Statement

I want to maintain an independent Law Society that’s responsive to its members, focused on protecting the public, and dedicated to ensuring every Albertan can get timely, affordable legal advice.

I’m proud to be the Chair of the Board of the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, where I’ve volunteered since 2011, helping Edmontonians facing the loss of a home, job, or government benefits. I was also fortunate to serve on the Board of Pro Bono Law Alberta, where I remain an active volunteer. My experience at ECLC and PBLA shaped my perspective on how the justice system looks to those who can’t afford a lawyer.

I’m a member of the Law Society’s Practice Review Committee, hearing applications involving lawyers operating under conditions, which has given me insight into how our disciplinary processes are functioning. I’m also active in legal scholarship: I’m a sessional instructor, teaching Civil Procedure at the U of A Faculty of Law. I am a peer-reviewer for submissions to the Alberta Law Review related to civil procedure, and I’ve provided comments on drafts of published work for full-time faculty. I’ve tried to earn the respect of the bench, and I was invited to present at the 2022 Judges’ Conference.

I have a BA and JD from the U of A and an LLM from Osgoode Hall. I’m a partner in the Litigation Group at Field LLP, where I have a rewarding practice acting for people, businesses, post-secondary institutions, and governments in challenging matters.

Three issues stand out to me as deserving the Benchers’ attention:

1. Speedy Access to Justice: Canada’s civil justice system ranks 56th out of 140 countries on timeliness—below Kyrgyzstan. Recently the infrastructure we rely on to help our clients has crumbled, with breakdowns at Land Titles and in obtaining court time. The Law Society has a role to play in changing our tolerance for delay and advocating for quicker processes. The Law Society should also consider every tool at its disposal for lowering costs, including increased support for legal aid; expanding the supply of lawyers; allowing more services to be performed by paralegals and volunteers; and streamlining the acceptance process for internationally-trained lawyers.
2. A Well-functioning Law Society: Compliance burdens may fall disproportionately on small firms and solo practitioners. The Law Society can consider how to ease administrative work for our members, including by providing proactive support and templates; streamlining or removing unneeded requirements; and weighing entity regulation where it aligns with our broader objectives.
3. An Independent Bar: The bar’s independence from government and politics is a privilege. The Law Society is and should stay impartial and non-partisan, guarding against the weaponization of its processes, and taking a focused approach to discipline that upholds high standards of competence, professionalism, integrity, and public service.

To learn more about my campaign, visit scottmathesonforbencher.com.