Integrity. Transparency. Inclusivity. Innovation.

The Law Society of Saskatchewan (LSS) regulates lawyers, the practice of law, and the provision of legal services in the province. The LSS serves the public interest and advances the administration of justice by regulating the competence and integrity of the practice of law in a flexible and innovative manner, ensuring independence of the legal profession, and promoting access to justice.

The LSS looking for contract Designate Professional Responsibility Counsel to support the organization's professional responsibility and public protection mandate by providing guidance and assistance respecting professional responsibility, ethics, regulatory and compliance matters. Apply online by Friday, June 9, 2023.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

The selection of Designate Professional Responsibility Counsel is guided by the following principles:

• Competence: selection is based on competence and only candidates with relevant qalificaitons are selected as Designate Professional Responsibility Counsel.
• Diversity: The LSS strives to represent the diveristy of licensees and the people of Saskatchewan.
• Transparency: the selction process is open and transparent ot LSS stakeholders.

POSTION DESCRIPTION

Term and Reappointment:

Designate Professional Responsibility Counsel terms are for one year and renew automatically by mutua agreement as per terms and conditions outlined in a contract for services.

Key Competencies and Duties

Designate Professional Responsibility Counsel are requested to:

• Review and investigate written complaints against legal professionals, providing analysis and recommending appropriate action
• Communicating with complainants and lawyers to advance investigations and advise of outcmes of complaint investigations
• Conduct research and prepare memoranda regarding further action required in relation to ethics and conduct issues arising from complaints investigations
• Presenting memoranda to LSS Committees and responding to Committee inquiries in relation to further action recommended arising from complaints investigations
• Virtually attend key meetings as required to discuss questions and issues arising from complaint investigations and referrals

Compensation and Expenses:

Designate Professional Responsibility Counsel are independent contractors compensated at a standard hourly rate for time spent providing services. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed in accordance with Law Society policies.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Eligibility:

• Licensed with LSS with a prinicipal place of practice in Saskatchewan, or elgibile to become a member of LSS
• Practitioners with a minimum of 5 years of expereience
• Able to demonstrate adherence to The Code of Professional Conduct and The Rules of the Law Society of Saskatchewan throughout their career
• Proven research, analysis and writing skills
• Ability to analyze situations, discern issues and communicate professionally and empathetically
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Technological proficiency, especially in the use of electronic forms of document management and communication
• Ability to work effectively in a remote work arrangement while communicating efficiently with LSS administrative staff
• Available to provide services throughout a one-year, renewable contract term

Diversity

The Law Society and the public it serves benefits from a Professional Responsibility team composed of people with a diverse set of dkills, epxeriences, and perspectives. In line with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Employment Equity Program, applications are encouraged 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.

Qualifications

Members of the Designate Professional Responsibility Counsel most possess the following qualifications:

• Understanding of the role of LSS, its public interest mandate, and the regulatory framework for the practice of law in Saskatchewan
• Understanding and application of The Legal Profession Act, 1990, the Rules of the Law Society of Saskatchewan, the Code of Professional Conduct, and relevant jurisprudence
• Understanding of and commitment to the Law Society’s Values and Strategic Goals
• Commitment to public service
• Adaptability
• Objectivity
• Social awareness
• Professionalism
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organization and time management skills

Lived experience as a member of an equity-seeking group will also be considered an asset. Understanding, experience, and/or training in the areas of trauma informed practice, culturally safe and anti-racist practices, and/or mental health or addictions support will also be considered an asset.

Interested:

Apply on-line by 4:30 pm on Friday, June 9, 2023 at https://lawsocietysk.bamboohr.com/careers/27

Include the following in your application:

• Cover letter and resume outlining how you meet the requirements of the position
• Responses to questions within the application; i.e., expected salary, date available, etc.

Please also be prepared to provide three professional references should you be asked to attend an interview.

The Law Society values diversity and encourages applications from equity-seeking groups. Any such disclosure will be kept strictly confidential and will be used for the fulfillment of the position posted.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only shortlisted applicants who will be asked to interview will be contacted. Only candidates legally entitled to work in Canada at present will be considered for this position.

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