solo practice and that it would actually be successful. And yet, here I am, thriving and poised to take the next steps to build a team around me. I don't imagine I'll ever rival established law firms in Ottawa or Toronto or elsewhere, but that's not even my goal. I just want to love my work, build deep and lasting relationships with great clients, mentor others as much as I can, and build referral networks with lawyers, paralegals, law clerks, etc. from communities that have been and continue to be marginalized by the "established" legal community, as well those who prove to be true allies. Ok, that sounds like a lot, but that's what I want! I really hope others give it a shot. There's a whole community of us ready to receive and support you! #legalprofessionals #legalcareers #ontariolawyers
🚨 Only a Few Hours Left! We'll see you later at the "Championing One Another: Lawyers and Allies Paving the Way to Inclusion"! 🚨 ⏰ Don't miss the chance to join an impactful discussion on diversity and allyship in the legal field. 🌟 Why Attend? Gain insights from esteemed panelists. Contribute to shaping a more inclusive legal community. Network with like-minded professionals. This is your opportunity to connect, learn, and champion diversity in the legal profession. Let's make a difference together! 📅 Event Date: November 22, 2023 (5:00pm to 7:00pm) 📍 Location: Albany Club, 91 King St E, Toronto 🌈 Join the Conversation #championinginclusion #legalprofession #InclusionMatters #paneldiscussion #blinkequity
Kyle Elliott
9mo
Was great being in conversation with you, Monica!
Founder & CEO at Blink Equity & PEDLA Consulting Group, DEI Leader & Bilingual Sales Executive
9moYou came and spoke words that were golden. The event experience was enriched by you!