The path to pay equity in the legal profession: Where are we now?

  • May 16, 2023
  • Grace Cleveland

On March 8, the CBABC WLF celebrated International Women’s Day by holding a “book club” event where attendees came together to discuss the findings of the recent report Pay Equity in the Legal Profession of the national CBA WLF. The hybrid event was well attended both virtually and in-person at Richards Buell Sutton LLP.

In an open and candid conversation, moderators Cheryl D’Sa (managing partner of Narwal Litigation LLP), Nicole Byres, KC (lawyer at Southern Butler Price LLP), Rose Keith, KC (mediator and partner at Harper Grey LLP), and Emma Abdjalieva (lawyer at Dives, Harper, Stanger & Mizrahi LLP) shared their thoughts on various elements of pay inequity.

Building off some of the core factors that contribute to pay inequity – a lack of transparency, the “motherhood” penalty, gendered file assignment, and a lack of recognition and compensation for non-billable contributions – the group answered questions from the audience and offered real-world solutions that attendees could utilize in their pursuit of more equitable compensation.

It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. Thanks to the CBABC WLF Education Committee for organizing another enlightening event!


Grace Cleveland is a lawyer at Cleveland Doan LLP located in beautiful White Rock, BC. Her practice includes estate planning, estate administration and estate litigation. In her spare time, Grace can be found volunteering with the CBA, the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and Semiahmoo Rotary.