The WILL to Carry On – Re-elect Will McDowell For Bencher

March 9, 2015

WHY ME?

I said when I first ran for Bencher in 2011 that I hoped to help Convocation bridge its many divisions given the diversity of the profession. This seemed to be a modest promise, but as it turned out, the past four years presented some of the most difficult issues the Law Society has confronted in its recent history. Our response to the articling crisis, and subsequent creation of the Law Practice Program, presents one example. We have also struggled to find practical and focussed ways to improve access to justice. I have been immensely proud of my colleagues for the civility which has surrounded the discussion of these and our other hard questions.

I have had the privilege to be included in many of these efforts. I have led the Society’s relations with the federal and provincial governments as Chair of the Government Relations Committee. Our Committee worked with the provincial government to ensure new investment in Legal Aid.

Early in my term, I acted as Chair of the Professional Regulation Committee as we synchronized our Code of Professional Conduct with the new National Code of the Federation of Law Societies. I continue to work with the Committee on Racialized Licensees as we strive to ensure a level playing field for all Ontario lawyers.

Visit www.willmcdowell.ca to learn where Will stands on alternative business structures, diversity and the articling crisis.

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