Skip to content

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

About our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee

As a Firm, we value diversity and are committed to providing a workplace that fosters a culture of awareness, appreciation and respect. We are a signatory of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in recruitment, retention and advancement within law firms, law schools and the broader community. We are also a proud employer partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

With the support of the Firm's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, led by CEO and Managing Partner, Lydia Bugden, K.C., our mission is focused on four key pillars:

  • Recruitment - Our Firm will reflect the diversity of the community at large.
  • Retention and Advancement - Lawyers, managers and staff from diverse and under-represented communities will be active participants in decision-making.
  • Education and Training - Ongoing training will be available to all lawyers and staff to ensure awareness of and knowledge about equity and diversity issues.
  • Leadership - We will promote and support the active participation of lawyers from diverse groups in client, business development and Firm leadership roles.

It is our belief that diversity, equity and inclusion enhances the delivery of legal services to our clients through the respected and valued input of diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences.

We are proud to be an Employer Partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion:

Diversity asterisk

To see our diversity, equity and inclusion numbers at a glance, click the infographic above.

JD Bridges Foundation

We are pleased to be a Truss Sponsor of the JD Bridges Foundation – a bursary and mentorship initiative working to remove barriers for Black students interested in studying law.

The bursary program provides financial supports for costs associated with law school admission test and study materials, prep courses and the test itself.

Bursary recipients are also paired with a mentor to help them as they prepare, working to ensure applicants are as supported as possible.

Our Women's Initiative: The Libby Project

The Libby Project is an initiative dedicated to supporting our women lawyers in achieving their career goals, including:

  • Advancing to Partnership
  • Developing leadership skills
  • Enhancing client relationships
  • Connecting with sponsors and mentors

It also provides educational programs, thought leadership and information to support these goals. The Libby Project represents the Firm’s commitment to the mentoring and sponsorship of women by women, educational programs and leadership.

The Libby Project was first established as the “Women’s Initiative”, and was renamed “The Libby Project” in 2021 in honour of the Firm’s first female lawyer, A. Elizabeth “Libby” Hoyt-Brown (1925-2009). In 1959, our predecessor firm in Saint John, McKelvey, MacAulay, Machum, became one of the first firms in New Brunswick to engage a female lawyer. Libby joined us and, in 1968, became a Partner. Libby was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1982 and was made a life member of the Law Society of New Brunswick in 2000.

The Libby Project is chaired by Charlottetown partner, Jennifer MacPherson, and is supported by women lawyer champions in each province:

thelibbyproject_logo-04[1]

To see our our progress in supporting our women lawyers, click the infographic above.

Our women leaders

In 2008, Cathy Lahey, K.C., was appointed Managing Partner of the Firm’s three New Brunswick offices, a position she held until 2016.

In 2015, Stewart McKelvey became the first Atlantic Canadian law firm to have a woman as CEO and Managing Partner. Lydia Bugden, K.C remains in that role today.

Also in 2015, the Firm’s Halifax office appointed Rebecca Saturley as Managing Partner.

In 2020, Maureen Ryan, K.C., partner in the St. John’s office, was appointed Chair of the Firm’s Partnership Board, another first for a woman to hold this position.

In 2021, Tauna Staniland, K.C., was appointed Managing Partner of our St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador office, a position she held until 2023.

In 2022, our Partnership Board achieved gender parity with 50% of the seats held by women.

Also in 2022, the Firm celebrated International Women’s Day (March 8) with a campaign centered around our women leaders, and what leadership means to them.

In 2023, Allison Whelan, LL.M was appointed Managing Partner of our St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador office.

In 2024, Deanne MacLeod, K.C., partner in the Halifax office, was appointed Chair of the Firm’s Partnership Board. Other women on the board include:

Also in 2024, Sarah Dever Letson, CIPP/C was appointed Managing Partner of our Saint John, New Brunswick office.

Celebrating diversity at our Firm

We believe in taking an active role in our communities and supporting the diversity that contributes to the richness and vibrancy of Atlantic Canada. Stewart McKelvey is proud to participate in events that celebrate our diversity and support organizations that foster inclusion and awareness. We encourage the involvement of employees in promoting our uniqueness as people, places and cultures.

 

In recognition of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Jessica Cooper (Qalipu First Nation) in our St. John’s office performed a traditional smudging ceremony. (September 2021)

Ahead of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, lawyers and staff heard from Jeff Ward, educator, musician and recent federal election candidate. Jeff explained aspects of First Nations history and culture, as well as the significance of language, community and traditions. (September 2021)

To celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, otherwise known as the Moon Festival, Kate Hao in St. John's brought in some mooncakes for us to try and shared some more information about this day spent with family. (September 2021)

Our team wore their best and brightest to celebrate St. John's Pride and decorated our reception area for the week! (July 2021)

To celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day, lawyers and staff Firmwide heard from activist, speaker and educator Hasan Hai. (June 2021)

As part of National Indigenous Heritage Month, Jessica Cooper of our St. John's office set up a beautiful display in reception. (June 2021)

Following the Lunar New Year, lawyers and staff Firm-wide learned more about Chinese and Asian traditions through an online discussion and trivia contest put together by Level Chan, Chenchen Yu & Chee Ng! ((March 2021)

To recognize Black History Month, we had a virtual celebration of the arts, where our six offices heard journalist Evelyn C. White reflect on African Nova Scotian opera singer Portia White and Damini Awoyiga perform a powerful original poem. (February 2021)

We hosted The Blake Sisters in our St. John's office for a special performance in celebration of Indigenous heritage, which was enjoyed by lawyers & staff Firm-wide. (October 2020)

Our six offices came together virtually to hear from journalist Evelyn C. White, who discussed the 1963 Birmingham, Alabama church bombing and the transgender man who brought justice to the case (July 2020)

We celebrated the 10th anniversary of St. John's Pride! (July 2020)

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provided staff in all of our offices with unconscious bias training. (November 2019)

As part of our 5th annual Pride reception, our offices across Atlantic Canada came together remotely to learn how LGBTQ+ rights have evolved over the last 50 years. (July 2019)

As part of our 5th annual Pride reception, our offices across Atlantic Canada came together remotely to learn how LGBTQ+ rights have evolved over the last 50 years. (July 2019)

As part of our 5th annual Pride reception, our offices across Atlantic Canada came together remotely to learn how LGBTQ+ rights have evolved over the last 50 years. (July 2019)

Halifax Pride Parade (July 2019)

As part of our 5th annual Pride reception, our offices across Atlantic Canada came together remotely to learn how LGBTQ+ rights have evolved over the last 50 years. (July 2019)

St. John's Pride Parade (July 2019)

Lawyers and staff in our Fredericton office welcomed local Aboriginal artist Justin Sappier as part of Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Justin specializes in wood carvings and brought in some of his handmade masks and paddles for us to take a closer look at. (July 2019)

Canadian Multiculturalism Day in Moncton with special guest speaker Akram Ben Salah (June 2019)

Taste of India presents to lawyers & staff as part of Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebration (June 2019)

Halifax celebrates Canadian Multiculturalism Day at Art Gallery Nova Scotia (June 2019)

Angelin Soosaipallai and Pam Malins from CCDI discuss what leaders should be doing to get the most out of those around them (April 2019) (Photo courtesy of @_AgelinS)

Women lawyers from across our Firm learned how to power up their inner winner with Olympian Karen Furneaux, as part of our 2019 Women's Initiative (April 2019)

Our Fredericton team took part in International Day of Pink (April 2019)

Charlottetown celebrates Diwali (November 2018)

Fredericton Pride Parade (August 2018)

Saint John Pride Parade (August 2018)

“Stewart McKelvey shows high rates of inclusion overall: 8 out of 10 Inclusion survey questions received positive response rates over 70%.”

- Key findings from the 2016 “Diversity by the Numbers: The Legal Profession” survey by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Scroll To Top