International Women’s Day – Supporting Women in Criminal Defence

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the contributions and importance of women in criminal defence, while also recognizing the work that remains to ensure women can build and sustain long-term careers in the profession. Meaningful support requires more than recognition- it requires practical action.

The 2025–2027 CLA Women’s Committee is focused on developing practical, direct initiatives to address a longstanding issue in criminal defence: the retention of women.

One persistent challenge in private practice is navigating extended leaves- including parental, medical, or other personal leave- while maintaining a practice and ensuring continuity for clients.

To help address this, the Committee launched a practical initiative at the end of 2025: the Extended Leave Roster.

The Extended Leave Roster connects CLA members who identify as female and who are planning an extended leave with vetted CLA Roster members who are willing to provide temporary, paid coverage of files- from individual court appearances to broader file coverage. The CLA Women’s Committee reviews and vets Roster Applications and maintains the Extended Leave Roster, which is shared upon request with members seeking leave coverage. Coverage arrangements- including scope of work, duration, and compensation- are  negotiated directly between the lawyers involved. 

To support women in the practice of criminal defence, we encourage CLA members to take the practical step of joining the Extended Leave Roster. CLA Members are also encouraged to share information about the Extended Leave Roster within their networks. You can learn more about the Extended Leave Roster here: https://criminallawyers.ca/announcing-the-cla-womens-committee-launches-the-extended-leave-roster/ or by reaching out to the CLA Women’s Committee by emailing women@criminallawyers.ca. 

The CLA Women’s Committee thanks you for your support of this important and practical initiative to help women stay in the practice of criminal defence. 

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