TORONTO, March 23, 2017 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada is launching the province-wide Dialogue on Licensing this spring as part of its comprehensive analysis of the lawyer licensing process. Set to begin in April, the dialogue will include a series of facilitated in-person and webcast group discussions about the realities, challenges and opportunities of licensing.
The extensive consultation process follows the review of the Pathways Pilot Project, which included the Law Practice Program pilot and enhancements to the Articling Program.
"We will be engaging with the profession and other stakeholders to formulate long-term recommendations for an appropriate, sustainable lawyer licensing system in Ontario," says Law Society Treasurer Paul B. Schabas. "This is a critical issue for the profession and together, we can chart a course for the future. We all have a role to play and I firmly believe that this process can lead to solutions that will have a long-lasting impact."
In addition to the in-person discussion groups, the Law Society is providing a user-friendly online method of providing written input up until August 1, 2017 via www.lsucdialogue.ca.
"We need to consider all elements of lawyer licensing and look at the challenges and opportunities, so that we end up with a system that appropriately assesses entry-level competence and is fair from a process standpoint — as well as being sustainable from a financial perspective," adds Law Society Bencher and Professional Development and Competence Committee Chair, Peter Wardle. "We look forward to hearing from as many participants as possible."
Discussion groups focusing on four different topics are scheduled to run from April through June, in London, Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Thunder Bay and Sudbury. Each discussion group will focus on one of the following four topics: The Need For Change; Market Dynamics and the Lawyer Profession; Licensing Examinations: Assessment of Entry-level Competence; and Transitional Training.
There is no limit to the number of discussion groups people may attend, but online registration is required. Reference materials for each of the four topics will be posted in advance of the discussion groups.
For more information, to register to attend a discussion group and to subscribe to the Dialogue on Licensing mailing list, visit www.lsucdialogue.ca
The Law Society regulates lawyers and paralegals in Ontario in the public interest. The Law Society has a duty to protect the public interest, to maintain and advance the cause of justice and the rule of law, to facilitate access to justice for the people of Ontario and act in a timely, open and efficient manner.
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SOURCE The Law Society of Upper Canada
Media contact: Susan Tonkin, Communications Advisor, Media Relations, 416-947-7605 or [email protected].
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