Over the past several months, I have been working closely with OBA staff to develop and deliver productive support to members and to build our collective momentum for advancing gender equality within the profession. Now, at the halfway point of my term as OBA President, I find myself contemplating the enormity – and importance – of this mandate.

The OBA is introducing a series of Solution Circles this year to bring as many diverse perspectives as possible to the table to share experiences of marginalization and exclusion; to unearth and expose the forces at play; and to explore avenues to address these root causes and create a more inclusive, rewarding, progressive profession.

When trusts and estates lawyer Rebecca Fisch ventured outside her own neighbourhood to lead a Make a Will Month session in a traditionally underserved area, she discovered a community eager for legal resources and appreciative of the opportunity to better understand the importance of careful estate-planning.

A new OBA program aims for a ripple effect in recognition.

This year's RODA conference, held in partnership with the OBA, Accelerating a Culture Shift in the Legal Profession, took a fresh approach to advancing diversity by focusing on hot topics that have been making headlines in the media and waves in the legal profession.

In a recent Q&A session, Lynne Vicars shared her thoughts on technology, gender equality and meaningful mentorship, offering a preview of her plans for her OBA presidency.

The OBA has launched a groundbreaking initiative that will bring to the profession the practical tools and technologies lawyers and law firms can use to enhance their practices.

When I stepped into the role of OBA President last year, my focus was crystal clear. Above all else, I wanted to promote and advance equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the profession. Now, a year later, I find myself reflecting on the progress we have made as a profession.

Recently the OBA Foundation add four new video titles to its library covering Family Law, Bankruptcy, Employment Law and Real Estate.

Over the past few months, I have been moved in more ways than one by the sheer excellence that exists within our profession.