Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA)

The Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA) represents Muslim individuals of all backgrounds who are in the legal profession in Canada. Founded in 1998, the CMLA is a Toronto-based non-profit association of Muslim lawyers from all Canadian provinces and territories.

The CMLA has approximately 200 members and is funded entirely by the contributions of its members. We exist to interact with and assist Muslim lawyers, law students, the Muslim community, the legal profession and the public at large in various capacities.

The CMLA advocates areas of interest for Muslim lawyers and law students to organizations such as the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association and other professional and non-professional organizations, including the various levels of government.

The CMLA is involved in providing education to the Muslim community regarding the Canadian legal system and the common law. We also conduct “in-house” education for CMLA members with respect to various areas of the law. In addition, we endeavour to educate and sensitize the profession to the legal needs of the Muslim community.

The CMLA acts as a catalyst for networking between Muslim lawyers, with other Muslim professionals, and networking with other organizations to make them aware of our expanding group.

The CMLA provides mentorship to students, assistance with job placement, referrals and general support to our Muslim peers in the legal community.