11eApYW

Summation
Reflections as Nova Scotia’s representative at
the national regulatory table
As I finish my term at the Federation of Law Societies of
Canada and bid farewell to my colleagues, I have taken a
moment to reflect on my four past years as the Nova Scotia
representative at the Federation Council table. The environment
within which law societies’ regulatory work is being carried out has
changed considerably since 2010. It is increasingly more national and
international in perspective and focus.
As Council representative, the work I was asked to do was widely
varied, and in many respects built on my volunteer time at the Society.
A few highlights include canvassing the role of public representatives
within the Federation and law societies, and working on the National
Requirement for the accreditation of law degrees for purposes of
admission to law society licensing programs.
The time commitment, while significant, was well worth the effort. I
made many good friends and enjoyed the warm collegiality of working
with representatives from all 14 law societies across Canada. Working
with lawyers whose practice experiences and areas are so diverse – and
yet amazingly, in many ways, similar in terms of day-to-day practice
challenges – always served to reinforce my continued respect for fresh
perspectives.
The move towards collaboration and national consistency is apparent
in the work of the Federation. The Federation recommended the
development of a new national Model Code of Conduct and has
formed a committee to deal with questions arising from various
jurisdictions, as lawyers work with that new codification of longstanding
ethical principles.
National Discipline Standards
have been developed and the
National Admission Standards
project is well underway.
Catherine S. Walker QC
Federation Council Member
representing NSBS
Access to justice initiatives are first and foremost on bencher agendas
across the country. All law societies in Canada have accepted the
challenges that this work has identified, and are committed to
addressing them with practical strategies.
Efforts are focused both on access to justice in the traditional context
of courts and family services, and access to legal services generally.
This includes answering such questions as: What does this really mean
contextually to all our communities within which we live and work?
How can we continue to challenge ourselves in changing times, while
maintaining the integrity of the work we do?
My thanks to the Society and its Council for the opportunity to serve
Nova Scotia at the national regulator governance table. It was both a
privilege and an experience I will remember for many years to come.
There is much work ahead for the Federation and I wish my successor
Council representative, J. René Gallant, much success as he embarks
on his adventure in that new role. I am confident he will serve Nova
Scotia well in the years to come.
For more details on the ongoing work of the Federation of Law Societies
of Canada, visit flsc.ca.
38
The Society Record