Making CPD More Diverse

Is diversity in continuing legal education important? In Ontario, all lawyers are required to complete mandatory CPD hours. As such, legal education is an important and mandatory credential and prerequisite for being an Ontario lawyer. Further, invitations to speak at legal educational programs are an important "point of entry into the networks of power and prestige in the legal arena" (Sirmans, "How To Achieve Diverse Faculties", 2000). As the face and colour of our bar changes, we should ensure that our legal education programs reflect a new generation of lawyers. Published in Justmag.com, Spring 2014.