BLG Appoints National Director of Diversity and Inclusion

New Role Highlights Borden Ladner Gervais' Commitment to Diversity

TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2015 /CNW/ -  Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is proud to announce the appointment of Laleh Moshiri as the firm's first national director of diversity and inclusion.

With a dedicated focus on diversity and inclusion by a non-practising lawyer reporting directly to the C-suite, the role underscores BLG's commitment to diversity. 

"BLG has significant, longstanding commitments to diversity and inclusion initiatives, policies and programs, with measureable targets. And now we have one leader accountable for the firm-wide strategy and implementation which will help us continue to ensure we lead the profession in our diversity approach and programs," stated Sean Weir, National Managing Partner and CEO, BLG. "Diversity is deeply rooted in BLG's DNA and represents the values of the firm. At BLG, we know different perspectives lead to better communities, workplaces, and solutions for our clients."

Ms. Moshiri started with BLG as a litigator in the Health Law Group and most recently was the senior director of professional resources in the firm's Toronto office. Her responsibilities have included recruitment, mentoring, career development, performance management, and continuing legal education. She also serves on the firm's Diversity and Inclusion and Women's Leadership Development Committees.

"This new position underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion at BLG," said Phil Donnelly, Chief Talent Officer, BLG. "Diversity and inclusion is a core pillar in our overall talent strategy, which encompasses the entire organization – both our legal and business services professionals."

BLG's diversity and inclusion programs ensure diversity issues are understood, appreciated, and addressed within the firm. To accomplish this, BLG will implement a new national diversity strategy and will invest in a number of new programs including:

• Regularly reviewing the talent pipeline to ensure the progression of women and diverse individuals
• Supporting the development of women and diverse individuals through the delivery of customized programs

"We are delighted to continue to work with Ms. Moshiri in this new capacity. She has been a key member of BLG's Diversity and Inclusion Committee," said Sonia Mak, Partner and Chair of BLG's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. "The committee will continue to support the development of innovative programming to achieve the firm's goals for increased diversity and greater inclusivity."

BLG is a founding signatory of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network, a national corporate sponsor of Pride at Work Canada, an employer partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, a member of Catalyst Canada and a signatory to the Catalyst Accord.  BLG's commitment to diversity also extends to its community involvement.  BLG supports various community groups and initiatives with a focus on diversity including the following:

• The Black Business and Professional Association
• See Yourself Here (University of Toronto, Faculty of Law)
• The Black Law Students' Association of Canada
• Out on Bay Street
• Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers
• Internationally Trained Lawyers' Program (University of Toronto)

"I am thrilled about this new opportunity because BLG already has a culture that embraces diversity," said Laleh Moshiri, National Director, Diversity and Inclusion, BLG. "I look forward to building on this strength as we work on new initiatives and continue to build a diverse and inclusive workplace."

About Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is a leading, national, full-service Canadian law firm focusing on business law, commercial litigation and arbitration, and intellectual property solutions for our clients. BLG is one of the country's largest law firms with more than 725 lawyers, intellectual property agents and other professionals in five cities across Canada. We assist clients with their legal needs, from major litigation to financing to patents and trademarks.

Calgary | Montréal | Ottawa | Toronto | Vancouver
Lawyers | Patent & Trademark Agents | Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is an Ontario Limited Liability Partnership.

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SOURCE Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

For further information: or to arrange an interview, please contact: Eusis Dougan-McKenzie, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, [email protected], 416.350.2676; Talha Wasti, Environics Communications Inc., [email protected], 416.969.2658; Alida Alepian, Capital Image, [email protected], 514.739.1188 ext.239