Zahra Vaid
Survivors of sexual violence don’t always know that they can use the civil justice system as a means to hold their abuser accountable. My goal is to ensure survivors know their rights and have meaningful access to justice as a step towards healing.
Areas of focus
Education
- Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2021)
- J.D., Osgoode Hall Law School (2020)
- Anti-Discrimination Intensive Program, Osgoode Hall Law School (2018-2019)
- B.A. (Hons), Equity Studies and Women and Gender Studies, University of Toronto (2016)
- Indigenous Resurgence & Sustainable Development Research Program, Center for Engaged Learning Abroad, Belize (2015)
It is said that the most precious gift we can offer another is our attention. Never is that more true than when I sit with someone who has experienced a sexual violation. When someone’s ability to trust may have been shaken to its foundations, we legal advocates must take time to hear the stories of survivors and do the hard work of building a trusting relationship.
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- Janet Lambert Book Prize in Equity Studies (2016)
- The City of Toronto Women’s Studies Undergraduate Award (2015)
- Dean’s International Initiatives Fund Recipient (2015)
- Scholars Award, University of Toronto (2012)
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- Member, Mentorship Committee, Women’s Law Association of Ontario
- Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association
- Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association
- South Asian Bar Association of Toronto
- Group of Racialized Ontario Women Litigators (GROWL)
- Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association
- South Asian Bar Association of Toronto
- Toronto Lawyers Association
- The Advocates’ Society
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- Volunteer, Legal Services Coordination Pilot Program, Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW)
- Vice President, Osgoode Peer Support Centre, Osgoode Hall Law School (2019-2020)
- Co-Director of External Communications, Osgoode Women’s Network (OWN), Osgoode Hall Law School (2019-2020)
- Junior Caseworker, Immigration Law Division, Community Legal Aid Services Programme, Osgoode Hall Law School (2017-2018)
- Counsellor, 315NISA: Muslim Women’s Helpline (2015-2017)
Your journey, your terms
For me, being a lawyer is about serving people who have been historically excluded from receiving justice. I’m here to help survivors gain control of their lives and take small steps forward — on their own terms.
I’m with you
Compassion, hard work and strong communication. I carry these three values into everything I do as a lawyer. They allow me to understand and work for you in a way that’s supportive and mindful of your needs.
The work that she put in is above & beyond anything I could have expected. She is positive, understanding, and one of the most dedicated & hardworking people I have ever met.The work that she put in is above & beyond anything I could have expected. She is positive, understanding, and one of the most dedicated & hardworking people I have ever met.
Insights From Zahra
Discussions of Case Law
The Evolution Of Vicarious Liability In Sexual Abuse Cases (Part 2)
The Evolution Of Vicarious Liability In Sexual Abuse Cases (Part 1)
BC Court Determines School Board Not Vicariously Liable For Off-School Sexual Abuse
