Fonds PF58 - Women's Law Association of Ontario fonds

The Women's Law Association of Ontario (WLAO) is the oldest surviving independent legal association in Ontario and the largest of its kind, established to advance the interests of women in the legal profession and in society through advocacy, law reform and professional development. Founded by two law school students, Laura Denton and Helen Currie in 1919, it initially began as an association for women law students in the Toronto area, but quickly expanded as increasing numbers of women began practising law. The association is now comprised of lawyers, law students and members of the judiciary across Ontario, with regional chapters in London and Ottawa. The association is governed by a constitution and bylaws, which outline organizational and membership rules. In accordance with the constitution, an Executive Committee is elected at a yearly annual meeting, and consists of the following officer positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Archivist, Programme Coordinator, Membership Coordinator, Networking Coordinator, and Trust Funds Coordinator. The Executive Committee includes members-at-large and one representative from each of the chapters, who also serves as the chair of that local chapter. The Association's stated purposes initially focused on professional development and social connectivity. These purposes now include an interest in law as it affects the treatment of women by the legal system and as members of the profession. The Association also works for the advancement of women in the legal profession by advocating for the admittance of women into law school, encouraging employment opportunities for articling students and Bar Admission Course graduates, increasing the numbers of women as partners of law firms, and the elevation of women to the bench. Social activities of the Association include workshops, seminars, and dinner meetings. As a representative association for women in the law, the Women's Law Association of Ontario partners with legal and non-legal committees and organizations to develop events and programs and to work towards advocacy goals. The Association has collaborated with the Canadian Bar Association - Ontario, the Treasurer's Equity Advisory Group of the Law Society of Upper Canada, Bench and Bar committees, and the Joint Action Committee on Equity and Diversity.