FMC receives four Zenith Awards

Recognized for its commitment to pro bono work and diversity and inclusion initiatives

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TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC), one of Canada's leading business and litigation law firms, was honoured with four awards at the Lexpert Zenith Award ceremony on September 21. The Lexpert Zenith Awards recognized the firm's accomplishments in three categories, including Law Firm as Employer, Law Firm Contribution to Legal Education and Diversity Action by Law Firm.

"On behalf of FMC, I am deeply honoured by the recognition we have received from Lexpert and the legal community through these awards," said John Rider, Chief Client Officer, FMC. "Being recognized in such a broad spectrum of categories shows FMC's commitment to our clients, our people and our communities. Most importantly, the awards prove that we "walk the talk" of diversity and inclusion values."

FMC received platinum-level recognition in the following areas:

Law Firm as Employer, Leave for Change
FMC was recognized for its work with the Uniterra Leave for Change® program. In 2009, FMC became the first law firm participant in the program and has been an active supporter ever since, sponsoring over 20 members to participate in international development projects in nine countries, bringing about sustainable changes in communities across three continents.

FMC, whose very culture and identity are rooted in the values of diversity and inclusion, has a vision that the quality of its client service and its ability to grow are directly related to the quality of its teams. Through their overseas experience, FMC members expand their personal and professional horizons and acquire a deeper understanding of broader global issues.

Law Firm Contribution to Legal Education, Tax Court of Canada Pilot Project
FMC has a deep tradition of giving back to the community, which is why FMC has partnered with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) to develop a pilot project for law students to represent, on a pro bono basis, low-income individuals before the Tax Court of Canada (TCC). The first law firm initiative of its kind in Canada, the pilot project enables PBSC law students, under the supervision of FMC tax litigators, to gain practical experience representing individual taxpayers before the TCC. It is on the cutting-edge of the development and delivery of legal services to this particularly vulnerable, yet oft-forgotten, group of self-represented litigants.

Diversity Action by Law Firm, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) Mentoring Partnership program, Out on Bay/Pride at Work, Legal Professional Internship, Diversity and Inclusion Training
In 2006, FMC developed the FMC Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, whose mandate is to ensure all members of the FMC community have the opportunity to develop their unique talents to nurture their ongoing success. The Zenith Award in the Diversity Action by Law Firm category recognized FMC for the development and implementation of inclusion programs, such as mentorship, internship and diversity initiatives.

In addition to platinum-level recognition, FMC also received a gold-level award for its contribution to legal education.

Law Firm Contribution to Legal Education, UBC Law Review Special Issue: Diversity and the Law
In partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Law Review, FMC published a special issue of the publication entitled "Diversity and the Law" in March 2011. The special issue reflects FMC's commitment to diversity, academic excellence and continuing legal education. At every stage of this project, from the initial concept to applying for funding to writing two sections for the publication, FMC was committed to making the project a success. The Legal Education Zenith Award won by FMC demonstrates the firm's commitment to the future of the legal industry in Canada.

"Simply talking about diversity is not enough to ensure people truly embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace," said Rider. "Through our extensive, practically focused diversity and inclusion programs, such as the Legal Professional Internship and Diversity and Inclusion Training, our firm creates an environment for our people to connect to each other and their clients, innovate, learn and solve problems creatively."

About Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC)
Fraser Milner Casgrain (FMC) is one of Canada's leading business and litigation law firms with more than 500 lawyers in six full-service offices located in the country's key business centres. We focus on providing outstanding service and value to our clients, and we strive to excel as a workplace of choice for our people. Regardless of where you choose to do business in Canada, our strong team of professionals has extensive knowledge and expertise on regional, national and cross-border matters. FMC's well-earned reputation for consistently delivering the highest quality legal services and counsel to our clients is complemented by an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion to broaden our insight and perspective on our clients' needs. Visit www.fmc-law.com or follow @FMC_Law on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FMC_Law.

SOURCE Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP