Kate Broer is working to ensure that diversity and inclusion are an integral part of the business strategy and daily operations at Dentons Canada LLP (formerly Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP). As a Partner and Dentons’ Canada Region Co-Chair of the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiative, she is a trusted advisor to the firm’s senior leaders, including the CEO. Ms. Broer helped lead a major cultural shift at the firm resulting in greater inclusion. This has led to the appointment of two female managing partners in Calgary and Vancouver. The firm was also named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

“I am privileged and honoured to receive this award and to work with the women and men at Dentons who understand and value the contribution that diverse perspectives make to greater creativity and innovation and a more vibrant workplace. I am proud to be part of an organization that has made the commitment to do the hard work that is necessary to make the change we need, and that we continue to challenge ourselves to do better.”
—Kate Broer

A strong role model for women in the legal sector, Ms. Broer mentors and sponsors many women at the firm. She also leads grassroots efforts that encourage women to support and sponsor one another for promotions and important file experience. Ms. Broer was instrumental in creating, and continues to lead, Dentons Canada’s women’s initiative, Vault, which is designed to engage and connect women at the firm. She also led the implementation of a diversity and engagement survey, making Dentons one of the first law firms in Canada to assess itself in this way.

Ms. Broer works with senior leaders across Dentons Canada to ensure that a diverse slate of candidates is considered for all leadership positions. She also works with the firm’s local diversity and inclusion leaders to create a list of high-potential women who should be considered for management and leadership roles. When the firm underwent its recent combination to become Dentons, Ms. Broer was at the forefront, ensuring that a focus on women in leadership would not be lost.

Ms. Broer’s influence extends outside of the firm in her role as an Executive Member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network, which works with in-house counsel at other Canadian institutions to identify and improve systemic issues across the entire legal profession.

Ms. Broer was called to the Bar in 1998 after completing a BA (Hons.) at the University of Toronto and a LLB at Osgoode Hall. She is a Partner in the litigation group at Dentons, regularly acting as counsel on a variety of corporate and commercial matters.

Through her reputation as an attorney and her personable approach, she has influenced many leaders to support diversity and inclusion in Canada’s workplaces. Recently, Ms. Broer was named a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion. As a champion, Ms. Broer is tireless and persistent in her advocacy for women and diverse individuals in Canadian business.

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