Equality & Diversity in the Legal Profession and the Practice of Law

On November 5, 2015, the Faculty of Law hosted a lunch time panel presentation and discussion addressing issues of equality and diversity in the legal profession and legal practice. The distinguished panelists were Kimberly Armstrong, QC, Deputy Minister for the Status of Women (Alberta), Arman Chak, human rights lawyer and Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta, and Jocelyn Fraser, Equity Ombudsperson and Practice Advisor for the Law Society of Alberta. The panelists engaged the audience of students, faculty and staff in a stimulating discussion covering a range of topics including statistical data on diversity in the legal profession, the legal recourse available to those who experience discrimination, practical strategies to promote diversity and inclusion, and projects of the Law Society, Alberta law firms (including national firms) and government designed to enhance diversity and prevent discrimination through education and attitudinal change. The panel was sponsored and organized by the Equality and Respect Committee with funding and logistical support from the Dean and staff of the Faculty of Law.