Thank you for visiting the website of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (“FACL”). In 2007, FACL was founded in Toronto by a small group of Asian Canadian legal professionals, many of whom remain active and provide guidance through our Advisory Committee. We are united by a common interest in promoting equity, justice and opportunity for Canadians of pan-Asian origin, in both the legal profession and the wider community. We also recognize the need to cultivate and advance advocacy, community involvement, professional development and leadership by Asian Canadian legal professionals. In accomplishing these goals, we have reached out and partnered with like-minded organizations (such as the South Asian Bar Association, Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, and Korean Canadian Lawyers Association) on various events and initiatives.
In a very short time, FACL has come a long way. As of 2012, FACL has an Ontario chapter and a B.C. chapter, with membership across Canada. FACL Ontario has become a North Eastern affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (“NAPABA”), an organization of over 40,000 attorneys across the United States and elsewhere. Our most recent annual conference in 2012 brought together about 300 legal professionals from across Canada, and included members of the executive of NAPABA, to discuss a wide variety of issues affecting the Asian Canadian community. Recent advocacy projects have included formal submissions regarding the Law Society of Upper Canada’s articling program as well as the lack of diversity amongst appointed judges. We have also held several social and professional networking functions and established a mentoring program for law students and lawyers who are just starting their legal careers.
We welcome you to join us as a member. If you have interest in becoming active in FACL, you are welcome to contact us at facl.ontario@facl.ca, or reach out to a member of our Board.