Laura Smith, left, and Katie Baker, Cohen Highley Lawyers, at the 2023 Canstruction Waterloo Region event.

You might recognize the name from the catchy radio ads but what Cohen Highley Lawyers are best known for is providing exceptional legal services to personal and corporate clients throughout southwestern Ontario.   

Their dedication to success extends beyond the court/board room and into the community. They have been a committed supporter and partner of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and in this business profile, we chat with Katie M. Baker, lawyer at Cohen Highley LLP Lawyers, to learn why they support The Food Bank and what it means to them.  

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: Why is it important to give back to the community?

Cohen Highley: As a law firm, Cohen Highley’s priority is helping clients navigate the legal system and diligently pursue the relief and remedies they are entitled to. Not everyone will require the services of a lawyer in their lifetime, but this doesn’t mean we can’t reach out to help in other ways. Giving back to the community allows us to assist those in need outside of the legal system. 

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: What does it mean to be able to give back so generously to the charitable and non-profit organizations in Waterloo Region?

Cohen Highley: We’re a “rooted” firm at Cohen Highley—our lawyers and staff work, live, and volunteer in the community they represent and assist clients in. Giving back to Waterloo region through charitable and non-profit organizations, above all, makes it a better place to live for everyone, including and especially those most in need. To use a cliché, a rising tide raises all boats. Waterloo region has afforded our lawyers and staff generous opportunities to live, work, and thrive, and we want to ensure that we can help provide those opportunities to everyone in the community however we can. 

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: How does your business support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region?

Cohen Highley: We have been a proud sponsor of the The Food Bank of Waterloo Region since 2020. While governmental restrictions surrounding the pandemic made gathering as usual more difficult, we adapted and organized food drives and virtual fundraising events. We are also extremely excited to be sponsoring Canstruction Waterloo Region this year, and can’t wait to see what the creative folks in our local business community have come up with. 

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: Why do your business support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region?

Cohen Highley: There are still hungry people in need of food in the Waterloo region, so The Food Bank remains an invaluable organization to support. Everyone who comes to Cohen Highley—or any other law firm—has a unique story, and the same is true of The Food Bank. Those who need The Food Bank are our neighbours and members of our community. They may be our family, friends, colleagues, classmates, or total strangers. Whoever they are and whatever their story, The Food Bank is there to help. The Law Society of Ontario’s motto is “Let Right be Done.” By supporting The Food Bank, we are delighted to be doing just that.