Law Society of Saskatchewan Board Members

The Law Society is seeking up to four members of the Law Society to serve as Benchers for a term ending December 31, 2024. 

Benchers constitute the governing body of the Law Society (the “Law Society Board”) and are responsible to ensure that the Law Society’s mandate to regulate the practice of law in the public interest is carried out effectively.  The Law Society Board is primarily a policy board and is responsible for the overall governance of the Law Society including setting and overseeing the delivery of strategy, providing financial oversight, and setting and maintaining standards for the ethical and competent practice of law in Saskatchewan.  Some Benchers also have the opportunity to participate in investigative and adjudicative functions of the Law Society through appointment to specific committees or the Law Society’s Hearing Committee Adjudicator Roster. 

The Law Society Board is made up of elected members of the Law Society from across the Province, members of the wider Saskatchewan public appointed by the Government after consultation with the Law Society, and the Dean of the University of Saskatchewan College of Law by virtue of that office.    

Where an elected Bencher vacancy occurs, the Law Society Board has the ability pursuant to The Legal Profession Act, 1990 to appoint a member of the Law Society to serve as Bencher for the remainder of the elected Bencher term.  Following the term of appointment, an appointed Bencher has the option to run for Bencher in their electoral division for up to two consecutive terms.  

Currently, the Law Society Board has the ability to appoint up to four Benchers as a result of vacancies arising from:  

• having no elected candidate in the Southeast Electoral Division in the last Election;  

• the judicial appointment of 2 Benchers elected in the Regina Electoral District; and 

• the judicial appointment of 1 Bencher elected in the Prince Albert Electoral District. 

The process used to appoint Benchers is guided by the following principles: competence, transparency, fairness, and diversity.  Applications will be assessed based on the criteria identified (see below) and with a view to supplementing the skills, knowledge, perspectives, and experience of the existing Board. Further details can be found by reviewing the Member Bencher Vacancy Appointment Policy on the Law Society Website.

To advance its public interest mandate, the Law Society recognizes the importance of a well-qualified Board with a diverse set of skills, perspectives, and experiences.  In line with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Equity Program, the Law Society encourages applications from equity-seeking groups. This includes candidates who are Indigenous, women, persons with disabilities, from racialized groups, 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and others who hold unique and complex lived experiences. 

Additionally, although not determinative, consideration will be given to geographical diversity. 

How you will spend your time: 

Successful applicants can expect to commit 15-20 days per year:

• Participating in Board Meetings, known as Convocation (5-6 meetings throughout the year)  

• Participating in professional development and planning sessions (generally occurring in conjunction with Board meetings) 

• Participating in Committee Meetings (Benchers are generally appointed to an average of three Committees) 

• Reviewing materials and preparing to actively participate in Board and Committee deliberations 

What you will bring to the table (criteria): 

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan with a principal place of practice or employment in Saskatchewan, or if an inactive or retired member, residing in Saskatchewan

• Understanding of the role of the Law Society, its public interest mandate, and the regulatory framework for the practice of law in Saskatchewan  

• Understanding of and commitment to the Law Society’s Values and Strategic Goals   

• Commitment to public service 

• Integrity and a commitment to the standards of conduct set out in the Law Society Bencher Code of Conduct

• Adaptability 

• Objectivity  

• Social Awareness 

• Self-awareness 

• Strong interpersonal communication skills 

While not required, knowledge and experience in the following areas will be considered beneficial (note that the Law Society provides Board members with ongoing training):

• Professional Regulation

• Governance

• Financial Oversight

• Risk Management

• Strategic Planning and Performance Measurement

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Policy Making

• LSS Regulatory/Strategic Objectives including:

• Professional Competence including Practice Management

• Professional Ethics

• Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

• Truth & Reconciliation

• Access to Justice including Access to Legal Services

• Professional Wellness

What you will receive: 

Reimbursement of Expenses.  

Interested? 

Apply on-line by 4:30 p.m. on March 28, 2023 @ https://lawsocietysk.bamboohr.com/careers/26 

Include the following in your application: 

• Cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how you meet the requirements for the position 

• Three professional references 

The Law Society values diversity.  In line with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Equity Program, we encourage applications from equity-seeking groups. This includes candidates who are Indigenous, women, persons with disabilities, from racialized groups, 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and others who hold unique and complex lived experiences.  Any such disclosure will be kept strictly confidential and will be used for the fulfillment of the position posted. 

The Law Society will provide accommodations to allow Board members to fully participate in all Board activities and fulfill their duties generally.  If you require accommodation in relation to any part of the application or selection process, please notify us using the contact information below. 

As part of our recruitment process shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide:

• A name-based criminal record check 

• Consent to release regulatory history from any professional regulatory bodies, including law societies  

• Disclosure of any other matter which may have the potential of undermining public confidence in the Law Society 

The existence of a minor or dated criminal or regulatory matter in an applicant’s history is not a determinative factor. All information provided by applicants including information as to how an applicant has conducted themselves since moving on from any past criminal or regulatory difficulties will be considered. 

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only shortlisted applicants for interviews will be contacted.  

Questions: E-mail Laurie Johnson at laurie.johnson@lawsociety.sk.ca