Law Society of Ontario 2023 Bencher Election
Candidate arwa desantis
Dearest Colleague,
As a 2023 Bencher Candidate, I am seeking your support to represent our collective interests at Convocation.
I am running as an independent candidate and believe that my unique personal and professional experiences will help me bring a progressive perspective to effect meaningful change at Convocation.
I entered the legal field in the early 1990’s as a title searcher, advanced to a senior real estate law clerk, and am now a proud member of the Bar. I have enjoyed a rewarding legal career in both the private and public sectors. I am the founding lawyer of a boutique law firm which I operate with my eldest daughter, who is also a member of the Bar, and proudly serve the Vaughan community and surrounding areas, primarily in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Law, Wills and Estates, Family Law, and Corporate Law.
I believe in the protections afforded to every citizen under our constitution and human rights legislation, and if elected would fight to advance diversity, inclusion, respect, and civility in the legal profession and in our conduct with the public. I believe that the constituency of Benchers at Convocation should be comprised of not only those members whose values and beliefs resonate with one of the two dominant slates, namely the Full Stop or Good Governance slate, but of lawyers who enrich the profession by bringing critical thought and their progressive and innovative voices to the table. I hope to be that voice for you and will always endeavour to represent our collective interests while being mindful of our duty to the public.
With sincerest appreciation for your consideration of my candidacy
Arwa DeSantis B.A. LL.B (Hons)
You can access my lso election statement, ontario bar association (OBA) survey response and my views presented at the muskoka law association AGM.
I encourage you to exercise your right to vote and trust that I can count on your support during the upcoming election.
I am devoted to addressing the following key issues and advancing the best interests of the legal profession and the public we serve.
Navigating the Slate Dichotomy: As an impartial candidate, my allegiance lies with the most efficacious ideas from each platform to optimally serve the legal profession and the public. I champion a synergistic approach in addressing the pressing concerns within the legal landscape.
Fostering Gender Parity: I am resolute in addressing gender imbalance concerns and endorsing initiatives that cultivate equitable opportunities and representation for both male and female legal professionals.
Mental Health and the LSO’s Imperative: Recognizing the escalating mental health challenges faced by legal professionals, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the LSO’s role in adopting and promoting initiatives that encourage better work-life balance for lawyers is paramount. I aim to collaborate with the LSO to devise and implement programs that prioritize mental health and well-being for lawyers, fostering a salubrious and sustainable work environment.
Facilitating Access to Justice: As legal professionals, our responsibility extends to ensuring that our services are accessible to the public in terms of visibility, transparency, and affordability. I advocate for the dissemination of information to empower the public with a comprehensive understanding of their rights and the legal ramifications of their actions.
Alleviating Barriers to Entry: The annual license fees and mandatory courses may impose financial barriers for legal professionals, ultimately precluding some from practicing in their field. I propose a reevaluation of these prerequisites and exploration of alternative methods to mitigate the financial encumbrances on lawyers, promoting a more inclusive legal profession.
Alleviating Barriers to Entry: The annual license fees and mandatory courses may impose financial barriers for legal professionals, ultimately precluding some from practicing in their field. I propose a reevaluation of these prerequisites and exploration of alternative methods to mitigate the financial encumbrances on lawyers, promoting a more inclusive legal profession.
Reduction of Licensing Fees: The extant licensing fees and mandated CPD hours may not efficaciously protect the public interest by ensuring lawyer competency. I propose offering CPD credits free of charge and incentivizing presenters to continue offering courses by providing reductions in liability insurance. This approach benefits both lawyers and the public by fostering competency and alleviating financial burdens.
Championing Internationally Trained Lawyers and Articling Students: I am committed to acknowledging the competencies of internationally trained lawyers and affording articling students equitable opportunities, including remunerated positions. I contend that law firms should embrace these professionals, recognizing their equal competence and the valuable perspectives they contribute to the profession.
your opportunity to vote ends April 28th
Voting instructions –
Each Eligible lawyer should have received a control number sent to them by ComputerShare.
To vote online, go to http://www.webvotedirect.com/lsolawyer-avocat and enter your control number sent to you by email. You can then follow the on-screen instructions.
To vote by telephone call 1-866-301-0994 toll free or (514) 982-8712 if outside North America. Provide the control number sent to you by email and Arwa DeSantis’ two-digit code. Central East 12.