by LAWPRO

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Corporate Social Responsibility at LAWPRO is informed by a spirit of community and accountability, while acknowledging that we are governed and profoundly shaped by our unique role as the provider of the primary professional liability insurance program for all lawyers in Ontario.

Supporting our future legal community

LAWPRO’s efforts and activities to support law students included 14 presentations at law schools, LPP programs and colleges and the sponsorship of the annual Caron Wishart Memorial Scholarship, which went to University of Toronto Faculty of Law student Ethan Lewis.

We published four issues of LAWPRO Magazine, including the New Lawyer edition featuring interviews with lawyers from across the province about what they love about being a lawyer. Outreach efforts included interacting with insured and exempt lawyers, law students, law associations, cultural and equity groups, and MPPs and government staff. LAWPRO employees gave almost 100 presentations to lawyers and associations.

Promoting health and wellness

In furtherance of LAWPRO’s commitment to advancing mental health awareness, LAWPRO provided approximately one-half of the funding for the Law Society arm’s-length Member Assistance Program (MAP). Lawyers are exposed to high levels of stress on a daily basis. Stress and the problems it creates can be contributing factors in many LAWPRO claims.

In 2022, LAWPRO rolled out sessions of the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s “The Working Mind for the Legal Sector” (TWM) program to reduce the stigma around mental health and create a culture that fosters greater awareness and support for mental health in the workplace. A paid day off (“Me Day”) was also provided for employees to use to recharge anytime during the year.

Highlighting the importance of inclusion

LAWPRO continued its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion journey in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Free webinars and resources were shared by the EDI Advisory Group to raise awareness and initiate dialogue.

In 2022, as a reminder of the need to pursue truth and reconciliation, LAWPRO installed an onsite land acknowledgment in the main lobby – an original, acrylic on canvas painting by Anishnaabe artist Roy Thomas entitled Air Land Water Fire, which depicts the Life Spirits in traditional teachings.

Giving back to the Canadian community

Over 90% of employees participated in LAWPRO’s employee-led charitable giving program and the funds raised were matched by LAWPRO. LAWPRO continued to encourage employees to take a paid day to volunteer at an eligible charity of their choice. Other initiatives included running a food drive and participating in Partners for Life (Canadian Blood Services).

To strengthen our community, LAWPRO staff nominate and elect five charities to support each year through employee payroll deductions and special events. In 2022, $31,230 was raised for the following five charities: Canadian Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, The Toronto Humane Society, The equality effect, Daily Bread Food Bank and Minwaashin Lodge – Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre. LAWPRO employees are proud to support charities that are doing critical work to build a more just and equitable future.