BBN #190
CONVOCATION:
The Law Society held a hybrid Convocation on October 31. Click to see the
agenda and reports in order to review any matters summarized below.
2025 WILL COST US MORE:
- Our LSO Annual Fee has been increased by Convocation from $1956. to $2,039.
to be paid by about 59,200 Lawyers and $1,023. by 11,390 Paralegals. Of that
amount, $222 (11%) is directed to the County Libraries Fund through LIRN. - The good news is that the 2005 budgeted excess of expenses over revenues has
decreased by almost a million dollars from 2024. In simple terms our deficit
financing, relying on existing Fund Balances from Operations has improved.
However, Convocation decided to now forgive the internal 2024 5.6m loan from the
Lawyer General Fund to the Capital Allocation Fund. The fund transfer is now
permanent. - LSO staff is projected to increase from 556 to 565 full-time equivalent employees
with the overall budget line item increasing by $4.0m. - Have no fear that Benchers and Adjudicators won’t be left behind. They too will
be paid increased rates to be aligned with employee salary increases.
2025 LSO BUDGETTED INITIATIVES:
- Family Legal Services Provider, credential approved in 2022 followed by policy
deliberation and consultation is planned for implementation in 2025. Paralegals
completing the required course at Fenshaw College will be able to provide certain
specific legal services in family law. - The Foundations of Sole Practice will be a mandatory course for all licensees who
declare as a sole practitioner for the first time - Continuation of the Certified Specialist Program
GOVERNANCE REVIEW:
A task force has been working for the past year to consider important Bencher
election and other reforms for implementation before the next 2027 election. Open
for consideration is whether Convocation should be reduced in size to include
both elected and appointed Benchers. A reduced term limit for elected Benchers
may also be considered. Have your say. The Task Force is seeking feedback until
January 31, 2025.
MONEY LAUNDERING – FINTRAC:
Take note that lawyers are identified as a prime facilitator of illegal financial
transactions involving large amounts. Stay up to date on how to avoid being
victimized in the combat against money laundering and terrorist financing. Read
more content
HOW ARE YOU – OUR MENTAL HEALTH:
Read the “Right Not To Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal
Profession” edited by Beth Beattie, Carole Dagher, and Thomas G. W. Telfer.
Justice Myers recently revealed personal information about his own experience with
mental health issues arising from the persona we establish as lawyers described as
“imposter syndrome”. If the book does not speak to your circumstances, it will help
you understand and support a colleague or friend. Silent suffering is no longer an
option.
Save the links to our:
Well-being Resource Centre:
http://lso.ca/lawyers/well-being-resource-centre
Member Assistance Program:
http://lso.ca/lawyers/well-being-resource-centre/member-assistance-program-(1)
Bob Evans (Former Bencher):
Bob retired from practice in 2019 but the Evans Law Firm, founded by his
grandfather in 1894 has provided legal services in Bradford for over 130 years. It
has been in its current location only since 1908 and today carries on through Evans
de Vries Higgins LLP. The firm was recently recognized by the Simcoe County
Historical Association. Well done Bob.
Remembrance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day service:
November 5, 2024
Members of the judiciary, legal professions and the public are invited to join the Law
Society’s virtual
