Director, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Initiatives
Location: London/Toronto (Hybrid)
The land on which Lerners operates and their offices are located is the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, the Chippewa, the Attawandaron, the Lūnaapéewak, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Huron Wendat peoples, the Odawa, and Myaamia people. These lands are now home to diverse Indigenous peoples, including the First Nations, the Métis, and the Inuit. Lerners is dedicated to incorporating Indigenous knowledge and principles of reconciliation into their work and to supporting Indigenous communities in their pursuit of justice and self-determination.
Lerners LLP is a leading full-service Canadian law firm with more than 130 lawyers across offices in London, Toronto, Strathroy, and the Waterloo Region. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, the firm is widely recognized for legal excellence, a deeply collaborative culture, and a commitment to client-focused solutions grounded in integrity, respect, and community engagement.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (IDEA) are core values at Lerners, shaping how the firm recruits, develops, and supports its people, and how it contributes to the broader legal profession. The firm is a proud member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network (LFDIN) and champions initiatives that reduce barriers in law, including bursaries and mentorship programs for racialized students.
It is within this context that Lerners invites nominations and applications for the role of Director, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Initiatives—a leadership position that will have an indelible impact on the future culture, governance, and talent experience of the firm.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, with accountability to the Executive Committee, the Director will lead the firm’s IDEA strategy across all offices and departments. This is a highly influential and interactive role, responsible for building frameworks, programs, and partnerships that enhance belonging, representation, and equitable access to opportunity throughout the firm. Working closely with the Managing Partner(s), Chief Human Resources Officer, Director of Professional Resources, Practice Group Leaders, and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Director will embed IDEA principles into organizational culture, policies, leadership practices, and business operations. The Director will serve as both an internal advisor and an external ambassador—helping Lerners lead meaningful cultural change within the legal profession and advancing IDEA as a driver of organizational excellence and client impact.
Qualifications
Among the qualifications being sought in candidates, the incoming leader must have a deep and abiding commitment to advancing reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all its forms and must believe, intrinsically, in the importance of leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can later be synthesized and turned into possibility. While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the Lerners environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role: A) progressive senior experience (minimum 7 years) developing, implementing, and evaluating IDEA strategies and programs, ideally within professional services or comparable environments; B) deep knowledge of IDEA best practices, systemic inequities, accessibility standards, AODA compliance, and relevant human rights and employment legislation in Ontario; C) demonstrated ability to influence change, build consensus, and lead across complex stakeholder groups, including executive leadership and partner-level audiences; D) exceptional interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with the emotional intelligence and discretion required to navigate sensitive issues with trust and care; E) an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required; graduate credentials are considered an asset; F) experience practicing law or working within a law firm environment is preferred; G) fluency in both English and French is considered an asset.
The expected salary range for this position is $175,000 - $215,000 CAD per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This posting reflects an existing vacancy within the organization.
How to Apply
Diverse and inclusive workplaces are happier workplaces, promoting higher levels of employee satisfaction, productivity and profitability. Lerners LLP is committed to the diverse community we serve and strives to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Lerners LLP is partnering with BES Executive Search, a firm committed to ensuring that every search mandate engages a pluralistic and intersectional range of candidates. Applicants are guided through what BES calls ‘The BES Experience’—a thoughtful, candidate-centred process that meets candidates with support and care throughout the search process. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), applicants living with a disability will be provided with accommodation throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please make Urmilla Mahabirsingh aware by emailing umahabirsingh@bessearch.com.
BES is deeply grateful to all who express interest in this opportunity and recognize the time and effort that goes into submitting an expression of interest. While only those most closely aligned with the position requirements will be contacted for an interview, all applications are reviewed with thoughtfulness and will receive correspondence from the firm as part of our commitment to delivering a respectful and inclusive candidate experience.
BES Executive Search Inc. does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.
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