Today Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP achieved Mansfield Rule 7.0 Certification Plus, underscoring the firm’s ongoing commitment to increasing equitable access to leadership opportunities and ensuring that leaders in these roles reflect the full diversity of the firm’s people and clients.

Mansfield establishes a clear, structured and globally recognized certification process for law firms to ensure all qualified legal professionals have a fair and equal opportunity to advance into leadership roles.

Participating firms pledge to consider a broad pool of candidates for these positions, 30 per cent of which must consist of people from underrepresented groups. The additional distinction of Certification Plus confirms that individuals from these groups already occupy at least 30 per cent of leadership roles across the majority of Mansfield’s categories.

“Our firm is driven by a vibrant people-first culture, one rooted in the principles of inclusiveness, transparency and opportunity. However, to truly live up to these principles, we know we have more work to do,” said Steve McKersie, CEO of Gowling WLG Canada. “Achieving Mansfield Certification Plus marks a meaningful step in our journey to build a more diverse and equitable workplace, where everyone – regardless of their background – has the opportunity to grow and lead.”

Mansfield certification was launched in 2017 by Diversity Lab. Each year, firms are asked to recommit to the certification process, which is based on standards that continue to evolve in line with data-backed insights.

“As we continue our journey of becoming a more inclusive firm, achieving Mansfield certification makes us more accountable for expanding our talent pipeline and shaping new pathways for advancement,” said Shereen Samuels, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Gowling WLG Canada. “Just as importantly, Mansfield’s data-driven approach has helped us bring innovation, best practices and industry standards to this vital discussion.”

About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Gowling WLG

There's strength in diversity and inclusion. That's why Gowling WLG’s mission is to continue embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into our DNA. In doing so, we're committed to embracing differences and creating a better, more inclusive workplace for our people – while providing superior service to our clients. Learn more about our firm's ongoing DEI efforts.