BLG: Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in Calgary's Business Community
Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) is Canada’s Law Firm and a new sponsor of Pride In Business for 2023. For 200 years, BLG has provided high-value advice and advocacy to address clients’ business challenges and problems. BLG goes beyond legal to anticipate, consult and advise in a rapidly changing digital world. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to BLG and central to the firm’s core values. Partnering with Pride In Business is a natural fit for the firm and generating more opportunities for inclusivity in the Calgary business community is important to them. Fostering and upholding an inclusive and welcoming environment is always top of mind at BLG.
“Pride In Business is a great organization that BLG is proud to partner with. We are always looking for ways to support the 2SLGBTQ+ business community and it is important that we can network and understand the legal needs of a diverse range of businesses. At BLG, diversity and inclusion are part of our core values, and we are happy to sponsor Pride In Business to help elevate initiatives that support our local 2SLGBTQ+ business community.”
— Alan Ross, BLG Regional Managing Partner, Calgary.
“Given BLG’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, I am thrilled that we are the newest sponsor for Pride in Business. Through this sponsorship, we hope to provide potential business partnerships and collaborations, while also promoting equality and raising awareness of important issues facing the local 2SLGBTQ+ business community.”
— Melissa Smith, Partner at BLG, Calgary
To learn more about BLG and their work in equity, diversity, and inclusion, we sat down with Sinem Ersoy, lawyer at BLG in Calgary and a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and BLG’s Pride Action Committee.
Pride In Business: What areas does BLG specialize in? What services can they offer the 2SLGBTQ+ Community in Calgary and area?
Sinem Ersoy: We are a a full-service Business Law firm and our partnership with Pride In Business allows us to connect with the 2SLGBTQ+ business community in Calgary. BLG’s legal services are inclusive of all communities, and we work hard to maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
PIB: What does BLG do to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace?
SE: I have been with BLG since graduating from law school in 2020 and I have felt welcome here from day one. There are many company-wide initiatives that foster an inclusive and diverse work environment. Our Pride Action Committee is comprised of community members and allies from across the country. Our goal as an organization is to build a diverse workforce where firm members see themselves reflected in the Firm and its leadership. For the fifth year in a row, BLG has been named a top diversity employer for exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs. We want to build a culture of respect and acceptance that allows all Firm members to bring their authentic selves to work while supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in the broader community. In addition to our Action Committees, BLG has organized and participates in the Annual Firm Hop for all 2SLGBTQ+ law students so they can tour firms they are interested in learning more about.
There are also many diversity events hosted nationally and locally throughout the year. From webinars, learning opportunities and informal conversations to larger events to mark significant days, there is always something going on that helps to build on our inclusive environment. Additionally, BLG offers coverage for gender affirmation procedures through its benefits program among many other important firm initiatives. The firm also provides guidance on supporting, respecting and accommodating transgender individuals, and preventing harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. BLG also has progressive policies and health benefits that are inclusive of a variety of needs.
PIB: What does BLG do to foster an inclusive and welcoming space for their clients?
SE: We put people first and that includes our clients and our interactions with them. I have always found BLG to be a very professional and welcoming environment for all. I wouldn’t say there is anything special we do but our core values are centered on a people first approach. We are excited to be partnering with Pride In Business to support events and initiatives and ensure we can connect with and learn more about what we can do for the community in Calgary.
PIB: What is your impression of the 2SLGBTQ+ business community in Calgary and area?
SE: There are some exciting things happening within the community, including many new start-ups and innovative business ventures in Calgary and we are looking forward to connecting with these businesses through Pride In Business.
PIB: Why did BLG choose to become a sponsor of Pride In Business?
SE: Partnering with Pride In Business was a natural fit for BLG. We are always looking for ways we can contribute to and support diverse communities, and this is one way to show our allyship and support. Connecting with those in business and learning more about what is affecting the community helps us to learn more about how we can have an impact and help to raise the profiles of those in the 2SLGBTQ+ business community. Coming together with shared experiences and connecting is essential for business to thrive and I am pleased to be part of an organization that is eager to support the 2SLGBTQ+ business community and the Pride In Business initiatives.
PIB: What advice would you have for anyone considering a career in law?
SE: Be yourself, work hard, make connections, find strong mentors and learn as much as you can from others.
About BLG
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) delivers practical legal advice for domestic and international clients across more practices and industries than any Canadian firm. With 800 lawyers, intellectual property agents and other professionals, BLG serves the legal needs of businesses and institutions across Canada and beyond — from M&A and capital markets to disputes, financing, and trademark and patent registration.
If you have any questions about BLG and the work that they do or want to connect further, you can reach out to: Sinem Ersoy | Capital Markets Lawyer Calgary | BLG
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jarom Moriyama-Bondar
PIB — Content Writer
Pride In Business article in partnership with TD.
By Jarom Moriyama-Bondar