2007 Bencher Election
The 2007 Bencher Election and the respective campaigns by the Benchers seeking election (or re-election as the case may be) have been ongoing for quite some time now. Indeed, the process itself is pretty much at its end, except the voting. Many may have already voted. The deadline for voting in the election is April 30, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Voting may be done by way of internet, telephone or mail.
There are 40 Bencher positions that are up for grabs - 20 from outside of Toronto and 20 from within Toronto.
The Law Society of Upper Canada is governed, however, by a Board of 48 Benchers. Forty of these 48 Benchers are the lawyers from across Ontario that are being elected on a regional basis as part of this election. The public is represented by the Law Society's eight lay Benchers who are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council (of the Ontario Government). There are also several ex-officio Benchers including former Attorneys-General of Ontario and former Treasurers of the Law Society.
The Benchers meet every month (Convocation) to deal with matters related to the governance of the legal profession and to make policy decisions. Benchers also sit on various Law Society Committees, and they participate on panels that hear cases concerning the conduct and competence of lawyers.
Members of the Law Society of Upper Canada in good standing are eligible to vote in the bencher election.
It is obviously important for members to vote in the current election in order to help determine the direction and governance of the profession for the next four years. As the adage goes, if you don't vote then you can't complain.
Enjoy.
Craig.
