LSO Equity Summit research proponents selected
Press Release
January 20, 2025
The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) allocated $250,000 to fund research grants aimed at addressing challenges and solutions to advance equity and reconciliation within the legal professions, thereby enhancing access to justice and improving client service.
A Request for Proposals was issued in September 2024 for research projects, the preliminary findings of which will be presented at an Equity Summit.
The Equity Summit, anticipated to be held in late 2025, will showcase the preliminary findings from these research projects. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and consider appropriate responses to the findings. The Equity Summit is designed to foster dialogue and innovation on equity and reconciliation in the legal profession. By supporting and showcasing impactful research, the Summit aims to identify actionable strategies to create a more inclusive and equitable legal system in Ontario.
Thank you to all applicants for their dedication to advancing equity and reconciliation in the legal professions. There was an overwhelming response, reflecting the profession’s dedication to these critical issues.
The LSO is pleased to announce the research proponents selected for this initiative:
Kimberly Murray, Associate Professor, Queen’s University
Title: Lawyering for Reconciliation: Decolonizing the Practice of Law
This research explores practices that have emerged in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. By identifying examples across provinces and territories, the project seeks to assist justice sector workers in fostering reconciliation in their day-to-day work and applying cultural competency training into practice. The research will demonstrate how legal processes and systems can be made more accessible and less harmful to Indigenous people.
Gina Alexandris
Title: Hidden Gems: Spotlighting Successes of Internationally Trained Lawyers (ITLs) and Reviewing Historical Pedagogical Interventions Supporting ITLs
This research addresses ongoing barriers faced by ITLs in entering the legal profession in Ontario. By spotlighting successes and reviewing historical pedagogical interventions, the study aims to challenge stigma, highlight ITLs’ contributions, and inspire further supportive initiatives to enhance equity in the profession.
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
Title: Creating Safe Legal Spaces: Addressing Sexual Harassment to Support Pathways to Leadership
This study tackles the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in the legal profession. It focuses on the prevalence and impact of such harassment, aiming to develop strategies for safer, more inclusive workplaces that support career advancement and foster equity within the profession.
South Asian Bar Association
Title: Breaking Barriers, Building Inclusion: Understanding the Intersecting Experiences of Racialized LGBTQIA+ Lawyers in Ontario’s Legal Profession
This study seeks to identify barriers, supports, and promising practices for racialized LGBTQIA+ lawyers in Ontario. By exploring the experiences shaped by intersecting identities, the research will develop evidence-based recommendations to reduce barriers and foster inclusivity within the legal profession.
Criminal Lawyers’ Association (Diversity Committee and Women in Criminal Law Committee)
Title: Barriers to Retention and Advancement of Women and BIPOC Lawyers in Ontario’s Criminal Defence Bar: An Intersectional Perspective
This study focuses on identifying systemic barriers to the retention and advancement of women and BIPOC criminal defence lawyers. It aims to propose practical, intersectional solutions that build on current initiatives to address inequities and prevent talent loss in the profession.
Muslim Legal Support Centre
Title: Client Representation and Access to Justice for Marginalized Communities – Delivering Culturally Competent Legal Services
This research addresses systemic barriers and inequitable access to justice faced by Ontario’s diverse Muslim communities. By identifying these barriers and developing culturally competent legal frameworks, the study aims to improve accessibility, develop AI-assisted legal tools, and create training modules for legal practitioners to better serve diverse populations.
Ontario Association of Black Paralegals
Title: The Impact of Anti-Black Racism on Black Legal Professionals – Judged Before the Judge Documentary
This study examines systemic barriers hindering the retention and advancement of Black legal professionals, including paralegals and law clerks. By addressing issues such as racism, lack of mentorship, and exclusion from networks, the research will develop actionable recommendations to enhance inclusion and career advancement opportunities, ultimately building a more equitable legal profession.
The LSO extends sincere congratulations to the successful proponents and looks forward to the presentation of these critical research findings at the Equity Summit.
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