The Diversity and Inclusion Committee is a strong supporter of initiatives undertaken by provincial law societies and external organizations to provide resources relating to wellness, mental health and other issues of concern for lawyers.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Executive Members
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee is made up of the following executive members:
Chair: Teresa-Anne Martin, Aviva Trial Lawyers
Vice Chair: Teri Liu, Dutton Brock LLP
Past Chair: Christina Cook, Intact Insurance
Members at Large:
Aleksandra Zivanovic, SGI Canada
Susan Gunter, Dutton Brock LLP
Debbie Orth, Bertschi Orth Solicitors & Barristers
Heather Sanderson, Sanderson Law
Rabjeet ‘RJ’ Wallia, Swadden & Company
Timothea Leung, Gilbert Kirby Stringer
Lida Moazzam, Dutton Brock LLP
Sonya Katrycz, Zarek Taylor Grossman & Hanrahan
Amanda McBride, McBride & Shields
Shernaz Cyrus Patel,O'Donnell Robertson & Partners
Kristal M. Low, Guild Yule Vancouver
Lawrence Conmigo, Intact Public Entities
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Initiatives
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee was established in the fall of 2017, however, CDL’s Diversity Policy has been in existence for over a decade and features prominently on its website. In less than three years, the size of this steering committee has almost tripled, with representatives from across Canada This growth has allowed for targeted community involvement, promotion of D&I ideals, and expanded awareness of the importance of D&I initiatives throughout CDL membership and beyond.
The committee mandate and duties are:
• To ensure a culture of diversity and inclusion is supported and encouraged throughout CDL programming and public submissions.
• Provide cross-representation on CLE Committee, CDL Women’s Caucus, Young Lawyer Committee, and In-house Counsel Committee.
• Ensure issues of community interest are shared with CDL membership
Read a 2022 Status Report of the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee HERE
Read a 2021 Status Report of the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee HERE
Below is a list of some cultural competency resources gathered by members of the committee:
Publication Version September 29, 2022
We are pleased to show you profiles of current CDL members each one offers a unique experience:
Olivier Guillaume, Aviva Trial Lawyers
Suzanne Clarke, Zarek Taylor Grossman Hanrahan LLP
Talaal Bond, Matthews Abogado LLP
Heather Kawaguchi, Kawaguchi Krajden, LLP