Janet Leiper - The Law Society of Upper Canada
Transcription
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: • Broadcasting Convocation and Committee proceedings on the web • Drawing from an increased number of experienced lawyer-adjudicators from the profession to sit with benchers on discipline matters • • • 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: • • • • 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: • • www.janetleiper.com www.facebook.com/JanetLeiper