Reflections from the EDI in Legal Practice Conference

This fall, Allard Law’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office and the Law Society of British Columbia brought together students, faculty, practitioners and legal regulators for an engaging day of dialogue on equity, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. 

The EDI in Legal Practice Conference explored how EDI intersects with professional competencies, access to justice and institutional change. Through panels and roundtables, participants reflected on the progress and the ongoing challenges of building a more equitable and inclusive legal community.

Law Student Roundtable

The conference opened with a student roundtable, which grounded the day in lived experiences. In a powerful discussion, students from the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law and the Allard School of Law shared their personal experiences and insights about navigating the legal profession. Students highlighted financial constraints, gendered assumptions and cultural nuances in hiring as some of the main challenges that marginalized students face during law school. Rather than framing these challenges as criticisms, students presented these issues as opportunities for the profession and legal education to better understand the diverse realities that shape students’ experiences and access to opportunities.

The student panelists also shared thoughtful suggestions for strengthening the legal profession’s commitments to equity and inclusion, such as developing more structured and intentional mentorship pathways for racialized and underrepresented students. While firms often express strong EDI commitments, students noted that further transparency and more consistent follow-through are needed, particularly in areas such as recruitment, retention and professional development. Their insights provide an opportunity for legal employers to reflect on how to develop practices that genuinely support diverse talent and cultivate environments where all future lawyers can thrive.

Reflections from Law Schools & the Regulator

Leaders from Thompson River University’s Faculty of Law and Allard Law, as well as representatives from the Law Society of BC, came together for our next session, “Reflections from Law Schools & the Regulator,” which focused on the systemic dimensions of equity, diversity and inclusion in legal education and access to the legal profession.

Panelists reflected on the responsibility of law schools and professional bodies to shape pathways into the legal profession, emphasizing that fostering diversity begins long before students enter practice. They also discussed the need to critically examine how cultural and socioeconomic factors may influence who is best positioned to benefit from these recruitment processes.

The panelists emphasized the need for mentorship, community building and culturally responsive resources and made the case for more collaboration between law schools and regulators to ensure that these supports translate into equitable professional outcomes.

Perspectives from Law Practice: How Legal Practitioners Are Seriously Implementing EDI Commitments

The third session, “Perspectives from Law Practice: How Legal Practitioners Are Seriously Implementing EDI Commitments,” brought together partners from law firms and in-house counsel to discuss how equity, diversity and inclusion principles are being translated into everyday legal practice.

While policy commitments are essential, panelists noted that real progress depends on sustained cultural change within law firms and legal organizations. One theme that emerged was the importance of networking, both as a tool for career advancement and as a way to foster inclusion within the profession. Building professional relationships, they noted, is not only crucial for career development, but also for creating spaces where diverse voices and experiences can be seen and valued.

The speakers acknowledged that for many individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds, networking can feel daunting or inaccessible. They emphasized that firms have a responsibility to create inclusive networking opportunities that move beyond traditional, exclusive settings and actively invite participation from lawyers and students of all backgrounds.

EDI in the Legal Profession: How LSBC Is Seriously Promoting EDI Commitments in Law Practice

For the final session, four Law Society of BC Benchers discussed their ongoing work to promote EDI principles and embed EDI commitments into professional standards, regulatory frameworks and continuing education. The Law Society’s Benchers serve on a voluntary board of governors that’s tasked with establishing the Law Society Rules, the Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia and board policies, as well as overseeing the implementation and administration of the Law Society’s programs.

Panelists shared their personal motivations for entering the legal field and taking on leadership roles as Benchers, describing their commitment to justice and fairness and the belief that the profession can be a powerful force for positive social change. They also acknowledged the challenges and systemic barriers that continue to hinder the advancement of EDI within the profession – from unequal access to opportunities and mentorship to the slow pace of institutional change. They emphasized that while awareness of EDI issues has grown, transformation requires accountability, transparency and collaboration among all members of the legal community.

Looking to the future, each of the Benchers expressed optimism and determination and encouraged lawyers and law students to view EDI as a shared responsibility that strengthens both the profession’s integrity and its capacity to serve the public.