A diverse environment is a rich environment, and an open, inclusive atmosphere benefits everyone working in it. Fostering such an environment enables us to respond with greater agility to the challenges faced by our clients in a diverse, multicultural world. Our mission is to attract, retain and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from as broad a range of backgrounds as possible.
Our goal is to always exceed client expectations and be the most attractive place to work. To do so, we recruit, retain, reward and develop our people with regard to their abilities and contributions, and without reference to their background, gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, political belief or disability. You can read more about our culture of inclusion and diversity here.
Our Perspective
Here’s what some of our lawyers and students have been saying about the value Cassels places on fostering an inclusive environment:
The freedom to express your true views and add the value of your perspectives, background and experiences to the work you are doing. This is what a truly inclusive environment provides. At Cassels, I’ve always been welcomed and encouraged to add my unique perspective (and therefore my true value) to the file work I’ve done and the environment I am a part of. Knowing that Cassels walks the walk of the talk that it talks in this regard has always given me the confidence that I am in the right place. – Peter Sullivan, Partner, Financial Services Group, Toronto Office
One of the reasons why I chose Cassels was for the practical ways the firm strives to advance equity and diversity through its Affinity Groups. A highlight of my summer was joining the Black Affinity Group, which hosted a community organization that provides basketball skills and financial literacy for underserved youth. We hosted a lunch, facilitated a Know-Your-Rights panel and toured the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The high school students had a great time. – Kayla Smith, Associate, Advocacy Group, Toronto Office
It is an exciting time to be a lawyer at Cassels! We’re rethinking what a “law firm” looks like. Cassels recognizes and values individual differences and the strengths that those differences bring to the table. We’ve implemented a number of progressive policies on a wide range of issues, including re-evaluating partnership admission criteria, ensuring appropriate support for new parents/guardians and providing enhanced resources and support tools for junior lawyers and students. We’ve got exciting, challenging and high-profile files combined with an easy-going, friendly and supportive culture … what more could you want? – Jennifer Wasylyk, Partner, Financial Services Group, Toronto Office
It can be difficult to articulate the “culture” of a firm or get a real sense for the environment beyond formal programs and initiatives. What sets Cassels apart, and the main reason I chose to work here, are the people. The level of encouragement, mentorship and support I received as a summer student – from lawyers at every level – is unique to the firm, and illustrative of the community. Whether it be working on a file, at a firm event, or an informal meeting – you’re made to feel part of a team, valued for what makes you different, and encouraged to be your authentic self. – Sam DiGiuseppe, Queen’s University JD 2022, Toronto Articling Student 2022/2023