April 30, 2019
“Following a comprehensive search process, the committee decided unanimously that Ms. Mattoo was unsurpassed in a strong field of highly qualified candidates,” says Kathleen Murphy, the Clinic’s Board President. “Her wisdom and depth of knowledge for the sector combined with her generosity of spirit, strategic thinking, a proven track record of delivering outstanding results, an uncompromising commitment to legal reform, and dedication to the women with whom we work, confirmed her as our top choice.”
With more than 20 years of experience providing direct human rights related services as well as public education, social justice and advocacy, including three as the Clinic’s Legal Director, Ms. Mattoo brings a deeply intersectional approach to women’s rights. As the Legal Director, she oversaw a team of family, immigration, and criminal lawyers and managed the Clinic’s Independent Legal Advice program. Deepa is an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School for her role as Co-Director of the Feminist Advocacy Program. She is a recipient of the Law Foundation of Ontario’s Community Leadership in Justice Fellow at Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. In 2017, Ms. Mattoo supervised the Clinic’s intervention at the Supreme Court of Canada, appearing before the SCC to offer the perspective of survivors of gender-based violence engaged in family proceedings; precisely, those brought using the Hague Convention.
Deepa will continue her oversight of the legal department until a suitable replacement is found.
“I am delighted to assume the position of Executive Director,” says Ms. Mattoo. “I look forward to working with our dedicated team of staff, donors and volunteers so that we can continue to challenge the conditions that threaten women’s lives. Together we will stay on our path to help create a world in which women’s human rights are securely weaved within the fabric of gender equality and in doing so, amplify women’s voices and cultivate their skills and resilience.”
About the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
Founded in 1985, the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic offers free legal services in family, immigration and criminal law, individual and group counselling programs, and multilingual interpretation to women who have experienced violence. Also, the Clinic takes a multi-faceted approach to the eradication of violence against women through its public education, training, community development and its national and international policy and advocacy work.
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To arrange to speak with Ms. Mattoo, please contact:
Pamela Rice
T: (416) 323-9149 ext. 228 | C: (416) 312-8998 | [email protected]