IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
2 Nov - 7 Nov 2025
Session information
Global update on gender quotas: do we need them to adjust gender imbalance in leadership
Thursday 6 November (1430 - 1545)
Committee(s)
Women Lawyers' Committee
(Lead)
Corporate Counsel Forum
European Regional Forum
Law Firm Management Committee
Description
Around the world, quota systems take many forms-mandatory board quotas, voluntary targets, or corporate self-regulation-affecting not only company directors, but also managers, general counsels, and law firms.
The panel will examine both the benefits and drawbacks of such measures: Do quotas effectively drive progress in diversifying organisations, or do they risk fostering tokenism? How have companies, legal departments, and law firms responded, and what lessons can be drawn from different jurisdictions? We will also compare quotas with alternative strategies, such as mentorship initiatives, flexible work policies, transparent promotion & evaluation processes, or unconscious bias training, in building sustainable change.
Audience questions and comments are warmly welcomed to enrich this timely global conversation.
Session / Workshop Chair(s)
| Masako Banno | Okuno & Partners, Tokyo, Japan; Senior Vice Chair, Women Lawyers' Committee |
| Annalisa Reale | Chiomenti Studio Legale, Milan, Italy; Treasurer, Women Lawyers' Committee |
Speakers
| Carlos Bello Hernandez | BGBG, Mexico City, Mexico; Strategy Officer, Law Firm Management Committee |
| Bindu Cudjoe | Bindustries Consulting Inc, Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
| Martine De Koning | Kennedy Van der Laan, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Alternative and New Law Business Structures Committee |
| Adeola Sunmola | Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, Lagos, Nigeria; African Regional Forum Liaison Officer, Women Lawyers' Committee |