Cultural Competence & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

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Cultural Competence & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

These resources support an awareness of the unique experiences of the enumerated groups set out in the Alberta Human Rights Act. They help lawyers implement strategies to meet the specific needs of individuals from these groups to achieve culturally or community-appropriate services and outcomes.

If you have feedback on any resource, please email Education.

Resource	Description	Topic	Audience	Format	Publisher
What Systemic Racism in Canada Looks Like	This video examines the normalizing of racism within Canadian institutions, including government, law enforcement and the justice system.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Video	External Source
Egale Research Hub	Egale Research Hub describes its resources and research as providing the most reliable & up-to-date tools and information for 2SLGBTQI people & communities, service providers, schools, and companies.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Website	External Source
History of Canadian Pride	This resource contains an interactive timeline of Canada's rich history of milestones through the struggle for and eventual celebration of Pride in Canada.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article	External Source
Disability in Canada: Facts and Figures	This resource contains facts and figures about the experiences of Canadians living with some form of disability.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article	External Source
Disability Rights Movement in Canada	This resource provides a historical overview of milestones throughout the Disability Rights Movement in Canada.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article	External Source
Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace	This resource includes an overview of invisible disabilities, workplace discrimination and suggestions for accommodation and removing barriers.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article	External Source
The Facts: Gender Equality and Gender Justice	This resource provides a summary of facts and resources around gender inequity in Canada.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House	Website	External Source
This is the Power Gap: Explore the Investigative Series and Data	This resource summarizes a two and half year investigation by The Globe and Mail in to pay gaps between men and women in Canadian public institutions. It also includes a four minute video where the investigative journalist summarized key takeaways.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article, Video	External Source
Walking out the Door: The Facts, Figures, and Future of Experienced Women Lawyers in Private Practice	This resource is a report from the American Bar Association and ALM Intelligence, authored by Roberta Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf, "Walking Out the Door". It addresses why senior women are far more likely than men to leave the practice of law.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, In-House, Management, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article, Video	External Source
Women in the Workplace 2023	This resource summarizes the 2022 issue of the annual Women in the Workplace report conducted by McKinsey and LeanIn.Org. The report investigates trends among women in corporate America.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm	Article	External Source
Duty to Accommodate Guide	This resource provides an understanding of the duty to accommodate and includes information that will allow readers to develop effective policies and procedures related to accommodation.	Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Sole Practitioner/Small Firm, Private Practice, Management, Government, In-House	Guide	External Source
Anti-Racism Education for Legal Professionals (On-Demand)	This on-demand program provides a toolkit to identify, unpack, and intervene in systemic racism within legal institutions and practice, and is applicable to anyone working within the legal profession. Moving beyond a diversity and inclusion lens, this session encourages members of the legal community to develop an anti-racist framework.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Sole Practitioner/Small Firm, Private Practice, Management, Government, In-House	Website	External Source
Beyond Diversity: An LGBT Best Practice Guide for Employers	This resource is a practical tool to help organizations develop more LGBT inclusive workplaces, focusing on and sharing the best practices great Canadian organizations, of all structures and sizes, have found to be instrumental in building an inclusive workforce. This guide will help drive the conversation around inclusive policies & programs that are changing the way Canadian workplaces operate.	Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Sole Practitioner/Small Firm, Private Practice, Management, Government, In-House	Guide	External Source
A Recommended Guide for Pre-Employment Inquiries	This guide will help employers and employees use the Pre-Employment inquiries resource.	Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Guide	External Source
Calgary Anti-Racism Education	This resource provides a space for those wishing to engage in self-guided learning or become facilitators for further anti-racism learning. It includes multiple pathways to engage with material and a variety of learning actions to foster the development of anti-racist lens.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice	Sole Practitioner/Small Firm, Private Practice, Management, Government, In-House	Website	External Source
But I Look Like a Lawyer	This documentary shares stories of the discrimination, stereotyping and bias experienced by members of the Pan-Asian legal community. It aims to increase intercultural awareness and competency, and to surface the complexity of the historical, socio-economic and colonial aspects of these real lived experiences.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Video	External Source
In Their Shoes	This article is a collection of stories of systemic racism from the legal profession.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article	External Source
From Discrimination to Systemic Racism: Understanding Societal Construction	This resource examines the evolution of discrimination theory through legal precedents and provides a in-depth analysis of the construction of our society and legal approaches to discrimination in Canada.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit, In-House	Article	External Source
Disability Rights – Online Training	This resource seeks to enable persons with disabilities to take effective action to ensure that their human rights are respected. People without disabilities can learn more about disability rights.	Champion Enumerated Groups	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Website	External Source
Guide to Accessibility Planning for Law Firms	This resource explains why accessibility planning is key for all law firms, outlines steps firms can take to be more inclusive and provides a list of additional resources.	Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, In-House, Management, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm	Guide	External Source
11 Harmful Types of Unconcious Bias and How to Interrupt Them	This resource provides a short list of different types of unconscious bias and strategies for disrupting them once you have identified them.	Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Management, Government & Non-Profit	Article	External Source
Harvard Implicit Association Test	The Implicit Association Test (IAT) measures attitudes and beliefs that people may be unwilling or unable to report. Using this tool may assist individuals in discovering a bias they hold and exploring the roots of unconscious bias futher. The scientitsts behind Project Implicit, view it as a virtual laboratory where data is collected online each time someone engages with one of the tests.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Website	External Source
How Lawyers can be Good Allies – The Principles of Allyship	This resource explains what allyship is and is not and provides steps on becoming an ally and ideas on implementing Indigenous Allyship in law firms.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Private Practice, In-House, Management, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm	Article, Guide	External Source
How to Mitigate Systemic Discrimination in Law Firms	This resource outlines what systemic discrimination is and outlines some strategies for mitigating systemic discrimination in law firms.	Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, In-House, Management, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm	Article, Guide	External Source
How to Increase your IQ (Indigenous Quotient)	Part of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Truth and Reconciliation Toolkit for Firms, this resource outlines ways to improve relationships with Indigenous individuals, communities and governments.	Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm	Guide	External Source
The Micropedia of Microaggressions	This resource aims to collect everyday microaggressions and highlight their harmful impact through source-based definitions and real-world examples.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Guide, Website	External Source
Trauma-Informed Legal Practice Toolkit	This resource outlines what trauma-informed legal practice is, why lawyers and judges need to understand the impacts of trauma, why law schools need to teach trauma-informed practice and what trauma-informed practice looks like in the lawyer-client relationship and in the courtroom.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm	Guide	External Source
Fostering a Healthy Workplace for the LGBTQ Community	Lawyers, law firms, and law societies seeking to create a culture of inclusion and to support LGBTQ colleagues, staff, or clients, may find these tips helpful.	Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article	Law Society of Alberta
But I Was Wearing a Suit	This is a mini-documentary about the racism that Indigenous lawyers and law students face within the legal profession, and provides an opportunity for us to examine ourselves as a profession and take steps to correct unconscious bias and stereotypes about Indigenous Peoples.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Video	External Source
Why Is Indigenous Specific Training on Anti-Racism and Unconscious Bias Important?	Learn why Indigenous specific training on anti-racism and unconscious bias is important and a good stepping stone on the journey of reconciliation.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Article	External Source
Cultural Competency: A Necessary Skill for the 21st Century Attorney	Cultural competency is an essential skillset for the 21st century lawyer who seeks to deliver effective advocacy and serve justice. This paper defines cultural competency and how it can be applied to the work of a lawyer.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Paper/Journal	External Source
The Pedagogy of Trauma-Informed Lawyering	This paper proposes that teaching trauma-informed practice in law school clinics furthers the goals of clinical teaching, and is a critical aspect of preparing law students for legal careers.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Paper/Journal	External Source
Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples, and First Supplement	This Guide is intended to be a starting resource to help lawyers and others in the justice system to learn about Indigenous cultures and understand the interplay between Indigenous legal orders and the Canadian legal system.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Private Practice, Management, In-House, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Government & Non-Profit	Guide	External Source
OBA.org – Managing Parental Leave as a Practicing Lawyer – Perspectives from a Mom of Four	Amelia Yu shares her story of navigating parental leave in private practice and the importance of individual and employer supports.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Champion Enumerated Groups	In-House, Government & Non-Profit, Management, Private Practice, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm	Article	External Source
Parental Leave – Basic Rules & Eligibility	Learn about the rules and application of the Employment Standards Code covering maternity and parental leave.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Champion Enumerated Groups	Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Private Practice, Management, In-House, Government & Non-Profit	Guide	External Source
Guiding Principles of Parental Leave	Learn about the rules and application of the Canada Labour Code covering when natural and adoptive parents are eligible for and can start parental leave.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Champion Enumerated Groups	Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Private Practice, Management, Government & Non-Profit, In-House	Guide	External Source
Navigating the Provincial Pathways in Canadian Law with the Law Society of Alberta	The Law Society's Len Polsky and Brad Wilton join The NCA Network's Legally Abroad podcast to discuss the pathways to become a lawyer in Alberta and the Mentorship programs offered to both internationally-trained and Canadian-trained lawyers in the province.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI	Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Private Practice, Government & Non-Profit, In-House	Podcast	External Source
Respectful Workplace Resources	The Respectful Workplace Model Policy Webinar, Respectful Workplace Model Policy and Respectful Workplace Policy Employer's Guide provide information and guidance on what is meant by discrimination, harassment and violence, methods for reporting incidents to ensure safe workplaces for all employees, and how the Respectful Workplace Model Policy can be used by employers.	Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Private Practice, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Management	Guide, Webinar, Video	Law Society of Alberta
2022–2024 National Study on the Psychological Health Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada Reports	The Federation of Law Societies of Canada Omnibus Report for the National Study on the Psychological Health Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada offers a detailed analysis of the mental health risks and protective factors identified among legal professionals, and a series of actionable recommendations tailed to improve the overall well-being of legal professionals. The Federation’s Resource Library also includes the health and well-being priorities specific to the practice of law in Alberta.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Champion Enumerated Groups	In-House, Government & Non-Profit, Management, Private Practice, Sole Practitioner & Small Firm	Article, Paper/Journal	External Source
Cultural IQ and Indigenous Cultural Competence Resource	This resource contains information about the lived experiences of members from equity-deserving groups, explanations of unconscious bias and tools for tackling it, what it means to cultivate cultural competency and increase your cultural IQ, and suggestions on how to reduce barriers of entry and retention in the legal profession.	Incorporate EDI in Practice	Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Private Practice, Management	Article, Guide	Law Society of Alberta
Accessibility in the Legal Profession Webinar: Opportunities for Change-Making and Discussion	On Dec. 3, 2024, the Law Society of Alberta hosted a webinar about what employers and lawyers can do to better accommodate colleagues and clients with disabilities. The webinar began with a presentation on how systemic strategies in Ontario have advanced accommodations for persons with disabilities and recurring barriers that need to be fixed and offered action-oriented solutions. A panel discussion followed that addressed the value of creating respectful environments within law firms and organizations to have open and honest conversations about accessibility for lawyers and clients with disabilities.	Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Private Practice, Management, Government & Non-Profit, In-House	Webinar	Law Society and External Collaboration
Understanding Gender Diversity and Inclusion	This training provided by the Canadian Bar Association is aimed at providing legal professionals with the knowledge and tools to better provide services to trans and gender-diverse people. The topics covered in this resource include understanding 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology; the systemic barriers trans and gender-diverse people encounter within the legal system; how discrimination impacts access to justice; practical steps to create safer, more inclusive spaces; the impacts of intersectionality; and the roles of allies.	Build Intelligence Related to Cultural Competence and EDI, Incorporate EDI in Practice, Champion Enumerated Groups	Sole Practitioner & Small Firm, Private Practice, Management, Government & Non-Profit, In-House	Video	External Source

Educational resources in this section are intended for the legal profession as an aid and are not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice. Readers must exercise their professional judgment about the accuracy, utility and applicability of the material. The Law Society of Alberta and Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association (ALIA) accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions in any resource. If you find any information that is unclear, inaccurate or outdated, please send an email with details to Education.

Any third-party resources are suggested for information and reference only. The Law Society and ALIA are not responsible for the accuracy, content or information contained in these sites. Views expressed in these resources are the views of the authors individually and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Law Society or ALIA.