WHO WE ARE
matas law society
Now is a very important time for the Jewish legal community in Canada. We’ve been hearing regularly from legal professionals asking how they can help contribute to fighting antisemitism and defending human rights.
That’s why B’nai Brith Canada established the Matas Law Society – Canada’s new hub for Jewish legal professionals and law students. All events are going to be held virtually for the foreseeable future, so all Jewish lawyers, paralegals and law students can join and participate no matter where they are located in the country.
Membership offers a host of exclusive opportunities that are highly valuable no matter what stage of your legal career you are at. These opportunities include:
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programming
- Access to unique networking opportunities with some of this country’s most prominent lawyers and activists;
- For those inclined, an opportunity to improve the state of human rights in Canada by becoming involved with some of the major cases that B’nai Brith is involved with on the national stage. The League for Human Rights regularly intervenes before the courts in highly publicized cases.
All levels of involvement are welcome— from becoming a member to actively defending our community in court, there is something for everyone. There is no minimum or maximum level of involvement required to be a part of the Society.
The society is named in honour of David Matas, one of Canada’s most renowned and accomplished lawyers and human-rights activists.
Mr. Matas has long served as B’nai Brith Canada’s Senior Legal Counsel. He has worked closely with the organization for more than thirty years on some of our most important cases, and has also been a major spokesperson and contributor in the noble fight for human rights. He is widely respected for his legal work both in Canada and internationally. As well, he is a distinguished member of the Order of Canada.
Mr. Matas’ inspiring passion for the law and tireless work in fighting for human rights, embodies the spirit of our vision for the Matas Law Society.
Membership costs $250 per year with full access to all of these exclusive opportunities, and more. Membership is open to all Jewish lawyers, paralegals, and law students. Students currently enrolled in a law program are eligible to join for free.
Ensure that your name is included in Canadian Jewish history by becoming a charter member of this unique network.
Disclaimer: The Matas Law Society is not a provincially regulated entity.
OUR MIsSION
OUR VISION
A stronger civil society in Canada, fostering diversity and inclusion.
OUR VALUES
We are a non-religious organization governed by the traditional Jewish precepts of:
Justice
Compassion
Benevolence
OUR HISTORY
B'NAI BRITH ORIGINS
“B’nai Brith has taken upon itself the mission of uniting persons of the Jewish faith in the work of promoting their highest interest and those of humanity; of developing and elevating the mental and moral character of the people of our faith; of inculcating the purest principles of philanthropy, honour and patriotism; of supporting science and art; alleviating the wants of the poor and needy; visiting and caring for the sick; coming to the rescue of victims of persecution; providing for, protecting and assisting the aged, the widow and orphan on the broadest principles of humanity.”
– Preamble to the B’nai Brith Constitution circa 1843
B’nai Brith Canada has had a presence in this country since its earliest days, with roots stretching back to 1875. It is Canadian Jewry’s most senior charitable service organization and is the national independent voice speaking out on behalf of grassroots Jewish Canadians.
In 1875, Lodge No. 246 was the first lodge founded in Toronto, followed soon after by another in Montreal, and then throughout the country. Many community leaders were associated with these lodges, including former Mayors of Toronto Philip Givens and Nathan Phillips, and Canada’s first Jewish Senator David Croll. Over time, a team of dedicated volunteers and professional staff engaged in combating antisemitism, bigotry and racism in Canada and abroad in addition to wide-ranging educational and social programming, community and volunteer services, and human initiatives. These and other activities undertaken are meant to reflect the organization’s commitment to “People Helping People”.
Just as B’nai Brith has grown and evolved over the years in order to respond to the particular needs of the time, so has Canadian Jewry undergone many transformations. Throughout, B’nai Brith has consistently employed its successful advocacy model of strong community results-oriented grassroots activism.
