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Programs and Services

Professional Development Programs
The Law Society offers customized equity and diversity training programs and tools to assist lawyers in meeting their obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Training sessions are tailored to the needs of the law firm/or practitioner and are offered in many formats, such as seminars, workshops, information education sessions, continuing legal education and train-the-trainer sessions.

Model Policies, publications. Reports
The Law Society has developed numerous model policies to guide law firms in their efforts to promote equity and diversity in their day-to-day practices. Model policies are available for:

Discrimination and Harassment Counsel
The Law Society provides a Discrimination and Harassment Counsel service free-of-charge to the Ontario public and lawyers. The Discrimination and Harassment Counsel confidentially assists anyone who may have experienced discrimination or harassment by a lawyer or within a law firm.

Mentorship Program
This program encourages students from Aboriginal, Francophone and equity-seeking communities to consider law as a career and to assist in the transition into the profession. In cooperation with school boards, legal organizations and law schools, the Law Society matches students (law school students, Licensing Process students and newly called lawyers) with volunteer members of the profession who give insight into the practice of law.

Student Support Services for Lawyers >> for Paralegals
Services provides support and services that improve the learning environment for all students and offers accommodation for students who are unable to comply with the conditions or requirements of the Licensing Process. Services include examinations in alternative forms such as audiotape, Braille and text-to-speech and special equipment for persons with visual and auditory impairments. Arrangements are also made so students from remote regions can complete exams in facilities other than the Law Society.

Aboriginal Elders' Student Supports
This Program provides Aboriginal students in the Licensing Process with cultural supports and matches students with Aboriginal practitioners for guidance.

Equity Public Education Series
This program includes lectures, seminars, workshops and consultations to address issues of equity and diversity in the legal profession. It also aims to build bridges between the legal profession and members of the public (particularly from Aboriginal, Francophone and equity-seeking communities) who are concerned about equality rights and want to contribute to enhancing equity and diversity in the legal profession.

Law Society News & Events
This section includes information about current events, activities, reports and publications of the Law Society, including equity-related news and happenings.


For further information, contact the Equity Initiatives Department through the Resource Centre at (416) 947-3315 or 1-800-668-7380 ext. 3315 or by e-mail.