Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, announces that Kate Broer has been appointed as the Firm’s Global Inclusion and Diversity Officer. In this role, Kate will develop and drive strategic programs and provide key guidance to Firmwide leadership on matters relating to fostering an inclusive environment and a culture of equity across Dentons’ more than 200 locations. Kate will report directly to Global CEO Elliott Portnoy and will participate in all meetings of the Global Board. She will continue to be based in Toronto, Canada.
“I am thrilled to continue the important work of promoting inclusion and diversity for our colleagues and clients on a global scale,” said Kate Broer. “We are committed to making sure that everyone at Dentons is valued as a full and integral participant in the life and business of the Firm, is empowered to pursue their ambitions and realize their full potential and contribute to our relationships with our clients. .”
Kate was most recently Head of Global Client Development and Women’s Clients & Markets, leading all aspects of Dentons’ client-facing Inclusion and Diversity engagement. Previously, she served as Dentons’ Canada Region Chair of Diversity and Inclusion. During her tenure, Dentons was named one of Canada’s Best Employers for New Canadians (2009-2013), one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People (2012, 2016), and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (2011-2018). Kate has also served as a member of Dentons’ Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council since its inception in 2013.
“Kate has been a driving force on inclusion and diversity at Dentons since she joined the Firm, and her efforts have been pivotal in advancing inclusion and diversity across Dentons,” said Elliott Portnoy. “Under Kate’s stewardship and dedicated approach, Dentons will continue to build a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all of our colleagues globally – with the fundamental goal of bringing more diverse teams and perspectives and better results to our clients.”
“Inclusion and diversity are core to Dentons’ business strategy, and with a 20 plus-year track record at the firm Kate has demonstrated her commitment to advancing inclusion, diversity and allyship in all parts of our business,” said Joe Andrew, Global Chairman of Dentons. “I look forward to continue working with Kate in her new role and I am excited to see her leadership positively impact our firm, and the client experience.”
Prior to joining Dentons’ global team, Kate spent over 20 years as a practicing litigation partner in Dentons’ Canada Region. Kate began her career at Dentons in 1996. She attended the University of Toronto for undergraduate studies and received her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.
Kate previously has been recognized by Women of Influence Magazine as a Canadian Diversity Champion (2010), as a Catalyst Canada Honours Champion (2013) and by Lexpert for the Zenith Award celebrating “Women Leaders in the Legal Profession.” She was a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for contributions to the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion, and Deloitte’s Leaders to Be Proud of Leading “Executive Ally Award.”
In addition to Kate, Dentons continues to grow its global leadership team with the recent appointments of Neelima Paladugu as Global Chief People Officer, Elizabeth Isaacs as Global Head of Operational Efficiency, and an incoming Global Head of ESG set to join imminently.
