The 12th Annual Young Women in Law Charity Gala

In early October, close to 300 people made their way into the Toronto Region Board of Trade for an evening of networking and fun at the annual Young Women in Law Charity Gala. A photo booth—which had been provided by the event’s title sponsor, The Heller Group—was a hit among the attendees. Throughout the event, partygoers also participated in a silent auction that featured items donated by a variety of local vendors. The proceeds went to the gala’s beneficiary charity, Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, an organization that supports education initiatives for Afghan women.

The evening’s main draw was a fireside chat with former CTV National News anchor Lisa LaFlamme. The discussion—moderated by Sahar Talebi, YWL’s director of sponsorship and an associate at Lenczner Slaght—focused on LaFlamme’s experiences as a woman in the male-dominated world of broadcast journalism. In her remarks, LaFlamme also addressed what women in the legal profession might learn from her own career.

“We are so pleased with how the event turned out and we’re excited to have this opportunity to donate to a great cause and charity,” says Sandra Buhain, legal counsel at Desjardins and YWL’s director of communications and marketing. “We are so thankful to all of our supporters, members, sponsors and vendors for all of their hard work and generosity in making this event possible. A special thank you is also owed to Lisa LaFlamme for her time and her words of wisdom.”