At Alexander Holburn, we value the professional and personal growth of our lawyers and clients. We are especially conscious of the need to provide mentoring and support opportunities to our female lawyers and clients.
This ethos inspired us to set up the Alexander Holburn Women’s Forum. Our goal is a simple one, but one we believe is very important: to facilitate our female lawyers’ and clients’ support and business development network through enjoyable social activities and information sharing. It’s a progressive and innovative program amongst British Columbia and Ontario law firms and has experienced exponential success.
Memorable Events
By hosting unique events with engaging, relevant programs, our female clients and lawyers can explore the various networking, mentoring and business development opportunities. These opportunities have led to lasting, meaningful relationships both inside and outside the firm.
An Evening at the Vancouver International Film Festival
In 2018, our Women’s Forum partnered with the Vancouver International Film Festival to bring together our clients and contacts for an evening of networking and mingling. Our guests enjoyed a private reception before the film festival screening of Colette. The film, which embodies the values of our Women’s Forum, reinstated the importance of professional growth, mentorship and support for all women.
Sip, Social, Soiree with Renu Bakshi
Clients, contacts and lawyers enjoyed delicious canapes and cocktails while taking in the breathtaking view from our 28th floor. Guest speaker, Renu Bakshi, one of BC’s most sought-after communications and crisis management strategists shared her own story of overcoming gender and ethnic stereotypes in the television industry and establishing a communications career that changed her conversations with her colleagues, her clients and her community. In appreciation of Renu’s time, a donation was made to the Janta Sewak Society.
Performances at The Dance Centre
For two consecutive years, the Women’s Forum has been proud to support the local arts community by hosting networking events at The Dance Centre. Established in 1986 as a resource centre for the dance profession and the public in British Columbia, The Dance Centre is a multifaceted organization offering a range of activities, programs and performances.
Guest Speaker Lunch Seminars
With a focus on local women who are helping to shape our community and are truly inspiring people through their actions, we have hosted a number of extraordinary guest speakers’ including:
- Olympic medalist Tricia Smith, who spoke about the experiences and challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry
- City of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, who spoke to our lawyers and clients on the challenges she has overcome and opportunities she has encountered in her personal and professional life
- Speakers from The Canadian Cancer Society and InspireHealth who provided health and wellness tips for women
Charity Events
In keeping with our firm’s commitment to helping others in British Columbia and Ontario, the Women’s Forum proudly supports the following organizations through financial donations and fundraising events:
- The West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund (Westcoast LEAF)
- The Weekend to End Breast Cancer
- The BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
- YWCA Munroe House
- The Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade
- The Gala of Grace, supporting the North Shore Crisis Services Society
