CPD 186 - The Benefits of Diversity

CPD 186 - The Benefits of Diversity

Recorded Oct 2018
Qualifies for 4 CPD hours, all of which qualifies for Ethics.

Materials https://www.lawsociety.sk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CPD-186-Benefits-of-Diversity-Program-and-Materials-Package.pdf

The Canadian legal profession has also been increasing in diversity, but equity-seeking groups are underrepresented in positions of influence and in the profession generally. For example, while women represent approximately 50% of law students at the University of Saskatchewan, they representonly38%ofactivelawyersintheprovince. Further,Saskatchewan has the second-highest Aboriginal population among the provinces in Canada, at 16.3% of the population compared to the national average of 2.8%; but a recent survey of Law Society of Saskatchewan members indicated that only 6.5% identified as being Aboriginal. These statistics provide some indication that the cultural attributes of the profession are not reflective of the public it serves.

In order to provide the best possible service, the legal profession should be reflective of the public. In order to achieve this, the Saskatchewan legal profession must embrace and help to elevate lawyers from underrepresented groups. Doing so will elevate the profession as a whole, but there are also many benefits for lawyers and legal workplaces who embrace diversity.

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CPD 186 - The Benefits of Diversity