Janet Leiper - The Law Society of Upper Canada

Janet Leiper
Toronto
I am inspired to run for bencher for the first time by the colleagues I have met over the
24 years I have practised law, by the challenges I see ahead for the profession, and by the
potential I see for the future of our Bar.
Engaging the Profession
The Law Society of Upper Canada is strengthened when it encourages and welcomes
participation from the Bar. We can draw upon the innovative ideas of each new and diverse
generation of lawyers to better our profession. Technology can make governance and
policy development accessible to the members at large. As bencher, I will strive for greater
participation across our profession.
Sole Practitioner: Administrative/
Criminal Law (24 years in practice)
Integrity Commissioner – City of
Toronto
Alternate Chair, Ontario and
Nunavut Review Boards
Director, Pro Bono Law Ontario
Past Positions
Director, Osgoode Public Interest
Requirement (2007-2009)
Visiting Professor, Osgoode Hall
Law School (2007-2009)
Chair, Legal Aid Ontario
(2004-2007)
Director, Criminal Lawyers’
Association (1993-2001)
Part-time Assistant Crown Attorney
(1987-1993)
Law Society of Upper
Canada
Member, Certified Specialist Board
(2008-2010)
Chair, Advance Criminal
Roundtable (2006-2010)
Member, Barrister Advisory Group
(2005-2010)
Bar Admission Course Section
Head, Criminal Law
(1997-2004)
Education/Professional
Recognition
LL.M. University of Toronto, 2008
Certified Specialist (Criminal Law),
1995-2011
Call to the Bar, 1987
LL.B. University of Western
Ontario, 1985
2009: Recipient of
Laura Legge Award
As bencher, I propose we debate the following:
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Broadcasting Convocation and Committee proceedings on the web
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Drawing from an increased number of experienced lawyer-adjudicators from the
profession to sit with benchers on discipline matters
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Seeking the participation of the profession in policy development at the Law Society
Reporting on the new mandatory continuing professional development and how it
contributes to a more engaged Bar
Working together with the Bar to renew Legal Aid and promote a broader Legal Aid
mandate from all levels of government
Recapturing Professionalism
In 2000, the Law Society spent 12% of its budget on regulatory matters. Today, 24% of its
$92 million budget is dedicated to regulatory matters. Increases in the number and quantity of
claims against lawyers, increased regulatory litigation and calls for increased civility suggest
that the profession could benefit from more proactive measures.
We know that the profession of law is complex and stressful. The question that needs to be
asked is how can the Law Society pre-empt problems at the start of a legal career, at the
beginning stages of a regulatory complaint or when personal adversity first strikes a lawyer?
We need to ask these questions:
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How can the licensing process better instill a sense of practical ethics and a commitment
to professionalism in new calls to the Bar?
How can the Law Society ensure that members have access to experienced advice at the
beginning of an investigation into their conduct to minimize loss and risk to the public?
How can the Law Society engage more members in need/crisis with the services of the
Ontario Legal Assistance Plan (OLAP)?
What early intervention strategies can be developed to decrease the costs of unnecessary
regulatory litigation?
I recognize a shared interest of the profession and the Law Society in serving the public. It is
important for the Law Society to acknowledge this and treat its members accordingly.
I am looking forward to serving these principles, the profession and the public.
Je considère que tout avocat est en droit de s’engager dans le travail du Barreau. En effet, la
technologie actuelle rend la gouvernance ainsi que l’élaboration des politiques accessibles
à tout membre du Conseil se trouvant à distance. Ceci permettrait de profiter des idées
innovatrices de chacune des nouvelles et diverses générations d’avocats. C’est pourquoi,
en tant que membre du Conseil du Barreau, j’encouragerai vivement une plus grande
participation de la part de l’ensemble de la profession. Dans le cas où ma candidature serait
retenue, c’est avec grand enthousiasme que j’envisage de servir le public et la profession.
Links to more at:
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www.janetleiper.com
www.facebook.com/JanetLeiper