Stewart Whittingham

Stewart Whittingham plays a pivotal role at his firm as the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, combining over two decades of expertise in talent management within the legal sector with a profound commitment to fostering inclusive environments. His approach intertwines equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) with strategic business and team development objectives, underpinned by a solid educational foundation in Inclusion and Leadership, Human Resources Management, Communications, and Professional Coaching.

His knack for strategic foresight, adept change management, and project oversight have made him an invaluable strategic advisor to both the firm's Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Team. Stewart's dedication to weaving EDI principles into the fabric of the firm's operations and culture stands out as a hallmark of his tenure.

By spearheading a comprehensive EDI vision and strategy, Stewart has been instrumental in promoting the significance of a diverse and inclusive workplace. His efforts extend to guiding senior leadership on implementing firm-wide initiatives that champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for all members of the firm.

Stewart’s commitment to EDI transcends internal policies to embrace a broader engagement with the firm's ecosystem, including clients, law schools, and students, thereby reinforcing the firm's dedication to reflecting the diverse values and communities it serves. This holistic focus encompasses fostering inclusive leadership, enhancing awareness and development at both individual and team levels, and upholding corporate social responsibility.

As the chair of the firm's National Inclusion and Diversity Committee, Stewart's leadership is further exemplified by his active involvement with the Law Society of Ontario's Justicia Project, contributing to the development of the Justicia Guide to Women’s Leadership in Law Firms. His representation of the firm in the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network, along with memberships in the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, the Human Resources Professionals Association, the Professional Development Consortium, and the International Coaching Federation, highlights his broad engagement with the professional community on EDI matters.

Stewart's contributions to EDI have been recognized with accolades such as the 2017 Canadian Human Resources Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, as part of the team for the 1L Indigenous Internship Program. His educational credentials, including recent certifications from ADLER Graduate Professional School and Centennial College, underscore his ongoing commitment to advancing his expertise in EDI and leadership.