At Williams HR Law, equity, diversity, and inclusion (“EDI”) are foundational principles and virtues of our firm, and form the cornerstones of our growth and future.
We recognize that our mission—to provide best-in-class labour and employment law services to our clients—is best served by listening to and empowering the many voices and perspectives within our firm. Across our operations, we act with intention to foster a work environment where everyone is able to thrive as their authentic selves.
We are committed to creating an amazing place to work. This necessarily includes ensuring that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are incorporated into every facet of our services and employee experiences.
We recognize that building a more inclusive workplace starts from the top, and expect our partners and leaders to act as role models of inclusive leadership.
At the core of WHRL’s EDI-focused ethos is the principle of “servant leadership”, whereby partners and more senior lawyers are expected to serve, empower, and nurture the development of those they lead. This approach is characterized by decisive and transparent guidance, empathy, authenticity, and humility.
Our client relationships are guided by an equity-minded ethic; we centre their experiences and needs, empower them by amplifying their voices, and treat them as equal partners. We attract like-minded, progressive clients who prioritize EDI, and work closely with them to integrate those values in their workplaces sustainably.
WHRL also specializes in workplace investigations and incorporates EDI in its investigation practices. Our lawyers are consistently trusted to thoroughly and impartially investigate complaints of workplace harassment and discrimination. We apply an intersectional and trauma-informed approach to ensure that the voices and experiences of vulnerable parties are respected throughout the investigation process, regardless of our findings.
We believe that a diverse workforce drives innovation and excellence. We offer equal employment opportunities based upon an individual’s qualifications and performance, and based on the core competencies that underlie how we treat each other and how we deliver support and valuable services to our clients.
We are deeply committed to the professional development of our team, starting from the earliest stages of their careers.
We recognize that every individual has both valuable insights to offer and lessons to learn. Our team holds regular Thought Leadership meetings to drive innovation, foster social connectedness, and engage diverse perspectives and insights. We also offer professional development programming, including on nuanced topics related to EDI, to all members of the firm.
Our lawyers, students, and support staff benefit from regular interaction with the firm’s leaders and each other, ensuring that mentorship and guidance are readily accessible. As a result, much of the firm’s culture revolves around colleagues sincerely supporting colleagues, without reservation or in-house competition.
In line with WHRL’s community-minded principles, our team members are encouraged to “give back” to their communities and support the causes near and dear to their hearts. Additionally and importantly, the firm allows them the work-life balance necessary to do so. Our lawyers and support staff have volunteered their time and talents at various organizations aimed at empowering and improving the welfare of equity-seeking groups, including 360°kids and the Women’s Centre of York Region.