Key Priorities

There is a lot to be done at Convocation over the next few years. The practice of law is changing and the Law Society of Ontario needs to evolve to meet the needs of licensees and the public. If elected, my top five priorities as Bencher are:

1. Rehabilitate the Perception of Convocation by the Public 

As the first lawyer in my family, I’ve always recognized what a privilege it is to be a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Even more so, Benchers are looked upon as leaders in the Profession who should set the standard for civility, professionalism, and inclusivity. Unfortunately, during the last four years, the level of divisiveness and dysfunction has taken a toll on the reputation of the profession. 

Through my involvement in legal organizations, particularly through my roles with the Canadian Defence Lawyers, I have learned the importance of diversity of background and perspective, as well as the importance of consensus building. Meaningful debates on important issues is vital but it must be respectful and fully-informed in order to ensure that the public is confident in our ability to self-govern. I am committed to working with all Benchers to address the needs of our profession and the public.  

2. Advocate for a well-funded Legal Aid Ontario System 

The importance of a properly funded Legal Aid Ontario Program cannot be understated. It is the key cornerstone in safeguarding access to justice in the Province which is one of the mandates of the Law Society. In order for the system to run properly, it needs to be viable for members of the private bar to practice in this area. 

The Law Society has long been supportive of Legal Aid initiatives, and I am firmly committed to ensuring this continues. Since the Law Society does not control funding, it is important for Benchers to advocate for ongoing support from the appropriate funding sources. It is also essential that the Law Society continues to play an active role in the Alliance for Sustainable Legal Aid by ensuring that legal stakeholders are able to have their voices, and perspectives, recognized. Not only do formal and informal meetings need to continue, but the Law Society needs to work with stakeholders to implement recommendations made.  

3. Support funding for Local Law Associations and Law Libraries

Local Law Associations provide vital services to lawyers across the Province. In order to continue to serve licensees, they need to be properly funded. The Law Society has a regulatory mandate to ensure that the public is served by legal professionals with the highest standards of learning and competence. To fulfil this mandate, the Law Society needs to continue to fund these services. Not only do local law libraries provide a physical space for members to conduct mid-trial research, but the resources supplied through bulk purchasing provide access to online services that many sole and small practice lawyers cannot access on their own. Finally, Local Law Associations provide lawyers with a sense of community support, a value of which cannot be understated. 

4. Focus on Fiscal Responsibility 

Being a licensee is expensive and Benchers need to ensure that they are being fiscally responsible with the budget. The reality is that approximately 70 percent of the Law Society’s budget is spent on licensing and discipline, which are two regulatory mandates. Through the Audit Committee’s recommendations, we need to identify whether there are any opportunities to reduce the budget, while still fulfilling our mandate. I remain committed to properly researching the issue and making informed decisions, not arbitrary promises to reduce the budget. This is what good governance is all about. 

5. Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity 

In 2023 and beyond, we need a Convocation that respects equity, inclusion, and diversity in the profession. This is a vital component of serving the public. We need to elect Benchers who are alive to the barriers faced in the delivery of legal services by minorities and marginalized groups.