McCarthy Tétrault has been honoured with the 2025 Catalyst Award for its “Inclusion Now” strategy, which focuses on addressing barriers to equity and advancing diversity within the legal profession. The law firm was recognized for its measurable progress in increasing the representation of women across the organization.
The firm’s efforts resulted in women comprising 62.6% of its workforce in 2024, up from 51.3% in 2019. “Inclusion Now” places an emphasis on recruitment, retention, and advancement, while also fostering an inclusive culture where equity is a core value.
“Equity, diversity, and inclusion will continue to be a key part of our identity,” said Dave Leonard, CEO of McCarthy Tétrault. “The pursuit of gender equality in our profession continues to be a journey. We are making progress, but more needs to be done.”
The Catalyst Award, presented annually since 1987, recognizes organizations that develop and implement impactful initiatives to advance women in the workplace. This year’s winners will be celebrated at the Catalyst Awards Conference & Dinner on March 11, 2025, in New York City.
Jennifer McCollum, President and CEO of Catalyst, said the award recognizes organizations making meaningful strides toward gender equity. “These Catalyst Award-winning initiatives prove what is possible when organizations prioritize gender equity and inclusion in their workplaces,” she said.
McCarthy Tétrault joins a prestigious group of past recipients and continues to set an example for the legal profession, where diversity remains a challenge. The firm’s approach highlights the importance of building an inclusive workplace, especially in historically underrepresented industries.
In addition to McCarthy Tétrault, the 2025 Catalyst Award recipients include CIBC, JDE Peet’s, KPMG, and Sanofi. These organizations were recognized for their workplace initiatives that improved representation and inclusion for women.
