From the President: Law Society Administers Fair, Open and Transparent Regulatory System

By Perry Mack, QC, President, Law Society of Alberta

Perry Mack, QC, President
Law Society of Alberta

In this Issue

It is my privilege to serve as President of the Law Society this year.

These are challenging times and times of opportunity for the profession. As we look across the regulatory landscape, long held principles of true independence of the legal profession are under scrutiny and challenge not imagined a generation ago. In some jurisdictions lawyers have lost a measure of their independence as a result of perceived failure to regulate in the public interest.

In Alberta, the Law Society has taken very seriously its responsibilities to the public and under the Legal Profession Act we have administered a fair, open and transparent regulatory system. No system is perfect, however, and we are always looking for means to improve the fairness and efficiency of our processes. This last year we have made significant changes to the credentialing and assurance fund processes. We expect that applicants and claimants in either process will quickly see the benefits of the changes. We will continue to examine opportunities for further improvements.

The Law Society works to foster and encourage that culture of excellence and this next year will see further steps in that regard. We trust that our members will see the Continuing Professional Development program as a non-intrusive, meaningful means to access and organize opportunities for continual learning.

With nearly 50 percent of our members practising solo, the Law Society wants to support small firm practice as the principal point for access to justice for most Albertans.

We will be considering what we can offer to facilitate the opening of a law office or improving the operations of any existing law firm.

In keeping with our mandate of governance in the public interest, we will be undertaking a careful examination of how the profession protects trust property.

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Education

L.L.B., University of Saskatchewan, 1982
B.A., University of Regina, 1979

Professional Experience

Admitted to Alberta Bar, 1983
1989 to Present – Machida Mack Shewchuk Meagher LLP
1982 to 1989 – Code Hunter
Civil Litigation practice

Professional Community Activities

Elected Bencher 2001, 2003 & 2005
Law Society Committees includes Executive, Conduct, Pro Bono, Credentials & Education, Finance, Appeals, and Insurance among others.
Bar Admission Course Instructor
Panellist and Presenter at various seminars, conferences and courses
Past Pro-Bono Counsel at Law Society Conduct Hearings
Member of Calgary Bar Association and Canadian Bar Association