In this episode, Neena Gupta, co-chair of Gowling WLG Canada’s National Diversity and Inclusion Council, shares how her experiences with unconscious bias as a young associate motivated her to champion diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and develop new programs to foster D & I in the workplace.
Episode tip
"I think that when we are in meetings and groups, [we need to make more of] an effort to ensure that everybody’s ideas really get a chance and that when somebody junior [...] comes up with a good idea, to make sure that person gets the credit or the recognition for it." — Neena Gupta, Partner at Gowling WLG
Resources
Episode guest
Neena Gupta
Neena is a partner in our Waterloo Region and Toronto offices, with a focus on employment law. She is also a well-respected speaker, and has taught human rights law at both the University of Toronto and Queen's University as an adjunct professor.
To learn more about Neena, visit her bio or connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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In episode three of Diversonomics, co-hosts Roberto Aburto and Sarah Willis interview Lorna Gavin, Gowling WLG U.K.’s head of diversity, inclusion and corporate responsibility. In their discussion, they explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing diversity and inclusion strategies across a global firm, while also detailing Gowling WLG U.K.’s various diversity networks.
Episode tip
"1 in 4 people will have a mental health problem at some stage [...] it is okay to talk about it and it is okay to ask for help." — Lorna Gavin, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Gowling WLG
Resources
Episode guest
Lorna Gavin
Formerly a corporate lawyer, Lorna Gavin now co-ordinates the interaction and overlap between Gowling WLG UK's areas of focus as Head of Corporate Responsibility.
Lorna leads Gowling WLG UK's involvement with Business Action on Homelessness and the Ready for Work program, and leads the firm's pro bono work initiative.
To learn more about Lorna, visit her bio or connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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Don't want to miss an episode, or want to tell us how we're doing with a rating or review? Visit us on iTunes!
For episode two of Diversonomics, co-hosts Roberto Aberto and Sarah Willis interview Mark Greenburgh, a partner in Gowling WLG's London office. They discuss the exciting new diversity and inclusion opportunities that have arisen since the combination of Gowlings and Wragge Lawrence Graham, as well at Gowling WLG UK's LGBT OpenHouse initiative.
Episode tip
"Bring your whole self to work. You’ll be better at what you do and a happier person." — Mark Greenburgh, Partner at Gowling WLG
Resources mentioned in this episode
Episode guest
Mark Greenburgh
Mark Greenburgh is a partner in Gowling WLG's London office, with his practice focused on employment litigation. He helps clients find solutions to workplace relationship issues and interpret the special legislation or collective agreements applicable to public sector employees.
Mark is also a Higher Rights Advocate, a Freeman of the City of London, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Solicitors, a member of the City of London Employment Law Committee and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
To learn more about Mark, visit his bio or connect with him on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Podcast summary
In the inaugural episode of Diversonomics, co-hosts Roberto Aburto and Sarah Willis introduce listeners to the podcast and discuss their experiences with diversity and inclusion in the legal industry. They also outline some of the obstacles the profession faces with respect to adopting new strategies and overhauling old practices.
Episode tip
"Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common." — Sarah Willis, Co-host of Diversonomics and an associate at Gowling WLG
Resources mentioned in this episode
Episode guests
Roberto Aburto
Roberto Aburto is an associate in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office, practising in municipal law and civil litigation, with a focus on real estate disputes, land use planning law and commercial litigation.
He is also an active member in the swimming and lifesaving community, serving on the board of directors for the Lifesaving Society (Ontario Branch) as the corporate secretary/legal adviser, and on the Lifesaving Society (National Branch) National Team Selection Committee for Lifesaving Sport.
He is also co-chair of Gowling WLG's Diversity and Inclusion Council and is committed to promoting these principles.
To learn more about Roberto, visit his bio or connect with him on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Sarah Willis
Sarah Willis is an associate in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office, practising in the areas of commercial and civil litigation, and medical defence law. Sarah also has ecommercial and civil litigation experience in a variety of areas, including contractual and construction law disputes, tort actions, and small claims court claims. While in law school, Sarah was an oralist in the 2013 Willms and Shier Environmental Law Moot competition, sat as an executive on the Women and Law Association, and was the vice-president of the class of 2013 council in her final year.
To learn more about Sarah, visit her bio or connect with her on LinkedIn.