Prioritizing Access to Justice: The Best-Case Scenarios for Law Associations and Law Libraries in the 2023 LSO Bencher Election
As we look forward to upcoming the 2023 Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Bencher Election, we turn our thoughts to some of the stakeholders who will be most impacted by the outcome. Of course the main ones are the members of the legal profession – i.e. the lawyers and paralegals themselves.
But the election outcome will also impact related entities like the Law Associations and Law Libraries. That’s because the newly-elected Benchers, on behalf of the LSO, will likely prioritize various pressing issues differently from their predecessors. This means Law Associations and Libraries are vulnerable to negative changes that could impair, rather than support, their objectives.
For now, however, let’s look at some of the best-case scenarios of what the Bencher election could bring.
What’s at Stake?
When it comes to the LSO’s impact on the interests of Law Associations and Law Libraries, there are many potential avenues of influence. The list of topics includes:
- Increased funding from the LSO
- Regulatory policies that support access to justice
- Advocacy efforts on behalf of the legal profession
- Increased access to legal resources and information, and
- Support for underrepresented communities.
Depending on how the elected Benchers prioritize each of these areas, the result could be to give Law Associations and Law Libraries a stronger role in promoting access to justice, and in serving the legal profession and the public.
So let’s examine these individual topics more closely.
Increased Funding for Law Associations and Libraries
For Law Associations and Law Libraries, one of the best-case outcomes of the upcoming election will be that they obtain increased funding from the LSO in the future. It might cover items such as legal research and education, and would allow for better support to the legal profession and the public alike. This in turn would promote access to justice.
Regulatory Policies to Support Access to Justice
Through its regulatory policies, the LSO has a direct influence on how Law Associations and Law Libraries operate. Optimally, these policies might specifically address and support access to justice – for example by promoting legal aid funding, supporting underrepresented communities, and forging initiatives to address systemic issues in the legal system.
Advocacy Efforts on Behalf of the Legal Profession
Law Associations and Libraries often serve as important advocates on behalf of the legal profession. The key topics might include enhancements to legal education and research, increased funding for legal aid, and support for underrepresented communities. The LSO’s decision-making in this area has direct repercussions to access to justice issues in the broader community.
Increased Access to Legal Resources and Information
Law Associations and Law Libraries are also important sources of legal information for members of the legal profession themselves. They also service as an important resource for the public, who need to have access to information in order to make informed decisions about legal issues. Again, the LSO has a key role to play in this area.
Support for Underrepresented Communities
Finally, LSO decision-making can impact the level of support given to underrepresented communities. This can include initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Make Your Vote Count
It’s clear that the LSO impacts Law Associations and Law Libraries through these various channels. And since Benchers are the guiding mind of the LSO, they play a highly influential role by extension.
When considering the slate of candidates, be on the lookout for those who have the right values and priorities – such as promoting access to justice, increasing funding, improving advocacy, and supporting underrepresented communities.
The outcome of the 2023 LSO Bencher election will be an important starting-point for shaping the future of the entire profession. Lawyers, paralegals, Law Associations, and Law Libraries must all stay informed and engaged in the election process to ensure that their interests are represented.
Will you be part of the conversation?
Russell Alexander
I’m running as your bencher candidate. Vote for me because I will keep an eye on the balance sheet, moderate LSO regulations, and improve access to justice. Learn more at russellalexander.com/bencher2023
