Pros
Decent pay, dental, free drinks, a few lovely people
Cons
During my time at this office, I experienced multiple racist and racially insensitive interactions. Here are just a few examples:
1. A paralegal told me she was surprised that “someone like me had a law degree.” Her exact words: “Law? That’s crazy. I don’t know why I assumed you were cleaning toilets or babysitting in England or something.”
2. One of the receptionists (not the main receptionist) repeatedly calling me by the name of the only other Black woman in the office (despite INCREDIBLY clear differences in appearance including complexion, hair type, and height).
3. Staff asking if I was “new” every time I changed my hair.
4. Inappropriate behavior from multiple lawyers, including unwanted advances and microaggressive jokes.
5. There were three instances were a group of us would be doing something, but I, the only black person in the group would be called to HR. On the third time it happened, my lovely colleague had to speak up for me and point out the obvious selective perception and racial bias.
6. At the firm’s multicultural celebration, food was included from every continent except Africa, until I pointed it out.
7. I was passed over for a role, with HR telling me it was due to a lack of experience in Canadian law firms. Later, they hired someone with zero experience in a Canadian law firm for the same role and even asked me to assist them while they learned on the job.
8. Of the 6 students they had articling, they hired all of them, except the one black student (however, I should note, I do not know if she was offered a job and rejected it).
9. Some lawyers would stare at me, and when I looked at them to say hello, they would look shocked that I caught them staring at me and quickly scurry away. It made me really uncomfortable because it happened way too often.
This is not a Black-employee–friendly environment. Out of nearly 400 employees, there were only 5 Black staff members, and not a single Black lawyer or paralegal. The firm also ignores Black History Month entirely.
If you are Black and considering this workplace, please be aware of these dynamics before applying. I wish you all the best.