On behalf of Legal Leaders for Diversity and Inclusion, Gowling WLG is pleased to announce that nine law students from across Canada have been selected by the Legal Leaders for Diversity Trust Fund (LLDTF) to receive $3,000 scholarships.

Legal Leaders for Diversity and Inclusion (LLD) is a national organization comprised of general counsel who have declared their commitment to creating a more inclusive legal profession, as well as to supporting diversity initiatives within their own organizations.

The Trust Fund aims to promote equal access to legal education and diversity in Canadian law faculties by awarding scholarships to students with physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment. The scholarships are intended to foster greater diversity and inclusion within the Canadian legal profession.

"As legal leaders in Canada, we are duty-bound to take action to generate the positive impact we want to see in our businesses, institutions and communities," said Daniel Desjardins, chair of the LLDTF Board and chairman of Bombardier Transportation. "By offering these scholarships, we are promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal industry – and taking critical steps to secure its sustainability."

"The annual LLD scholarships provide financial assistance to remarkable law students who are pursuing legal studies while at the same time overcoming numerous social and practical barriers," added Scott Jolliffe, LLDTF Board member, Gowling WLG partner and the firm's former CEO. "Ultimately, we are helping to ensure the long-term success of our organizations and the communities in which we live and work."

The recipients of this year's LLD scholarships are:

  • Avesta Alani, York University
  • Michaela Baer, University of Victoria
  • Yanick Gagnon-Carbonneau, Université de Sherbrooke
  • Udaikaran (Dave) Grewal, University of British Columbia
  • Lauren Hogan, University of Ottawa
  • Samuel Johnson, University of Alberta
  • Connor Steele, University of Ottawa
  • Danielle Winter, Dalhousie University
  • Megan Wood, Lakehead University

There's strength in diversity and inclusion. That's why Gowling WLG's mission is to continue to embed diversity and inclusion into our DNA. In doing so, we're committed to creating a better, more inclusive workplace for our people – while providing superior service to our clients. Learn more about the firm's ongoing D&I efforts.