Based in Toronto, John is recognized Internationally as a leading M&A /business lawyer. He was a founding member of, and now co-Chairs, the Inclusion and Diversity Committee of McMillan. Under his leadership, the firm recently completed its second firm wide diversity and inclusion survey and later this year will issue guidelines for supporting the needs of transgender employees and will introduce gender-neutral washrooms. He was also the catalyst for the founding of Fierté McMillan Pride, the firm’s affinity group for LGBT+ lawyers. He is a respected voice, both internally and externally, on what law firms can do to better diversity and inclusion policies. He is an active member of Canada’s Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network, working to encourage inclusive cultures across the industry. Externally, he founded and continues to lead exeQutive, whose mission is to promote, support and strengthen the careers of Toronto-based LGBT+ executives, professionals, and business and community leaders. They host networking events featuring speakers and discussion about LGBT-focused professional development topics, and support the community financially. He has participated on and Chaired LGBT+ involvement committees of the American Bar Association, and been involved in political campaigns to increase awareness of LGBT+ issues and LGBT+ voter participation.
