National law firm hires first diversity director

Promising move for the industry as Canada’s largest full-service law firm creates new HR role.

Canada’s largest full-service law firm has included another senior HR professional in its executive team – this time taking on its very first director of diversity and inclusion.

Ontario-based Laleh Moshiri has been appointed to take on the newly-created role at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) after more than 15 years of experience managing talent for the company.

Fellow HR professional and chief talent officer Phil Donnelly said the new position demonstrates BLG’s dedication to diversity.

“This new position underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion at BLG,” he asserted. “Diversity and inclusion is a core pillar in our overall talent strategy, which encompasses the entire organization – both our legal and business services professionals.”

Moshiri first started her BLG journey as a litigator specializing in health law – but most recently she was the senior director of professional resources in the firm’s Toronto office.

According to BLG, her responsibilities have included recruitment, mentoring, career development, performance management, and continuing legal education. She also serves on the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion and Women’s Leadership Development Committees.

“I am thrilled about this new opportunity because BLG already has a culture that embraces diversity,” said Moshiri. “I look forward to building on this strength as we work on new initiatives and continue to build a diverse and inclusive workplace.”