Dear Colleagues, I was called to the Bar in 1998 and in my 25 years of practice, I have never met a lawyer who wanted to pay more fees, dues, or be subject to increased regulation by the LSO. When I was a sole practitioner, these dues and regulations were burdensome. Now with over 20 Associate Lawyers on my team these expenses can be overwhelming. I get it. The practice of law can be expensive and the LSO regulations can be difficult.
The 2023 LSO Bencher Election seems to be defined by division and slates of candidates in support of, or opposing various positions. Some are concerned that convocation may be turning into a parliamentary system with competing parties, coalitions, and groups.
I am running as your Bencher candidate, and I am asking for your vote. I will not be behest to any particular interest groups or slate of candidates. Benchers need to engage in rigorous, passionate, and respectful debates. They should be independent and exercise good judgment and common sense. They need to promote decorum and civility. As your bencher, I will do just that.
Russell Alexander, Bencher Candidate
… in my 25 years of practice, I have never met a lawyer who wanted to pay more fees, dues or be subject to increased regulation by the LSO.
If elected, my decisions as a Bencher will be guided by my core values of respect, teamwork, service, and leadership. These values have helped me grow my firm into one the largest family law firms in Canada. We were named one of Canada’s Best Family Law Firms by the Globe & Mail, we are A Great Place to Work Certified, and just a few days ago, we were selected as an Excellence Awardee in the Annual Canadian Law Awards supported by Lexpert and Canadian Lawyer for the 2023 Family Law Firm of the Year. My goal is to bring these same core values to my work as a Bencher that represents you.
I am passionate about improving access to justice, DEI and promoting collaborative practice and other ADR methods.
Why Vote Russell Alexander for Bencher?
These are just some of the traits that will make me an effective Bencher:
Strong leadership: I have strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others, to make difficult decisions, and to build consensus.
Strategic thinking: I think strategically and make decisions that are in the best interests of the legal profession.
Knowledge of the legal profession: I have a deep understanding of the legal profession, including its history, trends, and challenges.
Communication skills: I communicate effectively with members of the legal profession, the public, and other stakeholders. This includes the ability to listen to and present ideas clearly, and to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: I am committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as evidenced by my dynamic and diverse legal team.
Open-mindedness: I will be open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives and ideas. This includes being willing to learn from others, to challenge assumptions, and to collaborate with others.
Passion for justice: I have a passion for justice and a commitment to improving the administration of justice in Ontario. Some examples include my pro bono legal services, our RIA charitable giving fund that now donates $20,000.00 each year to local charities, women shelters and other worthy causes, our annual Law Scholarship, our award-winning legal blog FamilyLLB, our legal newsletters, our media appearances, and our bi-weekly Family Law Now Live events.
These qualities, skills, and behaviours will empower me to be an effective Bencher, leader, and advocate for the legal profession. Please vote Russell Alexander for Bencher. If this message resonates with you, please pass it along to your colleagues and ask for their support on my behalf.
To show my gratitude please download a free digital copy of my recent book, Zoom Divorce. Practitioners may find Chapter 5 helpful as it provides a step-by-step guide to filing your court documents online via CaseLines.
With gratitude,
Russ
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