Upcoming event supports women in law, boosts a great charity, and celebrates 2024
This article was produced in partnership with McLeish Orlando Lawyers
As the end of the year approaches, McLeish Orlando invites you to celebrate with a cause.
Its upcoming networking event, Women Making Moves, is holiday fundraiser in collaboration with the Women’s Law Association of Ontario (WLAO). It will not only celebrate 2024 but also raise money for Shelter Movers, a national charitable organization that provides moving and storage at no cost for those experiencing abuse.
“It’s important to contribute to the advance of women in the legal profession, and if we can do that by facilitating an event, we’re happy to be a part of that,” says Lindsay Charles, partner at the firm. “Even better that it’s supporting a worthy cause that contributes to the safety and empowerment of individuals fleeing violence.”
The importance of female mentorship
While the Law Society of Ontario’s 2023 Annual Report shows the number of female lawyers is almost equal to their male counterparts — 57% and 52%, respectively — it’s long been recognized that women leave the profession at a disproportionately higher rate and are less likely than men to become firm partners.
As an articling student, Charles remembers attending an event on how to navigate your career as a female lawyer and not fall victim to those numbers. It’s something she took to heart then and continues to prioritize now, as she looks for ways to support other women in moving their careers forward in a positive way.
“It's important to have a collegial network of people to bounce ideas off of and that can go from the top down and the bottom up,” Charles says. “At different parts of your career, you might be receiving more mentorship, and then it might flip to being the mentor and giving back what you received when you were a younger lawyer.”
The WLAO is a long-standing not-for-profit corporation committed to championing issues and causes affecting women in the legal profession, something McLeish Orlando firmly believes in as well. Whenever there’s an ask, “we want to help,” Charles notes, adding that sponsoring the event to ensure more proceeds go to Shelter Movers just made sense. They’ve landed a fantastic key note speaker as well, Teresa Donnelly — West Region Sexual Violence Crown, Sexual Violence Advisory Group, Criminal Law Division, Ministry of the Attorney General, Ontario Public Service — who stands as a testament to how far women can go in the field.
“We planned a community outreach event combined with a charitable cause, and it’s a great one,” she adds. “It’s the perfect celebration to attend if you want to catch up with colleagues, meet new people, and give back.”
McLeish Orlando’s culture: Be a good person
At McLeish Orlando, it’s important to give back to a variety of causes in the community. From longstanding commitments with Toronto Rehab and Canadian blood services, to donating 10,000 bicycle helmets to children in communities of need, it’s no surprise the firm is a staunch supporter of safety and injury prevention initiatives.
However, McLeish Orlando doesn’t stop there. Along with joining efforts with the likes of WLAO, over the years they’ve done a lot with the Breakfast Club of Canada during the pandemic, donated countless turkeys during holiday seasons, and participated in the Law Society’s Feed the Hungry.
“These charities are just about being a good person — that’s our company culture,” Charles says. “The importance of giving back is foundational here.”
And of course, it helps when you can have fun doing it.
Join McLeish Orlando in raising glasses and funds on November 6, from 5-8:30 pm, at Leña Restaurante in Toronto. Get your ticket with tax receipt issued here.
