Deepa Mattoo

Deepa Mattoo is a dedicated lawyer and intersectional feminist recognized for her
commitment to advancing equity, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Her extensive career
spans various legal and leadership roles. Since 2019, Deepa has served as the Executive
Director of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, overseeing multiple departments
and directing the Clinic’s intervention and advocacy efforts. She has appeared before the
Supreme Court of Canada, Parliamentary committees, and UN civil society meetings,
advocating on a broad spectrum of social justice and human rights issues. In 2023, Deepa
was appointed to the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (DVDRC).
Deepa has trained thousands of service providers to support forced marriage survivors,
racialized non-status women, and clients navigating immigration law. Since 2017, she has
shared her expertise as an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School through
numerous speaking engagements and interviews. Deepa’s contributions have been
recognized with several awards, including the Spirit of Schlifer Award in 2015 and the Law
Society Medal and Women of Distinction Award in 2022 for her advocacy and access to
justice efforts. In 2023, she received the Ontario Bar Association Award for Excellence in
the Promotion of Women’s Equality and the Desi Achiever’s Award for her exceptional
contributions to human rights and access to justice. In 2024, Deepa was honoured with an
Honorary Degree from Humber College in recognition of her contributions to social justice
and equity. In May 2025, she received the Victim Services Award of Distinction from the
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.