Charlene Theodore in

Charlene Theodore

Visionary · DISC type Ds
Chief Inclusion Officer at McCarthy Tétrault
📍 Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Charlene Theodore is the Chief Inclusion Officer at McCarthy Tétrault, where she spearheads the firms award-winning "Inclusion Now" strategy. A Dalhousie University law alumna, she advises senior leaders on integrating DEI and ESG principles to drive innovation and performance. She was also named one of Canadas Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers.

Outside her corporate role, Charlene is a passionate advocate for systemic change and justice reform. Her commitment is highlighted by her historic term as the first Black president of the Ontario Bar Association, where she launched initiatives to tackle inequality in the legal sector and modernize workplace culture.

She made history as the first Black president in the 124-year history of the Ontario Bar Association.

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Experience
17 Years
Current Role
Chief Inclusion Officer
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Personality Overview

How Charlene shows up

Goal-Oriented
Objective Evaluator
Direct & Assertive

They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily. They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together. Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.

Priorities

Topics Charlene cares about

DEI & ESG Strategy
Her "Inclusion Now" strategy at McCarthy Tétrault resulted in the firm becoming the first in Canada to win the prestigious global Catalyst Award.
AI & Future of Work
Actively discusses the impact of AI on leadership and hiring, emphasizing the need for adaptation and ethical guardrails to prevent bias.
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Career

Work history

1-2022 - 5-2025
Chief Inclusion Officer
McCarthy Tétrault
8-2012 - 12-2021
Legal Counsel
Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association
10-2008 - 8-2012
Litagation Counsel
Ontario Nurses' Association
10-2007 - 10-2008
Articled Clerk and Policy Counsel
African Canadian Legal Clinic
5-2005 - 9-2005
International Commercial Law Program Internship
International Bar Association
In the press

Media appearances

Women in Law: Charlene Theodore of McCarthy Tétrault on authentic leadership lessons. Featured in Canadian Lawyer Magazine
See now
McCarthy Tétrault welcomes Charlene Theodore as new Chief Inclusion Officer. Featured in McCarthy Tétrault Newsroom
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Education
Bachelor of Laws - LLB
Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Arts - BA
Carleton University
Social presence
in
Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

D

Dominance (D)

Dominance (D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is, and their ability to accomplish results irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition, and success.

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