A positive and healthy work environment fosters positive, healthy lawyers. And, healthy, happy legal professionals are energized, engaged and able to provide consistently superior legal services to their clients. Cassels recognizes the importance of wellness and provides a supportive platform to optimize the health of our legal professionals. Our robust wellness curriculum includes topics ranging from nutrition, to building resilience, to mental health first aid. We also offer in-house counselling and external coaching to help with issues ranging from stress management to home organization.
Our Perspective
Here’s what some of are lawyers have been saying about the value our firm places on a supportive work culture:
For me, what makes Cassels such a great place to work is that people care about each other and are compassionate about their co-workers’ lives both inside and outside of the office. To that end, the firm has devoted significant resources to ensure that the mental health of all personnel is a top priority. For example, Cassels organized a large Mental Wellness Affinity Group at all 3 of its offices, which undertakes a number of mental health initiatives throughout the year to provide mental health support and to tackle the traditional stigma associated with mental illness. In short, Cassels does whatever it can to make the firm a comfortable workplace for all. I think that makes Cassels unique. – Robert Cohen, Partner, Advocacy Group, Toronto Office
I’m proud of the firm’s Mental Health and Wellness initiative. I have benefitted greatly from hearing other people at Cassels share the challenges they’ve faced and the resilience they’re building. These conversations wouldn’t be possible without an environment where people feel that they can speak candidly, or the understanding that dealing with a mental health or wellness challenge does not mean that someone is incapable of success (however you define it). The firm recognizes that its commitment to excellence is bolstered by prioritizing support for mental health and wellness so that people perform at their peak; and when they can’t, they know that it is entirely okay to ask for help. – Stephanie Voudouris, Partner, Advocacy Group, Toronto Office
I have always said that what makes Cassels great is the people. The firms commitment to wellness is a great example of that. Whenever I have had personal challenges I have been met with nothing but support and encouragement from everyone I spoke to. I have also really enjoyed being a member of the firm’s Mental Wellness Affinity Group. As part of the initiative I have helped to organize a number of exciting events. Over the pandemic we had various fitness and wellness professionals such as yoga instructors, dieticians and trainers host virtual classes open to all firm members. This summer we launched a Summer Challenge which challenges firm members to complete a variety of wellness tasks such as trying meditation, calling a friend, taking a hike or trying a new workout style. Through these initiatives I have met and worked with even more great people across the firm who are committed to their wellness and supporting their colleagues. There are so many people at Cassels committed to creating a culture of wellness and I am proud to be a part of it. – Tegan O’Brien, Associate, Advocacy Group, Toronto Office
I have been fortunate to be part of Cassels’ Mental Wellness Affinity Group. In this role, I have had the pleasure of being trained in Mental Health First Aid by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. I have also been able to implement fun and spirit-lifting firm-wide events such as our Halloween pet costume contest, and pet talent show! Our affinity group not only hosts cheerful events like these, but also participates in more serious conversations about mental wellness and the stigma around mental illness. We have hosted psychotherapists at firm-wide CPD events, and have encouraged firm members to prioritize their mental and physical health while working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. People at Cassels have made mental health and wellness a priority and I am proud to work at such a firm. – Jackie Karbi, Associate, Business Law Group, Toronto Office