Skip to content.

#InclusionNow: McCarthy Tétrault and United Way Centraide Strengthen Partnership

Toronto, October 23, 2018 – McCarthy Tétrault announced today that it is donating $5 million to United Way Centraide, over 5 years, to support 5 groups:

  • Women;
  • members of the LGBTQ2S community;
  • Indigenous peoples;
  • newcomers; and
  • people living with disabilities.

This donation will support United Way Centraide’s work ensuring that background and circumstance are not barriers to opportunity. In addition to its 5/5/5 commitment, the firm will supplement its contribution with an additional investment of firm time, through dedicated volunteer and pro bono activities.

This multi-year commitment to United Way Centraide is the first of its kind for Canada’s legal industry.

McCarthy Tétrault has a history of progressive corporate citizenship. In addition to their enthusiastic support of United Way through its annual fundraising campaign, McCarthy Tétrault’s people are active in pro bono work, participate in non-profit boards, and commit much of their personal time to community causes. McCarthy Tétrault was the first Canadian law firm to appoint a Chief Inclusion Officer, currently Barbara Boake, and also pioneered the introduction of a formal and robust pro bono program and committee, now chaired by Gordon Baird. The firm also continues to invest generously in the community through its charitable foundation, led by Chief Community Officer, John Osler.

United Way Event Photo
From left to right: Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO, United Way Greater Toronto, Nikki Gershbain, Senior Director Inclusion and Community Engagement, McCarthy Tétrault, Brian Porter, 2018 Campaign Chair of United Way Greater Toronto, President and CEO of Scotiabank, Dave Leonard, CEO and Partner, McCarthy Tétrault

While inclusion, community giving, and pro bono have always been strategic priorities and a business imperative for the firm, the firm is striving to take its commitment to another level. In an effort to deepen, elevate, and accelerate its commitment to these areas, the firm recently welcomed Nikki Gershbain, Senior Director, Inclusion and Community Engagement. Working directly with the firm’s senior leadership team, Nikki’s portfolio combines diversity and inclusion, pro bono, and corporate social responsibility under one umbrella. 

“INCLUSION NOW is McCarthy Tétrault’s renewed commitment to our workplace and our communities,” said Nikki. “Combining equity and social responsibility into one portfolio will not only allow us to knit together all these values, it will engage our people, support our neighbours and drive our innovation and growth.”

“Social responsibility is critical to the long term success of our firm and to the communities we live in and serve,” said Dave Leonard, CEO. “The addition of Nikki, coupled with our strengthened partnership with United Way, allows us to enhance our inclusion efforts within the firm, attract new talent, deepen client relationships, and significantly increase our overall social impact.”

“We are proud that when McCarthy Tétrault wanted to invest in inclusion, they chose United Way,” said Daniele Zanotti, United Way Greater Toronto President & CEO. We know from our research that too many people are facing barriers to opportunity because of background and circumstances beyond their control. That’s why we work hard to ensure that everyone has the supports they need to succeed. Today, the firm is breaking new ground with a milestone five-year $5-million commitment to promote inclusion for people who are getting left behind.”

About United Way Centraide

Since 1919, the United Way Centraide (UWC) Movement has been dedicated to creating opportunities for a better life for all Canadians. The United Way Centraide Movement is a federated network of United Way and Centraide offices serving more than 5,000 communities across Canada. Each United Way and Centraide is registered as a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer-led, local board of directors. Together we are the United Way Centraide Movement working to create sustainable solutions to the social issues faced by local communities across Canada.

About McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault LLP provides a broad range of legal services, advising on large and complex assignments for Canadian and international interests. The firm has substantial presence in Canada’s major commercial centres as well as in New York City and London, UK.

Built on an integrated approach to the practice of law and delivery of innovative client services, the firm brings its legal talent, industry insight and practice experience to help clients achieve the results that are important to them.

– 30 –

People