Committees
Advocacy Committee
Advocacy is the touchstone of SABA Toronto’s mission and is important to our members. At SABA Toronto, we advocate for disenfranchised minorities, inside and outside of the legal profession, students and foreign legal candidates.
It is our goal to ensure that ad hoc issues affecting our members and minorities at large are addressed and brought before the appropriate legal or regulatory body responsible for such matters.
In this effort, SABA Toronto regularly meets with members of government, the judiciary and business community to bring forward important issues such as judicial diversity, prejudices to racialized licensees and barriers faced by female licensees.
Community Outreach Committee
The Pro-Bono/Community Outreach Committee (the “PBCO”) is aimed at addressing access to justice issues for racialized minorities in Toronto. To this end, the PBCO seeks to partner with social justice organizations that serve racialized minority populations to offer seminars, clinics and presentations on a variety of legal topics.
If your community organization would like to discuss partnership opportunities or if you are lawyer who would like to get involved in this initiative, please contact sabatoronto@gmail.com.
Gala Committee
The SABA Gala Committee is responsible for organizing the Annual SABA Gala, a cornerstone event that brings together South Asian legal professionals and community leaders in Toronto. The Gala provides an important platform to recognize the contributions and achievements of South Asian individuals in the legal profession.
The event features keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and cultural elements that reflect the diversity of the community. It serves as a key occasion for fostering connections, facilitating discussions on relevant legal issues, and promoting mentorship among professionals at various stages of their careers.
Through its focus on diversity and inclusion, the Gala underscores SABA Toronto’s commitment to supporting its members and advancing the legal profession. The Gala Committee’s efforts ensure the event remains a central part of the organization’s mission to strengthen the legal community and promote professional growth.
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee is responsible for managing the nomination and selection process for SABA Toronto’s annual awards, which honor outstanding South Asian legal professionals for their contributions to the community and the legal profession. The committee ensures that award recipients reflect the highest standards of professional excellence, leadership, and dedication. Through these awards, SABA not only celebrates individual achievements but also highlights the broader impact that South Asian lawyers have made in promoting diversity, equality, and justice within the legal community. The committee’s efforts to recognize excellence serve as an inspiration to current and future members of SABA Toronto, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive legal profession.
Continuing Professional Learning Committee
The Continuing Professional Learning (CPL) Committee is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of SABA Toronto members by organizing a wide range of educational programs and learning opportunities. The committee identifies relevant legal topics, emerging trends, and practice areas that are essential to members’ growth and career advancement. Through workshops, seminars, and training sessions, the CPL Committee ensures that members stay informed about the latest legal developments and best practices. These initiatives support continuous learning, skill-building, and career progression, enabling legal professionals to stay competitive in an ever-evolving field. The committee’s efforts are vital in helping members maintain high standards of practice while navigating the challenges of an increasingly complex legal landscape.
Gender Diversity Committee
The Gender Diversity Committee plays a crucial role in advocating for gender equality within the legal profession, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges faced by women, especially those from South Asian backgrounds. The committee works to raise awareness of the barriers that hinder the advancement of women in law and promotes strategies to overcome these obstacles. By organizing events, panel discussions, and mentorship initiatives, the committee seeks to empower female legal professionals and create an environment that fosters professional growth and success. Additionally, the committee advocates for policies that support gender diversity and inclusion within the workplace, ensuring that all legal professionals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive. The committee’s work is integral to advancing SABA Toronto’s broader mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession.
Membership and GTA Engagement Committee
The Membership and GTA Engagement Committee is responsible for fostering strong connections between SABA Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area legal community. The committee works to recruit new members, engage existing members, and ensure that SABA Toronto’s initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs and interests of legal professionals in the region.
Through strategic outreach, events, and communication efforts, the committee aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages active participation. By promoting SABA Toronto’s mission and vision, the committee helps members develop meaningful professional relationships, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives that contribute to the advancement of the legal profession. The committee plays an essential role in strengthening the network of South Asian legal professionals across the GTA and enhancing the organization’s impact.
Social Committee
The Social Committee is responsible for planning and organizing social events that promote community-building and networking opportunities among SABA Toronto members. By hosting informal gatherings, cultural celebrations, and casual meet-ups, the committee provides members with opportunities to connect in a relaxed setting, fostering strong professional and personal relationships.
These events also serve as a platform for members to share experiences, discuss legal issues, and exchange insights in an informal atmosphere, strengthening the bonds within the South Asian legal community. The committee’s efforts are key to creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie, making SABA Toronto not just a professional organization, but a supportive community where members can engage, collaborate, and grow together.
Student Outreach and Mentorship Committee
The Student Outreach and Mentorship Committee is dedicated to bridging the gap between law students and legal professionals, providing guidance and support to the next generation of South Asian lawyers. The committee organizes mentorship programs, networking events, and career development workshops to help students navigate the challenges of law school and transition successfully into the professional legal field.
Through these initiatives, the committee aims to foster meaningful connections between students and experienced lawyers, offering valuable insights and advice on career progression, work-life balance, and professional development. By empowering law students with the knowledge and support they need, the committee contributes to building a pipeline of well-prepared professionals who will continue to shape the future of the legal profession.
Sponsorship Committee
The sponsorship committee is responsible for ensuring that SABA Toronto has the means to achieve its goals and provide members with important resources and professional content. Our sponsorship committee can help you build a sponsorship package that is unique and which creates a mutual partnership between your organization and SABA Toronto.
Please reach out to us at sabatoronto@gmail.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Young Lawyers’ Division
The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Committee focuses on supporting members in the early stages of their legal careers. Recognizing that the transition from law school to professional practice can be challenging, the YLD Committee organizes a variety of events tailored to the needs and interests of young lawyers.
These events include workshops on career development, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and discussions on key legal topics that impact young professionals. The committee’s initiatives provide members with the resources they need to navigate the complexities of the legal field, build their practice, and cultivate a successful career. Through its work, the YLD Committee ensures that young lawyers receive the guidance and community support necessary to thrive in the legal profession.