Last week, Cochrane Sinclair LLP had the privilege of participating in See Yourself Here, an impactful event hosted at Robson Hall, Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. The evening brought together aspiring BIPOC law students, current legal practitioners, and faculty members to discuss representation, mentorship, and accessibility in the legal profession.
A Gathering of Future Legal Professionals
The event, co-hosted by the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association (MILSA) and the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) Manitoba, provided a platform for students to hear directly from lawyers, faculty, and peers about the realities of pursuing a legal career. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions about overcoming barriers, navigating law school admissions, and the importance of building community within the legal field.
“It’s critical that aspiring lawyers see themselves reflected in the legal profession,” said Danielle Morrison, Lawyer at Cochrane Sinclair LLP. “For too long, systemic barriers have made it difficult for Indigenous and Black students to envision themselves in this space. Events like this create opportunities to demystify the path to law and provide guidance from those who have walked it before.”
Bridging the Representation Gap
One of the key takeaways from the evening was the importance of visibility and mentorship. With law schools and legal firms still struggling with representation, initiatives like See Yourself Here help ensure that future generations of BIPOC lawyers have access to information, resources, and professional networks that will support their journey.
“Representation matters. We need diverse voices in our legal system—voices that reflect the communities we serve,” Morrison emphasized. “Having Indigenous, Black, and other racialized legal professionals share their stories is essential in making law school more accessible to those who may feel it’s out of reach.”
A Commitment to Inclusion and Mentorship
At Cochrane Sinclair LLP, we are proud to support events that foster inclusivity, mentorship, and equity in the legal profession. We believe that true progress happens when institutions commit to breaking down barriers and actively creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that inspire the next generation of legal professionals and to seeing the incredible impact these future lawyers will have on the legal landscape.
