McMillan LLP Partner John Clifford Named to Global 2021 OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives List for the Fifth Consecutive Year

McMillan LLP Partner John Clifford Named to Global 2021 OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives List for the Fifth Consecutive Year

(TORONTO) – John Clifford, a partner and leader in McMillan LLP’s mergers and acquisitions practice, has been named as one of the global OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives for the fifth year in a row.

UK-based Involve released its global OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives list today. Supported by Yahoo Finance, they celebrate role models who are driving the charge for LGBT+ inclusion in the corporate sector.

“I am truly honoured to be named to this list again with such an impressive group of colleagues from around the world working on LGBTQ+ inclusion in their companies and communities,” said Clifford.

He is one of only six Canadians on the list.

“As a society and a profession, we have come a long way on including the talents and voices of LGBTQ+ people since I started my legal career in 1989. But there is always more to do, and this kind of recognition is a good reminder that visibility is critical to inspiring the next group of LGBTQ+ leaders.”

Clifford has a long history of championing the needs and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, both inside McMillan LLP, and more broadly in the community.

He is a founding member and immediate past Chair of McMillan’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council. Under his leadership, the Council implemented a variety of EDI programs and training and developed McMillan LLP’s policy for supporting and accommodating transgender employees. Clifford was also the catalyst for the founding of Fierté McMillan Pride, the firm’s affinity group for LGBTQ+ professionals.

“John Clifford has been an important leader for McMillan in so many ways, and his leadership on LGTBQ+ issues has been incredible. He’s someone who has broken ground not only in his legal career, but in helping us all understand and support his community,” said McMillan LLP CEO Teresa Dufort.

In 2007, he founded (and still leads) exeQutive, with a mission to promote, support and strengthen the careers and businesses of Toronto-based LGBTQ+ executives, professionals and business and community leaders. As leader of exeQutive, John often hears from and supports aspiring young professionals seeking mentoring on career transition issues.

“One of the great joys of my career has been seeing the evolution and growth of exeQutive, and working with colleagues in Toronto to build a platform to inspire and make space for LGBTQ+ business and community leaders.,” he said.

In the past, Clifford has also been recognized as a LGBTQ+ leader with the Start Proud (formerly Out On Bay Street) “Leaders To Be Proud Of” Award and the Lexpert Zenith Award: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion.