I am seeking election as a bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada because I believe that the regulation of the profession should reflect the needs of all lawyers in the province. You can read my 2011 Law Society Bencher Election Statement here.

A little bit more about me

As one of the founding members of a small, four lawyer firm which has grown to include 50 lawyers, I have experienced many of the challenges that lawyers in small and mid-sized firms face as they develop their practices and strive to give the best possible representation to their clients. My firm's representation of government lawyers' associations means that I am also familiar with many of the issues that concern lawyers who work in the provincial and federal public service.

As a labour lawyer, the focus of my career has been on advancing the rights of working people from all walks of life. The labour movement has been at the forefront of progressive social change in the workplace, advancing the interests of employees with disabilities, women, racialized employees, members of First Nations and members of the LGBT communities, to name but a few. I have been fortunate to have represented unions in those struggles and believe that I can make a positive contribution to advancing the equity and diversity issues that face the legal profession today, including the retention and advancement of women in the profession.

Like many of you, my colleagues and I at SGM have served the community by providing pro bono services to clients across all of the firm's practice groups. We have provided legal representation and strategic support to a wide array of individuals, public advocacy organizations and not-for-profit entities, including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the Criminal Lawyer's Association, the Canadian Conference of the Arts, Egale Canada Inc. and other equality seeking groups, welfare rights coalitions, poverty law coalitions and environmental groups.

Paul J.J. Cavalluzzo: At this time the Law Society is facing many significant challenges. In order to meet these challenges, the profession will require a diversity of views and constructive and creative solutions. I have known Howard for many years and can attest to his integrity, civility and professionalism. Howard will bring a progressive voice to the Law Society, a perspective which is sensitive to the more vulnerable in our society and an approach which will ensure that our "access to justice" issues are effectively confronted. Linda Rothstein: I am confident Howard Goldblatt will bring the experience, commitment and values that the Law Society clearly needs at this time. I fully support his candidacy for Bencher. The Hon. Bob Rae, MP: I have known Howard Goldblatt for many years. He is a great advocate, a thoughtful practitioner, and a lawyer who wants to give back to the profession. He has my full support in his campaign for Bencher. Raj Anand: Over the years, Howard Goldblatt has shown he has the necessary attributes to serve the profession in the role of Bencher. I heartily endorse his candidacy. Marlys Edwardh: I have long been impressed by Howard’s commitment to improving the lives of women in the legal profession. Since joining Sack Goldblatt Mitchell, I have seen that commitment borne out in policies to foster the careers of young women and ensure they remain in the profession. Howard will be a fantastic Bencher.

But while this kind of pro bono work is important, access to justice should not depend on an individual or group being able
to find a lawyer who is willing and able to work for free. I
believe that a well-resourced legal aid system is vital to ensure that access to justice does not become the sole province of the wealthy. Despite last year's injection of funds, the long-starved legal aid system continues to be underfunded and legal services are increasingly unaffordable to the middle class. As Chief
Justice Beverly McLachlin recently observed, "We have
wonderful justice for corporations and for the wealthy. But the middle class and the poor may not be able to access our justice system.” As I indicate in my Election Statement, I count myself among those who believe that the benchers did not do enough
to support the legal aid boycott led by criminal lawyers in 2010.
I believe that the Law Society can do much more to advocate
for an improved legal aid system and for other reforms that will allow all members of the public to have access to quality legal representation.

As set out in my Bencher Election Statement, establishing a voluntary pension plan for lawyers in Ontario is another one of my priorities. There are enough lawyers in the province to provide the necessary critical mass to sustain a viable pension plan. In my view, such a plan would help many lawyers, particularly those in small and solo practices, to save enough money to retire with income security and dignity.

I'd like to hear from you

My practice takes me to all corners of Ontario, where I meet lawyers working in many different types of practices. I have always enjoyed the discussions we have had about work and life in Ontario and I hope to have a chance to connect with many more of you over the coming weeks.

You can learn a little more about me here and by visiting my Facebook page, where I will be commenting on issues of interest to the profession and my colleagues will be posting things about me that they think you should know (and which I hope will not be too embarrasing!) .

I welcome your questions and would be interested in hearing about the issues you believe the Law Society should address over the next four years. You can email me here.

I ask for your support in the 2011 Bencher election. I will work to ensure that, in fulfilling its mandate to protect the public, the Law Society's initiatives benefit all lawyers. I would be honoured to represent you.

Some of the issues I think are important

As set out more fully in my Bencher Election Statement, if elected, some of the issues I intend to focus on include:

• Access to justice: The Law Society should be the strongest advocate of reform of the legal aid system to ensure that all members of the public have access to quality legal representation.
• Retention and advancement of women: While positive steps have been taken on this issue, much more work is required to ensure that women continue to be attracted to the practice of law and are able to remain and thrive in the profession.
• A voluntary pension plan for lawyers: Lawyers in Ontario should have access to a pension plan, rather than having to rely on the RRSP rollercoaster.
• Equality and diversity: The legal profession in Ontario should advance human rights values and reflect the needs of the diverse communities we serve. I will support initiatives to ensure that Aboriginal and visible minority groups are attracted to and can thrive in the profession.
• Access to the profession: Qualified candidates should not be denied access to the legal profession solely because of their financial circumstances, nor should law graduates feel forced as a result of heavy debt loads to seek out high-paying positions rather than careers in public service or smaller communities. At the same time, the Law Society must address the growing problem of too few positions for the number of law students looking for articling placements in Ontario, and improve mentoring programs for new lawyers.

There are a number of terrific candidates running in the 2011 Bencher Election. I enthusiatically support Jack Braithwaite (Northeast), Adriana Doyle (East) and Robert Wadden (East), among others.

For information about the 2011 Bencher Election, visit the Law Society of Upper Canada webpage.