McMillan partner John Clifford named for the second consecutive year to prestigious global list of OUTstanding Leading LGBT+ Executives, as presented by the Financial Times

McMillan partner John Clifford named for the second consecutive year to prestigious global list of OUTstanding Leading LGBT+ Executives, as presented by the Financial Times

For the second consecutive year, McMillan LLP senior partner John Clifford has been named to the prestigious global list of the top 100 OUTstanding Leading LGBT+ Executives, as presented by the Financial Times, in recognition of his business achievements and impact on LGBTQ inclusion within McMillan and externally.

The acknowledgment highlights John’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment within McMillan and in the Canadian legal and business communities, particularly for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer.

“It is humbling to be on the list again and to be in the company of so many accomplished LGBTQ executives and professionals from some of the world’s largest and most well-respected corporations and professional firms”, said John Clifford. “I know firsthand the positive impact that out LGBTQ role models can have on the careers and ambitions of other LGBTQ people in our legal and business communities.”

As reported by the Financial Times, seniority and influence are taken into account when nominees are selected for addition to the list of Leading LGBTQ executives. The Financial Times explained that, in addition, nominees have to be visibly out, or a vocal ally, and actively working to create an environment enabling LGBTQ people to comfortably bring their best professional selves to work. It is also important for nominees to be working towards this goal over and above their day job.

Suki Sandhu, Founder & CEO, Involve was quoted as saying:

“Our sixth OUTstanding list is our most international and diverse ever. It features executives representing 21 countries around the world – from Ghana to Germany and from India to Israel. We’re so proud to see so many senior and future leaders recognised as role models for their work driving cultural change and creating environments where everyone can succeed. Everyone – regardless of gender, sexuality or ethnicity – benefits from a level playing field where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work.”

Based in McMillan’s Toronto office, John leads the firm’s national Business Law/M&A Group.  He is recognized internationally as a leading mergers & acquisitions, business and competition law lawyer.

John was a founding member of, and now co-Chairs, the Inclusion and Diversity Committee at McMillan and he was the catalyst for the founding of Fierté McMillan Pride, the firm’s affinity group for LGBTQ professionals. In 2018, the firm celebrated Pride with events in all offices across Canada, for both clients and employees.

Away from the firm, John has been an active member of Canada’s Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network since its inception in 2012. The Network’s 36 law firm members share ideas and work together to promote diversity and encourage a culture of inclusion in their firms and the legal professional generally. In 2007 John founded and continues to lead exeQutive, whose mission is to promote, support and strengthen the careers of Toronto-based LGBTQ executives, professionals, and business and community leaders.   He has also participated on and Chaired LGBTQ involvement committees of the American Bar Association, and has been involved in political campaigns to increase awareness of LGBTQ issues and LGBTQ voter participation.

In 2016 John was honoured with the Start Proud (Out On Bay Street) Professional Leadership Award and also the 2016 Lexpert Zenith Award: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion.

For the full OUTstanding 2018 Leading 100 LGBT + Executives List as presented by the Financial Times, click here