Toronto (October 7, 2021) – BLG Partner Michelle Henry is a recipient of the 2021 Women in Law Leadership (WILL) Stronger Together Award for Ontario.
The Stronger Together Award recognizes women lawyers who demonstrate leadership and promote initiatives that have positively influenced their communities, and are trailblazers in areas such as legal education; equity, diversity and inclusion; and/or pro bono initiatives or service to other community organizations.
Michelle is widely recognized for her expertise and commitment to justice. She frequently represents public and private sector employers in employment-related litigation matters and conducts independent investigations on workplace misconduct such as harassment and discrimination. This year, Michelle also received the Ontario Bar Association's David Scott, QC Award for Pro Bono Law.
Michelle is a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion. In 2016, she cofounded the Black Business Law Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to black entrepreneurs in the areas of corporate, employment, contract and licencing law.
Within the broader community, Michelle sat on the Board of Directors for LOFT Community Services, which provides support to people facing complex mental and physical health challenges, addictions, dementia, homelessness or risk of homelessness. She is currently a board member of the George Brown College Foundation, helping keep education accessible to all.
She is past chair of the Ontario Bar Association's Pro Bono Committee and a recipient of the 2019 Lexpert Change Agent Award. She also received the Ann Wilson and Robert Prichard Award at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law, an award presented to an alumnus who made a significant contribution to the legal profession and community through their public interest work, pro bono activities and/or community service.
"I am honoured and humbled to receive this award," said Michelle. "The WILL award highlights the importance of advocating for and supporting women in all areas of law and our communities. Working at BLG, where the firm's mission aligns with mine, makes achieving these goals much easier."
Women in Law Leadership is a not-for-profit corporation in Canada dedicated to celebrating and advancing women in law.