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October 25, 2022 - A2J Week - Women Leaders in Access to Justice

A2J Week 2022: Women leaders in access to justice

Tuesday, October 25, 2022
3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET
Register below!

If you did not receive the Zoom link, please check your spam folder. If you still cannot find it please contact wlao1919@gmail.com before 3PM.

Panelists will discuss how they and their firms support access to justice.  They will also talk about their firm culture.

Speakers:

Treasurer Jacqueline Horvat is the Treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario. She was elected in 2022 during her third term as an elected bencher. Jacqueline represents clients in commercial and shareholder disputes. She is involved in collaborative projects with the University of Windsor, including the Reclaim Pro Bono Project, representing clients who have suffered online and technology facilitated violence. Jacqueline gives back to the profession by being a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs and mentoring new lawyers.

Michelle Haigh is a licensed paralegal and founder of Precision Paralegal Services Professional Corporation, and has 25 years’ experience in the Small Claims Court. Michelle is currently a member of the Toronto Small Claims Court Frequent User Committee and the Attorney General’s Small Claims Court Advisory Committee.  Michelle was formerly a member of the Humber College Program Advisory Board, and the Sheridan College Advisory Board. Michelle has also sat on the boards for Legal Aid Ontario and the Canadian Mental Health Association (Halton Branch).

Amelia Yiu is the founding principal lawyer of Elm Law Professional Corporation, a law firm located in Whitby, Ontario. Amelia is committed to supporting and promoting women lawyers by creating an inclusive atmosphere at her firm and by being an advocate for the advancement of women in the profession.Amelia was called to the bar of Ontario in 2007 and began her career at a boutique litigation law firm in downtown Toronto before opening Elm Law in 2016. Her practice is focused on estate litigation, power of attorney disputes and elder law. Amelia also practices family law where it intersects with estates and/or power of attorney issues.

Moderators:

Jennifer Gold is a Partner of Wood Gold LLP in Brampton, where she practices family law with a focus on settlement. She’s experienced in achieving consensus, negotiating agreements, de-escalating conflict, and representing clients in mediation and arbitration. In 2021, Jennifer was appointed as a Dispute Resolution Officer for the Superior Court of Justice to assist in early resolution of family law cases. She has completed a Certificate in Family Mediation and, in keeping with her professional commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, has also completed the University of Alberta’s course, Indigenous Canada.

Najma Jamaldin is a Trial & Appeal Lawyer who is passionate about Canadian law and history. Najma has accumulated over 20 years of court expertise and with a deep belief in individual rights, she applies herself with professionalism and dedication. She has experience dealing with complex matters before all levels of court and regularly appears in the appellate courts. Najma has frequently participated as a panelist for several legal education conferences held by Ontario Bar Association, Osgoode Hall Professional Development Program and the Criminal Lawyers Association. She serves on committees for the Advocates’ Society and Women’s Law Association of Ontario. Najma works with a network of lawyers in shared chambers to ensure she can serve her clients from every angle.

CPD Accreditation: Approved EDI Professionalism: 1 hour(s) and 5 minute(s).

This session is hosted by the Women’s Law Association of Ontario.

October 25, 2022 - A2J Week 2022: Women leaders in access to justice

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A2J Week 2022: October 25th - Women leaders in access to justice.

Virtual Program: 3:30pm to 5:00pm

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Panelists will discuss how they and their firms support access to justice.  They will also talk about their firm culture.

 

 

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2022 International Women's Day - March 8, 2022

Graphic image of women for International Women's Day

The Law Society of Ontario, in partnership with the Ontario Bar Association’s Women Lawyers Forum, the Women’s Law Association of Ontario, the Women’s Paralegal Association of Ontario, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic and Young Women in Law is pleased to present our 2022 International Women’s Day event: Women Inspiring Women: Women Legal Leaders.

Join us in celebrating women who inspire us as leaders in their respective legal career paths. A panel of diverse legal professionals, including a Superior Court judge, chief legal counsel, a leading Indigenous litigator, and a paralegal, will share stories of what inspired them to choose their career paths, the challenges faced along the way and how they are working to promote the advancement of women in the legal professions.

Featured speakers

  • Teresa Donnelly, Treasurer, Law Society of Ontario
  • Karen Perron, President, Ontario Bar Association
  • Justice Audrey P.C. Ramsay, Superior Court of Justice of Ontario
  • Pam Hrick, Executive Director & General Counsel, Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund
  • Deepa Mattoo, Executive Director, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
  • Jocelyn Tatebe, Vice-President, Women’s Law Association of Ontario and Strategic Legal Counsel, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
  • Gerri Camus, Vice President and Co-Founder, Women’s Paralegal Association of Ontario
  • Shara Roy, Chief Legal Counsel, Ernst & Young LLP
  • Katherine Hensel, Partner, Fogler Rubinoff LLP
  • Sahar Talebi, Co-Director of Sponsorship, Young Women in Law and Associate, Lenczner Slaght

Please note that this program has been accredited for 1 hour and 30 minutes of EDI Professionalism Content.

Register Now

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January 31, 2022 Check-in - Starting a New Role Virtually

From Onboarding to Developing in Your New Role

New Year, New Covid variant?

It seems like Covid is here to stay, as is working virtually. In this month’s check in we will chat about what it means to start a new role virtually, whether you are an established associate who’s decided to make a lateral move, a junior starting your fist job ever, a LPP candidate, or an articling student. Starting a new role can be challenging and even more so when starting such a role virtually. In this check-in we’ll discuss how to assist colleagues or juniors to onboard virtually.

This is a drop-in session, Zoom in at lunch (noon) on January 31st, to chat with colleagues about some of the challenges of starting a new role virtually and how to overcome them!

Register Now!

January 31, 2022 WLAO Member Check-in: Starting a New Role Virtually

$0.00

From Onboarding to Developing in Your New Role

New Year, New Covid variant?

When: Monday, January 31, 2022

Time: Noon to 1PM

Where: Online Zoom Conference

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From Onboarding to Developing in Your New Role

New Year, New Covid variant?

When: Monday, January 31, 2022
Time: Noon to 1PM
Where: Online Zoom Conference
This FREE event is open to members only.

 

 

(Putting Out) Little Fires Everywhere

A Free event for anyone who has ever had to juggle being a lawyer while being a mother, particularly during Covid-19 when schools went virtual.

During this informal event, participants will share the challenges they faced during virtual learning and will explore the theme of how to redefine professional and personal success during lock down. Participants will also identify what types of support they hope to receive if schools go virtual again and they lose childcare due to Covid-19 lock-downs.

The evening will end with our guest speaker, Jordana Bergman. Jordana is a lawyer who is transitioning to becoming a psychotherapist to support the mental health needs of legal professionals. After practicing commercial litigation at the Toronto office of a national law firm and providing career counselling to law students at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Jordana recognized legal professionals' acute need for support from psychotherapists who understand some of the innate challenges that exist within the legal profession.

 

This program contains 1 hour of EDI Professionalism Content.

 

 

 

 

(Putting Out) Little Fires Everywhere! March 25, 2021

$0.00

Parent Discussion Group. Bring your concerns and ideas to share with a group of women lawyers dealing with similar issues!
Thursday, March 25th, 2021 (Putting Out) Little Fires.

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A Free event for anyone who has ever had to juggle being a lawyer while being a mother, particularly during Covid-19 when schools went virtual.

When: Thursday, March 25th, 2021
Time: 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Where: Online Zoom Conference

 

 

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Self Branding: Effective Strategies to Utilize Online Resources to Better Your Professional Position

With more and more practices working remotely it becomes increasingly important for our community to be proficient with online networking tools. Join us to hear from our expert panel on how to best use online resources like LinkedIn and personal websites to network, promote, and gain referrals.
 
Whether you are just starting out or needing to find new ways to connect with your client base, our guest's tips and strategies will help you achieve your goals.

We are delighted to have as our panel members:
Erin McLachlan, Relationship Manager from LinkedIn; 
Salomé ('Sam') Chemla, Communications Lead - Women@LinkedIn Canada;
and Denisa Mertiri, founder of Green Earth Strategy.

This program contains 1 hour and 30 minutes of Professionalism Content. 

When: Thursday, January 21st, 2021
Time: 5:30 PM EST
Where: Online Zoom Conference

The cost will be $15 for members, $40 for non members or free with the purchase of a membership. Register below. 

Salomé ('Sam') Chemla
Born in France, raised in Hong Kong and graduated in both Canada (bachelor) and Australia (master). After completing these diplomas, I started creating and deploying auction events at fundraising galas around Asia for incredible charities striving to fight animal cruelty, slavery, human trafficking and supporting human rights. I naturally migrated to business development when working for that small business which then led me to sales in Canada within the tech industry. I've been helping companies hire the best talents through strong employer branding strategies for the past 3 years, first at Indeed and now at LinkedIn. 

 

Denisa Mertiri
The founder of the firm Green Earth Law, Denisa practices in the areas of environmental law, municipal law, environmental and civil litigation, and administrative law. Denisa delivers strategic, effective and practical legal advice as well as peace of mind compliance in the face of environmental liabilities and ever-shifting regulatory frameworks. Her clients include provincial and municipal agencies, private companies, individual landowners and public interest or community groups. 

 

Erin McLachlan
After completing my Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Guelph I worked as a sales representative and travel consultant for one of Canada’s fastest growing student travel companies. I found a love for travel and sales that allowed me to connect with my clients on a very personal level. After this position I decided to travel the world and after visiting over 30 countries I have experienced many other cultures first hand. I have worked in sales and recruitment internationally in Australia and America. When I returned to Canada it was a natural progression to go into sales and recruitment. After many years of working in the recruitment industry I am now a Relationship Manager at LinkedIn working with staffing agencies to find the perfect business and recruitment solutions. 

January 21, 2021- Self Branding: Effective Strategies to Utilize Online Resources to Better Your Professional Position

$15.00$40.00

Not a member? This program is free when purchased with a WLAO membership. Click here to purchase the bundle.

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WLAO Morning Meet on Thursday, November 19, 2020

Rise and Shine with WLAO "Members Only" Virtual Morning Meet! We haven't done a breakfast meeting before so in keeping with the trend, we are creating our "new normal".

Bring your coffee or breakfast and join fellow WLAO members for some positive energy to begin your day. Chat, vent, inform, support - you choose what you need - we are here for and with you!

Much thanks to Madiha Vallani, The Inverted Attorney, for volunteering her time to help guide us to breathe, stretch, and find balance, bringing positivity and focus to our lives.

Madi is a lawyer and advanced yoga instructor with over 500 hours of training. She has been teaching yoga since 2015, and can teach a variety of classes including vinyasa, yin and restorative yoga. Her classes include guided meditation and breath-work.

We hope you will join us!

November 19, 2020 - Virtual "Members Only" Event: WLAO Morning Meet Checkin

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November 19, 2020 - Virtual "Members Only" Event: WLAO Morning Meet!

You must be logged-in as a member in order to purchase.

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Rise and Shine with WLAO Morning Meet! We haven't done a breakfast meeting before so in keeping with the trend, we are creating our "new normal".

When: Thursday, November 19th, 2020
Time: 8:00 AM until 9:00 AM
Where: Online Zoom Conference
This FREE event is open to members only.

 

 

November 5, 2020 – Empowering Women: How to Quash the Pink Elephant

If you are having trouble with the Zoom link - please text Patty - 905-466-5971 or email wlao1919@gmail.com.

Join WLAO members and guests for a panel discussion geared towards junior and mid-level associates facing gender bias and barriers in the workplace.

We will have a panel of experienced senior lawyers and coaches to offer discussion points and strategies for dealing with situations that may arise as you advance through your career.

We will have a general panel discussion and there will be opportunities for more in-depth discussion in breakout rooms with each panel member.

Panel members include:

Delee Fromm, Delee Fromm Consulting, Author, Lawyer and Psychologist

Jayashree Goswami, Senior Counsel, Intact Insurance

Jane Southren, Jane Southren Consulting, Advisor, Coach and Lawyer

November 5, 2020 - Empowering Women: How to Quash the Pink Elephant

$15.00$30.00

Not a member? This program is free purchased with a WLAO membership. Click here to purchase the bundle.

Join us for a panel discussion to empower your career!

  • Date: Thursday, November 5th, 2020
  • Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
  • Location: Online Zoom Conference

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October 22, 2020 WLAO Sandbox Talk for Parents of Young Children (Under 12)

Don't miss the opportunity to share your challenges, concerns and get some valuable feedback from fellow women lawyers dealing with the same issues! Please join fellow WLAO members with school aged children and younger, in an active discussion focused in coping, entertaining, educating and generally keeping sane in the midst of a pandemic.

Members are encouraged to invite a guest to join the conversation.

This month’s focus is on:

  1. How to deal with Halloween;
  2. The recent changes to gatherings and closures’ effect on family care;
  3. Education anxiety for those with school age kids.

Moderators:  Jennifer Gold and Jocelyn Tatebe

When: Thursday, October 22nd, 2020
Time: 12:00PM EST
Where: Online Zoom Conference

October 22, 2020 WLAO Sandbox Talk for Parents of Young Children (Under 12)

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October 22, 2020 - WLAO Sandbox Talk for Parents with School Aged Children (and younger).

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Please join fellow WLAO members and guests with school aged children and younger, in an active discussion focused in coping, entertaining, educating and generally keeping sane while you are working from home.
This month's focus is on how to deal with Halloween, the recent changes to gatherings and closures' effect on family care and education anxiety for those with school age kids.
Moderator:  Jennifer Gold
When: Thursday, October 22nd, 2020
Time: 12:00PM EST
Where: Online Zoom Conference

 

 

WLAO Holiday Gift Guide Discount Deadline!

Thanks to all of our Vendors and participants in the 1st WLAO Virtual Gift Guide Event. We had a fantastic turnout and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the amazing deals being offered by our Vendors. Most deals end on December 9th (though several go well past this date) so be sure to utilize the Vendor Gift Guide you were sent upon registration.
Not able to attend? Are you looking for unique, one of a kind, locally sourced holiday gifts? Not to worry - if you register a donation below, we will send you the Gift Guide as well!


WLAO is helping you give the gift that keeps on giving this season – support to our local Vendors, and support to local families through Red Door Family Shelter.

The WLAO Holiday Gift Guide will help you find the perfect locally sourced holiday gifts; fantastic offers, first-look items, and opportunities to participate in the 2020 Trends!
Come shop with us and help your favourite retailers flourish through the holidays! We have a rich and diverse array of online “Holiday Gift Guide” offerings featuring local Ontario women and diversity based businesses. Check out our vendors below:

Our Charity

In support of keeping families in a warm, safe place this winter, we have set-up a “Pay-as-you-can” registration system with a portion of proceeds going to The Red Door Family Shelters, so be generous if you can! Red Door has a selection of merchandise (some branded) and fantastic services available for purchase to donate to a needy family in their Gifts to Empower collection.

Our Speakers

Thanks to Alison Boudreau who filled in for Marie Fraser to speak about “Shop Local”.   Shop Local Ontario was founded in April 2020 as a response to the economic hardship experienced by small Ontario Businesses resulting from COVID-19. Shop Local started as an online farmer's market, but has grown to a place where small businesses can thrive, and customers can easily support local production.
Our “Sustainability” expert, Danielle Reid, MSc, imparted some very interesting information about the state of the sustainability strategy started by Longo's which is based on three key elements: environmental stewardship, responsible sourcing and healthy, happy people. A synopsis of Danielle's talk will be available shortly.
Thanks again to participants and vendors for making our venture such a great success!

Donate today!

Pay as You Can Donation - 2020 Holiday Gift Guide Event

From: $15.00

Select a one-time voluntary donation amount in support of our program and Holiday Charity - The Red Door.

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If you are able to do so, WLAO appreciates your support of our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide Event. A portion of funds collected will be donated to The Red Door. Thank you!

July 23rd 2020 - 5PM CST- Northwest Region Lawyers Roundtable

In partnership with WLAO, lawyers practicing in the Districts of Kenora and Rainy River are invited to "check-in" for a moderated discussion about Covid-19 restrictions, dealing with work and home life, and what is in store for the next year.

Moderator: Cheryl Siran

Guest Speaker: Lawyer Lai-King Hum, Founder of Hum Law and Counsel with the Discrimination and Harassment Counsel Program


When: Thursday, July 23rd, 2020

Time: 5PM CST (6PM EST)
Where: Online Zoom Conference

This FREE event is restricted to those practicing in the Districts of Kenora and Rainy River. You must register to attend.

Suggestions for discussion:

  • Would you prefer to continue to work from a home office? Are firm partners resistant to this idea or supportive?
  • Have you found it difficult to focus on work and staying mentally fit with all of the chaos happening around the world? Do you have a support system in place?
  • Children at home are asking a thousand questions - have you found resources to answer? Have your summer care plans changed completely?
  • What has been the biggest hurdle for you in terms of working from home? Or has it been an easy transition for you?
  • Are you planning on taking a vacation or has that changed?
  • What do you need to talk about?

Zoom login details will be shared with registered participants.

14
Nov
8:45 am - 1:00 pm

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Cultural Competence for Legal Professionals

July 23rd 2020 - 5PM CST- Northwest Region Lawyers Roundtable

Mail

Women’s Law Association of Ontario
1 Toronto Street, Suite 900
Toronto, ON M5C 2V6

Phone

416-410-7267

toll free: 1-888-723-8883

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