ELECTED AND ACCLAIMED BENCHERS FOR Central Electoral District

Transcription

1 ELECTED AND ACCLAIMED BENCHERS FOR Central Electoral District DAVID CHOW Born and raised in Moose Jaw, David served as the Director of the U of S Campus Legal Services and President of the Law Students Association before graduation from the College of Law with an LLB in David articled to his father Kerry and was admitted as a member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan in He continues to practice with Chow McLeod in Moose Jaw. David has been heavily involved in the community and his profession. He is a former President of the Moose Jaw United Way; former President of the Moose Jaw and Area Bar Association; past District Governor for the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association; former Director for the Moose Jaw Family YMCA; U of S College of Law Centennial Celebration Committee member; past Executive Committee member for the Saskatchewan WTF Tae Kwon Do Association; past Executive Committee member for the Moose Jaw Early Bird Lions Club; former Instructor with Moose Jaw Kim s Tae Kwon Do Academy; former Chair of the Buffalo Pound Lake Councils; and Co-Chair of the Sask. WTF 2011 Provincial Championships. David is a 4 th degree Black Belt in the World Tae Kwon Do Federation and a nationally certified competition referee. David has been a guest lecturer for numerous local groups and institutions on legal topics including residential real estate transactions, The Youth Criminal Justice Act, legal ethics, family law and divorce, power of attorney and advanced health care directives. David has served as a Hearing Officer since 2011, presiding over police discipline matters under the authority of The Police Act. In June of 2011, David was appointed by the Provincial Government as a public member to The Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission which is the governing and licensing body for all real estate registrants in Saskatchewan. He has served as the Chair of the Legislative Committee with SREC since 2012 and he has been a member of the Executive Committee since David is entering his second 3-year term as a Bencher. He serves on the A&E Committee, Governance Committee and he is the current Chair of the Ethics Committee. David and his wife Lindsay have a 9 year old son, Zachary.

2 East Central Electoral Division DAVID RUSNAK David Rusnak graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Law, in He articled with the law firm of Rusnak Balacko Kachur and has practiced in Yorkton SK with the same firm since completing his articles and joining the Law Society in David has been a partner with the law firm of Rusnak Balacko Kachur Rusnak since He has a general practice of law with a significant focus on litigation, conducting Federal prosecutions as a standing agent, criminal defence work, corporate/commercial, personal injury and family law. David has served on the Yorkton Public School Board for a period of nine years and was Chairman of the Yorkton Regional High School Board for three of the nine years. In addition, David is a past President of the Yorkton Rotary Club, past Secretary for the Parkland Shrine and served as a Board member for the Westview United Church. David has been a lecturer at the Parkland College, instructing a second year business law class for the past eight years. David has also lectured at the Gabriel Dumont Institute and has presented at numerous seminars for the advancement of legal education in Yorkton and area. Reasons for Seeking Office: David s main reason for seeking election as a Bencher at this time is to return something back to a profession that has brought him a great deal of satisfaction. He sees Yorkton and area as a place of growth and prosperity and hopes he can assist in attracting young lawyers to the area as well as being a resource to his colleagues as a Bencher.

3 New Lawyer Bencher SEAN SINCLAIR Sean is a partner with Robertson Stromberg LLP. He was called to the Law Societies of Saskatchewan and Alberta in Sean s practice areas include family law, estate litigation, media law/defamation and professional regulation. Sean is a frequent presenter at conferences for the Law Society of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association and the Canadian Bar Association. Reasons for Seeking Office: I put my name forward for re-election because I have enjoyed my time as a Bencher and I am excited to continue the important work of the Law Society.

4 North East Electoral District ROSANNE NEWMAN Rosanne was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She obtained her law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Rosanne had a general practice in a small firm in Hope, British Columbia from February 1994 to June She articled with this firm, became an associate and then a partner. In June 2002, Rosanne returned with her family to Saskatchewan. She took the position of Legal Director at the Meadow Lake Legal Aid office and remained in that office until May 2012 when she transferred to the Melfort Legal Aid office. Rosanne has been the Legal Director of Melfort Legal Aid since May Since returning to Saskatchewan, in addition to her administrative duties, the majority of her practice has been criminal defence. In Melfort, Rosanne currently has a mixed practice of criminal defence and family law. While living in Rapid View Rosanne volunteered with the 4H Club. She was a member and volunteered with the local Barrel Racing club. Along with her family, Rosanne was also involved in a Japanese student exchange program. In Melfort, she recently agreed to be a Pathfinder Leader for the local Girl Guide club. She is a member of the Northeast Bar Association. Reasons for Seeking Office: As a Bencher for the North East district, I believe I can bring forward urban and rural issues, as well as a northern perspective.

5 North West Electoral District JEFF BALDWIN Jeff graduated from the University of Saskatchewan and was called in He articled with Cawood Walker and has remained with that firm, now known as Demmans Baldwin Friedman Frank. Jeff s professional activities have included serving as President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Battlefords Bar Association, SKLESI Board member, CPD presenter on Boot Camp for Small Firms/Solo Practitioners and member of CBA Saskatchewan Council. His volunteer activities included being the University of Saskatchewan Senate member, City of North Battleford Development Appeals Board chairperson, Saskatchewan Archaeological Society President and Table Mountain Regional Park board member. His outside interests include scuba diving, kayaking, snowboarding, hiking and archaeology. He is a father of two adult sons. Reasons for Seeking Office: The governance of the legal profession is facing numerous challenges from within and outside of the profession. Many people face difficulty accessing legal services, especially in the areas of family law, and this requires us to consider how these needs may be met to ensure access to justice. I believe that a strong, independent legal profession promotes the rule of law and benefits the public interest. I respect the collective wisdom of the bar, and welcome input from my colleagues any time on any issue. It has been an honour to serve as an appointed Bencher for the North West District to fill the vacancy left by the judicial appointment of Miguel Martinez. My first convocation was on April 30, I currently serve as Chair of the Library Committee and as a member of the Conduct Investigation and Ethics Committees. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience.

6 Prince Albert Electoral Division RON PARCHOMCHUK Ron is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan. He obtained his B.A. in political studies in 1987, and his law degree in He articled in Saskatoon and worked there until moving to Prince Albert in April, 1993, where he joined what was then called Balicki Popescul & Co., now Sanderson Balicki Parchomchuk. Ron became a partner at the firm in Ron has a general law practice, with a particular emphasis on family law. He has appeared at all three levels of court in Saskatchewan, the Manitoba Court of Queen s Bench, and also in front of a variety of administrative tribunals and boards. Ron is Past President of the Prince Albert Bar Association, and has served as an editor for the STLA s The Advocate. He is currently one of the volunteer lawyers at the Pro Bono Clinic in Prince Albert. Ron is happily married to Lynn, an O.R. nurse at the Victoria Hospital, and dad to two sons, Joel, age 20, and Evan, age 17. When he is not working to pay their atrociously expensive university and grocery bills, he enjoys watching both sons at their various university and high school activities, gardening, reading, cooking, and drinking the occasional margarita on his backyard patio. Reasons for Seeking Office: I have been a member of the Insurance Committee since I was first elected, and have also been a member of the Discipline and Professional Standards Committees, serving as Chair for the Professional Standards Committee in I am currently a member of the Admissions and Education Committee and the Conduct Investigation Committee. I have enjoyed acting as Bencher for the Prince Albert electoral district, and will continue to provide a voice to the needs and concerns of the Prince Albert Bar, and to assist in the administration of the legal profession for the benefit and protection of the general public and the membership.

7 Regina Electoral District DAVID BISHOP David is a partner in McKercher LLP s Regina office. David s practice focuses on real estate, corporate and commercial law, including small business. A significant focus of his practice includes representing a number of developers and home builders in Regina. Over the years, David has had experience in almost all areas of the law, including civil litigation, criminal law and estates. David was born and raised in Kamsack. Active with many community groups and organizations, David is a strong supporter of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, serving on the Plaza of Honor Dinner Committee since 1997 (Chair 2011 Dinner). He served for many years as a Director and Legal Chair of the Royal Life Saving Society of Canada, Saskatchewan Branch, including two terms as a Director of the Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada, National Branch. David has presented at many seminars concerning Board Governance. In February 2008, David was appointed by the Saskatchewan Government to the Board of Directors of SaskEnergy and its many related subsidiaries. He is currently the Chair of the Governance Committee and a member of the Audit and Finance Committee. In August 2010, David was appointed by the Federal Government to be a member of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. David has obtained the Chartered/Director (C. Dir.) designation from The Directors College (a joint venture of McMaster University and The Conference Board of Canada) in 2012.

8 Regina Electoral District PERRY ERHARDT, Q.C. Perry graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Law, in 1989 and was admitted to the Law Society of Saskatchewan in July He has practiced in Melfort and Regina. Perry practices business law advising developers, small businesses and financial institutions on acquisitions, business structure, financing and employment issues. He also maintains an active litigation practice primarily in corporate litigation and employment matters, and has successfully appeared in all levels of court in Saskatchewan. Perry is an experienced board member, having served as a director and President of the Board of Saskatchewan s largest credit union (formerly Sherwood, now part of Conexus), as well as Chair of a provincial Crown corporation board (SOCO). He is currently a Board member of Concentra Financial and Concentra Trust. He has presented at numerous CBA section meetings and at other CPD seminars for the CBA and the Law Society (also formerly SKLESI). Perry gained valuable knowledge of executive government during his tenure as Clerk of the Executive Council of Saskatchewan and Registrar of Regulations. Perry and his wife, Leslie, have two adult children. Josh and Emily both currently attend postsecondary studies. Reasons for Seeking Office: I sought a position as Bencher to continue my volunteer contribution to the profession and to the broader community. Since my election in 2012, I have served on numerous Bencher committees, as Chair of Discipline Executive, as chair of hearing committees, and am currently Vice-President. I very much look forward to serving as President of the Law Society of Saskatchewan in I have always been a staunch promoter and protector of the rule of law, and understand the importance of our Benchers acting in the public interest. My years of experience in the public and private sectors, as well as small centre and city legal practice, have informed me greatly in my role of Bencher. Previously, I completed a four year commitment through the executive ladder of the Canadian Bar Association, Saskatchewan Branch, which followed on my role as Chair of the Business Law South Section. I hope that I have been perceived as a fair-minded proponent of the profession, and one who has been willing to help others. Serving as a Bencher has helped me gain a greater understanding and provide leadership on the pressing issues facing our profession generally, lawyers individually, and the public as a whole. I believe it is important that the profession maintain its self-regulating status, and I will work to preserve and strengthen this position.

9 Regina Electoral District ERIN KLEISINGER Erin was raised in Regina. She attended Queen s University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy in 1989 and her LLB in She returned to Saskatchewan to article with McDougall Ready and was admitted to the Saskatchewan bar in She became a partner with (now) McDougall Gauley LLP in Erin has been re-elected for a second term. She sits on the Conduct Investigation Committee and the Governance Committee, and is the Chair of the Professional Standards Committee. Erin has also served as a director of the Saskatchewan Branch of the Children s Wish Foundation and CAA Saskatchewan. She is currently on the Board of Group Medical Services / GMS Insurance Inc. and on the Executive of the Canadian Association of University Solicitors. Her professional activities include being a former board member and President of SKLESI, and the present Chair (and a faculty member) of the Law Society s Trial Advocacy Skills Workshop. Reasons for Seeking Office: I was appointed by the Benchers in February 2014 to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of (His Honour) Patrick Reis to the Provincial Court. I applied for the position as I believe it is important for those of us who are engaged in this profession to also serve the profession. The last two years have confirmed what I suspected -- the work of a Bencher is demanding, time-consuming and rewarding. Much of the work occurs outside of Convocation including in investigations, reviews and hearings. I have experienced this through my work on the Conduct Investigation Committee, carrying out complaint investigations and conduct reviews. As Chair of Professional Standards I have been involved in the expansion of the Practice Advisors program, and the ongoing development of tools for new and solo practitioners, and articling principals. I became a Bencher at a time when the Law Society was undergoing a governance review. With the significant turnover in Benchers over the last 2 years I believe that continuity is important to maintain stability and carry out the strategic initiatives that are currently underway. I hope to be able to continue to work through the Governance Committee to implement the Law Society s strategic plan over the next 3 years. Technology, demographics, the needs and demands of the public and the emergence of alternative business structures are changing the practice of law, and, consequently, the manner in which lawyers and legal services are regulated. The Law Society must respond to these changes. An independent, self-regulated bar must be diligently and effectively governed, both for those engaged in the practice of law, and the public. I believe that my previous Bencher experience and other professional activities, combined with my 23 years in private practice, have provided me with a broad perspective and the skills to continue to make a meaningful contribution to the work of the Law Society. It would be a privilege to serve a second term as a Bencher.

10 Regina Electoral District RONALDA NORDAL Ronalda (Ronni) has had the pleasure of completing her first term as a Law Society of Saskatchewan Bencher. During this term she has been a member of the Ethics Committee; the Professional Standards Committee; the Conduct Investigation Committee and the Justicia Committee. She is presently also the Chair of the newly formed Audit Committee. Ronni s legal practice is in the area of union side labour law. She is presently the Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Administrative & Labour Law South Section and a member of the planning committee of the Canada Industrial Relations Association Regina Chapter. Ronni and her husband farm outside Bulyea, SK raising Red Angus/Limousine cattle and breeding and showing American Paint Horses. While her children were still at home, Ronni was involved in many community organizations including past involvement as Chair of the Community School Council and President of Minor Hockey in Strasbourg. Reasons for Seeking Office: My reasons for seeking election to a second term include a belief that better work can be done in a second term, as it does take a year or two to get a full understanding of the role of the Law Society and the role(s) of Benchers. Of particular importance is continued work regarding the regulation of legal services in Saskatchewan. While there are many possibilities for regulatory reform, Ronni continues to believe that lawyers possess unique skills and abilities that are required for the protection of members of the public seeking legal services Just as importantly, I believe that members of the legal profession must conduct themselves with honesty and professionalism and it is only by doing so that we will remove the stereotypical stigma of the lawyer joke.

11 Regina Electoral District GERALD TEGART, Q.C. Gerald was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan and attended university in Regina and Saskatoon, graduating in Civil Engineering in 1973 and Law in He has lived and practiced law in Regina since Gerald spent 37 years with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice, working as a prosecutor, providing general counsel services to a variety of ministries and serving as a legal manager, including four years as Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General. He now practices as a sole practitioner, specializing in services to business corporations and public institutions. In the spring of 2014 Gerald was appointed as a Bencher to fill a vacancy. Since then he has served on the Discipline Executive Committee, the Ethics Committee (currently vice-chair), the Governance Committee and the Access to Legal Services Committee (currently chair). He also conducts discipline hearings. In addition to his volunteer work as a Bencher, Gerald is an active volunteer in the community, participating in a variety of projects related to the administration of justice. He has a particular interest in access to justice. Reasons for Seeking Office: These are interesting and challenging times for the legal profession and for law societies. I hope to continue helping to meet those challenges through the contributions I can make as a Bencher.

12 Saskatoon Electoral District BRENDA HILDEBRANDT, Q.C. Brenda is the 2015 Law Society of Saskatchewan President. She received her LLB from the University of Saskatchewan in 1983, and her LLM (in Health Law) from Osgoode in Following her articling year with Gauley & Co., Brenda remained with the firm in Saskatoon for 12 1/2 years. She then moved to the Moosomin area for 19 years, where in addition to a farm and ranch operation she practised as a sole practitioner, focusing on Health Law and Estate Administration. Brenda became a Bencher of the Law Society of Saskatchewan in 2013, representing the South East electoral division. Prior to being elected President, she served primarily on the Admissions & Education, Discipline, and Executive committees. From , Brenda lectured annually at the Bar Admission Course. Subsequently, from 2004 through 2009, she prepared papers for the on-line delivery of the Bar Admission Course through the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED). Brenda also served as a Board member of the Saskatchewan Legal Education Society Inc. (SKLESI) from , serving as President during her final year with SKLESI. She has lectured for various law-related organizations on numerous occasions throughout her career. In addition, Brenda has been active in community endeavors, particularly focusing on music and fitness, and serving on several boards of charitable organizations. Having recently moved back to Saskatoon, Brenda ran for her second term as a Bencher in the Saskatoon City Electoral District. Reasons for Seeking Office: I look forward to fulfilling the role of Past President for 2016, adding continuity and experience to the Executive Committee. The legal profession is in an unprecedented time of transition, which impacts the way in which our profession is regulated. Following a governance review, the Benchers have set priorities for the Law Society consistent with our Vision, Mission and Values, recognizing the valuable role lawyers play in the administration of justice. These include initiatives regarding access to legal services, enhanced tribunal training for Benchers, as well as collaborative work with other law societies on such issues as alternative business structures and more innovative regulation. Given my involvement in these matters over the past three years, including both learning and leadership opportunities, I look forward to continuing to contribute to the work of the Law Society as a Bencher and member of the Executive.

13 Saskatoon Electoral District LESLIE BELLOC-PINDER Leslie has practiced law in Saskatchewan, mostly Saskatoon, for the past 30 years. Together with her partners at Hnatyshyn Gough, she provides a wide range of legal services to a diverse client base, while also raising her family and serving her community in many different capacities. Leslie s children are now 22 and 24 years of age, and both attend the U of S. Leslie is primarily a litigator, but also has administrative tribunal experience, sitting on the Saskatchewan Farm Land Security Board for 12 years with 10 as Chair, and spending 6 years on Saskatoon s Municipal Planning Commission. In 2009, Leslie was appointed an adjudicator with the Indian Residential School s Independent Assessment Process, and has been busy conducting compensation hearings since that time. This work augments her litigation practice which is currently focused on child protection. Leslie has also enjoyed teaching law, responsible for Civil Procedure at the College of Law for 8 years, along with a section of Family Law, and a decade of Business Law classes within the College of Commerce. Reasons for Seeking Office: In addition to my work as a lawyer, I have gained much experience leading and serving on volunteer Boards locally, provincially and nationally. During the past few years, I reduced my commitments to most of these organizations and have enjoyed the respite. But with announcement of Bencher elections this autumn, the time seemed right for me to offer some energy and experience to my colleagues. I consider service to our procession both a privilege and a responsibility, and I want to do what I can to continue the important work self-government requires.

14 Saskatoon Electoral District IAN WAGNER Ian joined the Saskatchewan Bar in 1996 and practiced in Regina and Saskatoon. In Regina he practiced with two small litigation boutiques and was the first Communications Officer for the Courts. In 2002, Ian joined DOJ Canada (IRS/Aboriginal Law). While on leave in 2008, he was at Legal Aid in Saskatoon. In 2011, Ian left DOJ joining Barrister Group and opened his own firm in 2013 as Wagner Law. Ian served on the Executive of the Saskatoon Bar Association for eight years, including one year as President. Ian currently sits on the Executive of the STLA, as a member of the CBA, and on the Saskatoon Criminal Defence Lawyers Association. Legal volunteer activity includes presenting at a number of conferences and teaching at the Law School. For five years Ian chaired the Articling Committee at DOJ and he has acted as a Principal to two articling students. He has served on various boards and committees ranging from university to politics to community organizations. Reasons for Seeking Office: My diverse experience allows me to understand the pressures and issues facing lawyers whether they are in private or public shops. However, it is also my goal to bring a sole practitioner/small firm perspective to Convocation from Saskatoon. I fully appreciate the roles and purpose of the Law Society and the difficult tasks that Benchers deal with in protecting the public interest and will do my best to fulfill this important public function. Because of my past experience on various boards and committees (chairing many of them), I understand governance, rules of order, accountability, and the decision making process. You can be assured that if I am elected, that I will represent your interests, protect the public, and always make time to hear your issues and concerns. I am a team player but I am not afraid to take a stand or change my mind.

15 Saskatoon Electoral District JAY WATSON Jay graduated from the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan, in 1986 and has been in private practice in Saskatoon since that time. He became a partner with Cuelenaere & Company in 1991, practicing primarily in the areas of civil and criminal litigation and administrative law. Jay has been a sessional lecturer at Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan, since He has served as past president of the Saskatoon Bar Association and has been a speaker/panel member at SKLESI, PLEA and STLA seminars. Jay has also been an instructor at the CPLED Bar Admissions Program. Currently, he is the treasurer of the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association. Jay has appeared as counsel before the Provincial Court, the Court of Queen s Bench and the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal as well as Tax Court, the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has acted as counsel before many boards and tribunals and appeared as counsel on the Stonechild Inquiry and the Milgaard Inquiry. Jay has also acted as counsel to plaintiffs and defendants in class action matters. Reasons for Seeking Office: I have enjoyed the work I have done thus far on the Discipline Committee and Professional Standards Committee and I would like to continue with that work. On a practical note, the learning curve is steep and it makes practical sense for first-term Benchers to seek a second term.

16 Saskatoon Electoral District CRAIG ZAWADA, Q.C. Craig grew up in Shell Lake, SK. After attending Osgoode Hall and working for a time in Calgary he returned to this province and has practiced in Saskatoon since Craig has worked in intellectual property law, commercial law and agricultural contracting. Since 2008 he has been CEO of WMCZ Lawyers, a firm he helped found in That experience has exposed Craig to major issues of governance, marketing and strategic planning. Craig has supported community and non-legal organizations as well. Some of his roles have included Chair of the Saskatchewan Research Council, University of Saskatchewan Senate, Trustee and Treasurer for Saskatoon s Mendel Art Gallery and the CanLII national board of directors. Craig taught Intellectual Property Law for many years at the U of S College of Law and is currently on the faculty of The Director s College in board governance training. Craig and his wife Dianne Martin have two children. Dan is pursuing his Ph.D. in Physics and Kate is in her third year of Chemical Engineering, both in Saskatoon. Reasons for Seeking Office: I was honoured to be appointed as a Bencher at Convocation about a year ago to fill a vacancy. At the time I highlighted a technology background and my experience in governance education and training as skills that, I hoped, could assist the Law Society s goals. The past year has certainly tested those skills and I still think they are important. As chair of the newly constituted Governance Committee I have been fortunate to work with a smart, dedicated group of people to help the Law Society develop a strategic focus and consider new governance models. The work is not over, not by a long stretch, but I have already been impressed with the ideas generated by Law Society members across the province and their readiness to explore solutions to the massive issues facing lawyers in the future. For the first time in years we are developing a framework to focus on priorities that matter to lawyers and our stakeholders. Not all of these issues are generated by technology but of course many are. The disruption of legal regulation by the internet and the decreasing influence of provincial and national borders means that our Law Society, like every other one, must adapt to a much different environment. Alternate business structures is just one other issue that continues to be debated. Although those changes are sometimes seen as problems they also represent opportunities. I have already seen that our Law Society punches above its weight in national issues. Saskatchewan can be a leader in defining how legal services are delivered and regulated in the future. Lawyers tend to be an intelligent bunch but it will take every speck of cleverness from all members to chart our future path. Benchers participate in that journey but, more importantly, must ensure the members of the Law Society can have their voices heard. We work best when we use a bottom-up model to share ideas. There will be much debate and certainly some differences of opinion, yet communication in both directions is more important now than ever. I feel an obligation to give back to the profession which has been part of all my adult life. We have a tradition which goes back centuries yet will change immensely in the next few years. I want to offer whatever skills I can to assist but as I said, I will only be a small part and will rely on plenty of help from all of our members. We know our profession will be different but we have the ability to shape it to continue to be a critical part of society.

17 South East Electoral Division SCOTT MOFFAT Born, raised and currently practicing in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Scott is the company in Holiday & Company. Scott graduated from the University of Regina in 1994, the University of Saskatchewan, College of Law in 1997 and was called to the Saskatchewan bar in He was previously Crown counsel, Department of Justice (Canada). Reasons for seeking office: My interest in corporate governance, along with my service on various community boards, led me to having my name stand for Bencher.