What: Honouring Black Legal Pioneers: the Journey of Black Lawyers in Canada
Where: The Law Society of Upper Canada at Osgoode Hall
When: February 8, 2011
The Law Society of Upper Canada and the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers gathered earlier this week in honour of Black History Month to celebrate many accomplishments of the black legal community and the contributions they have made, and will continue to make, to the profession.
The evening began with a fascinating roundtable discussion including the Honourable Justice Hugh L. Fraser, Yola Grant, Marcus B. Snowden and Lance C. Talbot, with Patricia DeGuire chairing the program. Following the panel discussion was a reeption which included a short dance performance by Manding Foli Kan Don, a Toronto group which performs West African dance and music.
Keynote speaker and Law Society Bencher, Julian Falconer, then made an address touching on the many successes of the black legal community, as well as issues which African Canadian and other minority lawyers continue to face, even in a growing profession. Notably, he called on the community to provide more mentorship and guidance to new calls, and sole and small firm lawyers, who are increasingly finding themselves at various disadvantages in practice. It was a lucid, insightful and inspirational address.
Take a look at some of the guests in the photo slideshow above, and tag yourself and your friends in the Facebook photo album.
Jordan Nahmias is a Toronto-based entertainment and corporate lawyer, as well as a professional photographer. Invite us to your party! Email us at events@lawandstyle.beta-site.ca.