LINDA’S POSITION ON IMPORTANT ISSUES
MAKING THE SOCIETY RELEVANT AND REPRESENTATIVE
The Law Society represents not only barristers but also solicitors from both the private and public sectors, some of whom feel disconnected from the work of the Society. Small firms, sole practitioners, and lawyers in government, in not-for-profit organizations and in corporate legal departments need the support of the Law Society to continue to thrive in a period of rapid technological and social change.
ACCESS TO JUSTICE
This is the issue that drove my term as President of The Advocates’ Society. Under my leadership, The Advocates’ Society confronted some of the access to justice barriers created by complex and costly litigation procedures. I am proud of our policy forum, Streamlining the Ontario Civil Justice System, and our work with the Attorney General to create the Civil Justice Reform Project led by the Hon. Coulter Osborne. The Society needs to work on these issues in a way that is meaningful for the profession as a whole.
LEGAL AID
The chronic underfunding of Legal Aid has seriously eroded access to justice for those most in need of legal representation and unfairly burdens the criminal and family law practitioners who undertake that important work. I am committed to achieving increases in the Tariff to ensure lawyers receive fair remuneration and to strengthening the clinic system. The Law Society must champion Legal Aid in bold and innovative ways that create a foundation of sustainable funding.
EQUITY AND DIVERSITY
Although the barriers that once prevented women and minorities from entering the legal profession have been removed, many barriers still impede full participation and success. The Law Society must continue to develop programs so that the profession welcomes and supports lawyers with diverse talents and backgrounds.
ARTICLING STUDENTS AND NEW LAWYERS
The number of students seeking articling positions is dramatically increasing. It is vitally important that the Law Society move quickly to address the complex issues associated with this growth: to ensure access to the profession and employment opportunities for all law school graduates.
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
My partners tease me that I spend more time participating in continuing education programs than I do practising law. Over the past 25 years, I have contributed to programs offered by the Law Society of Upper Canada, The Advocates’ Society, The American College of Trial Lawyers and the Ontario Bar Association. Accessible and affordable continuing legal education is vital to maintaining the strength of the profession.