They provide visibility, credibility, and new avenues for those who were historically left out
Canadian Lawyer announced its Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers 2024 online this week. As a 2021 honouree in the Human Rights, Advocacy, and Criminal Law category, I remember the feeling of elation and validation. This year’s list holds special meaning as a first-year Canadian Lawyer Editorial Board member, which reviews the impressive nominees from across Canada.
It seems timely to share my thoughts on awards and what they mean to underrepresented lawyers (those who are Indigenous, racialized, live with a disability, and are members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, recognizing intersectionality). Legal industry awards offer benefits beyond personal recognition: the significant impact on their careers, enhancing visibility, building credibility, and opening doors to new opportunities while promoting a more inclusive legal profession.
Legal industry awards provide much-needed visibility, especially for underrepresented practitioners who might otherwise be overlooked due to systemic biases within the legal profession, where other groups have historically dominated (think “male, pale, and stale”). While equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts are driving change, it is challenging for those outside the mainstream to gain recognition, with many gravitating to sole practice, in-house or government legal work to counteract systemic barriers within law firms. Awards offer a platform to highlight the achievements of underrepresented lawyers, bringing their work to the forefront. An award from a recognized legal body can be a powerful endorsement, helping them attract clients and build their reputation in a competitive market. However, operating with limited resources, they often struggle to compete with candidates from larger law firms.
Awards build credibility, especially for sole practitioners who rely heavily on their personal and professional reputations. In the legal field, where trust is paramount, a reputable institution's recognition can significantly enhance a practitioner’s standing among peers and clients. Credibility can be hard-won for underrepresented practitioners due to implicit biases or doubts about their competence. An award serves as tangible proof of their capabilities, providing external validation that helps counteract these challenges. Moreover, awards contribute to a practitioner’s long-term reputation. Citing an industry award in marketing materials, on a website, or in client communications (being ever mindful of your law society’s rules of professional conduct) can impact how a practitioner is perceived. This enhanced credibility can lead to more referrals, higher client retention rates, and the ability to command higher fees.
An award is not just a prestigious accolade but a testament to a practitioner’s expertise and success in a crowded legal marketplace, setting a practitioner apart from competitors. Potential clients are likely to see an award as an indicator of quality and reliability, making them more likely to choose that practitioner, which is particularly important for underrepresented practitioners who may need to overcome implicit biases without the backing from a large firm to vouch for their capabilities.
For underrepresented practitioners, differentiation is not just about standing out; it’s about breaking through barriers that might otherwise hold them back. An award can serve as a powerful statement of their expertise, helping them carve out a niche in the market and attract clients looking for a lawyer with a proven track record.
Awards open doors to networking and professional opportunities. Receiving or even being nominated for an award often comes with invitations to industry events and panels where practitioners can connect with other professionals, share insights, and gain valuable exposure. The legal profession has traditionally relied on connections and networks for career advancement, but these networks are not always easily accessible to everyone. For underrepresented practitioners, access to these networks can be transformative. Awards provide a ticket to these exclusive spaces, helping practitioners build relationships, find mentors, and explore new avenues for growth.
Awards can also lead to mentorship opportunities, which are crucial for underrepresented practitioners who may lack access to the same level of guidance and support as others in the legal profession. Being recognized through an award can attract the attention of established professionals interested in mentoring or collaborating with the awardee. This can lead to sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise and enhancing their ability to handle more complex or high-profile cases.
For many underrepresented practitioners, legal industry awards provide a deep sense of personal and professional validation. The legal profession can be challenging, particularly for those who face discrimination or bias. Awards are a powerful reminder that their work is valued and they contribute significantly to their field. Feeling recognized and appreciated can be incredibly motivating, encouraging practitioners to strive for excellence. For sole practitioners who often work in isolation, the validation provided by an award can be significant, reassuring them that their hard work and dedication are paying off.
Legal industry awards also have a broader impact on the legal profession and society. When underrepresented practitioners are recognized for their achievements, it sends a powerful message to others in similar situations, showing that their work is valued and that they can achieve recognition and success. As American social justice activist Marian Wright Edelman remarked about the issue of representation, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Finally, legal industry awards have the potential to influence the entire profession. When awards recognize practitioners from diverse backgrounds, they contribute to a shift in legal profession norms and expectations, encouraging it to become more inclusive and recognizing that excellence can come from all corners of society. This influence can lead to broader changes, such as increased diversity in hiring practices, more inclusive work environments, and greater attention to social justice issues. In this way, legal industry awards serve not just as a recognition of individual achievements but as a catalyst for positive change within the legal profession.
In conclusion, legal industry awards are significant for underrepresented practitioners. They provide visibility, build credibility, and offer powerful marketing tools to grow business. They also open doors to networking and collaboration opportunities, provide personal and professional validation, and have the potential to inspire and encourage others. Beyond individual benefits, these awards also impact the legal profession, promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive industry.
Is there a lawyer from an underrepresented community you think should be recognized with a legal industry award? Don’t delay. Nominating will lead to impactful outcomes for them and the legal profession.
