When Winta Asefaw, a young Black woman and the daughter of Eritrean immigrants, started practising at Dentons Canada LLP, the world’s largest law firm, she was understandably a bit apprehensive. Asefaw, now an associate lawyer at the firm’s Calgary office, recalls that day nearly two years ago: “I knew Dentons was accepting of people from diverse backgrounds, but it was still intimidating at first.”
That was then. Now, any concerns Asefaw may have had about the firm’s commitment to inclusion and diversity have gone by the wayside. “At Dentons,” she says, “I’m comfortable being a Black female lawyer and feel fully integrated as part of the team. The focus is on providing excellent client service and on teamwork.”
She adds: “It goes beyond recognition and inclusion. I feel acknowledged and celebrated for who I am and for what I do.”
As the Black Lives Matter movement erupted last summer, Dentons launched a Discussion to Disrupt panel series to demonstrate, both internally and externally, its commitment to combating racism and injustice.
“Dentons doesn’t shy away from tough conversations,” says Asefaw. “I was really proud that the firm recognized the historic importance of Black Lives Matter. As a leading law firm, our place in society can’t be ignored. It’s critical to stand up and recognize broader social injustices.”
To further address systemic racism, the firm established a Black Professionals Network and has created a new post-secondary scholarship for Black law students. Related, when COVID-19 struck, Dentons organized information sessions on racism directed specifically at the Asian-Canadian community, falsely blamed by some for spreading the virus. It’s that sort of response and responsibility that has ensured Dentons has been one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 11 consecutive years.
Acknowledging the realities of the world outside its law offices is critical to Dentons’ corporate identity. “No subject is too tough to handle,” says Jillian Frank, the firm’s chief talent and practice officer and executive sponsor for its inclusion and diversity initiatives. “We feel an obligation to demonstrate our commitment to the broader community while ensuring that we are taking concrete steps internally to address these challenges.”
She adds: “Achieving inclusion and diversity is a life-long initiative. Our work is never done, and it’s the responsibility of all our people to ensure we make progress.”
Historically, law firms have struggled with advancing women into senior roles. But at Dentons Canada, the CEO is female and the firm met its 2022 commitment early to have women occupy 30 per cent of its senior roles. It has now set a 40-per- cent goal by 2023.
For Roxana Jangi, a senior associate in the Calgary office, that commitment attracted her to the firm. “Professional women everywhere fear that having a family can hold back their careers and they need to choose between career and family,” Jangi says. “That’s not an issue at Dentons. There are women who have been promoted to partnership while on maternity leave or immediately following their leaves.
“At Dentons, they really walk the talk.” Meanwhile, Dentons has connected Asefaw with two outside mentors, both senior Black women in large companies. Their monthly discussions are ongoing, and Asefaw credits them with helping her navigate the corporate world as she continues to build her career.
“Dentons’ support has been incredible,” Asefaw says. “I am not hindered as a member of a minority group or held back because of my gender. My future is in my hands.”
