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Model Regulator Supports Competence of Members

by Don Thompson, QC, Executive Director

As a model regulator, the Law Society of Alberta supports the competence of its regulated members, and pays attention to developments in other law societies.

In Alberta we support the competence of lawyers through CPLED (the bar admission program), CLE, practice advice, the Equity Ombudsperson, libraries, the Alberta Law Review, ASSIST, our developing program for continuing professional development, environmental scanning, practice review and loss prevention.

In total, these amount to LSA expenditures in excess of $2.8 million ý lawyers' CLE costs are in addition to this amount.

The 2007 budget provides for new staff resources in the area of quality assurance, standards and professional development. Keeping in mind the strategic priorities, and the vision articulated by the Benchers, I'm now beginning to explore how and when this should be staffed, and what programs and activities should be included in the responsibilities. Stay tuned.

LSA reduces its ecological footprint

The Law Society of Alberta is taking virtual steps forward to reduce its ecological footprint.

Firstly, our Bencher newsletter, The Advisory, became an electronic newsletter in November 2006. Sending the newsletter via email distribution resulted in significant cost savings, as well as reducing the numbers being printed in hard copy format (for those members without email) and thus the amount of paper used.

Secondly, we've increased our use of videoconferencing to reduce travel time by Benchers and committee volunteers to attend meetings. Less travel makes it easier for volunteers to work with the Law Society, and also decreases our environmental impact. We've had videoconferencing between Edmonton and Calgary for five years, and now we're adding additional sites.

The first remote site (in Lethbridge) was launched at the end of 2006, and now enables volunteers from this area to tap into our videoconferencing facilities. The Law Society of Alberta is looking at other potential videoconferencing sites in the province.

Policy Forum effective in addressing issues

The Law Society is constantly looking at a variety of policy issues related to how we regulate the legal profession in the public interest. Last summer we put in place a new policy management process, called the Policy Forum.

The Forum ensures that the steps taken are consistent with the Legal Profession Act and the common law, and that unintended consequences are avoided. Small working groups of volunteers and staff are assigned to each policy issue, and by working together each issue is analyzed and discussed. The first major project has been the Assurance Fund limitations issue ý it has taught us the value of a thorough examination of the issue, as well as how to use the small groups to best advantage.

100th Anniversary Conference Registration Now Open

The Law Society of Alberta's 100th Anniversary Conference, titled "The Future of the Canadian Legal Profession" is now open for registration.

Conference participants can register to attend the conference by going to the Law Society of Alberta's website at www.lawsocietyalberta.com.

The conference will be held October 26 and 27, 2007 in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. A Friday evening reception featuring a keynote speaker will be held at the Faculty Club. The Saturday conference will be held at Lister Hall a few short blocks away from the Faculty Club on the University campus.

The conference themes will focus on: diversity and demographic change, access, competence and regulation. The conference is attracting panellists from across North America and overseas. The sessions will conclude with an evening dinner and guest speaker at the Faculty Club.

Tickets for the Friday evening reception, Saturday conference and dinner are $300, and can be booked online.