The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking expressions of interest from members wanting to fill a Bencher vacancy in the Western district.

Dean Porter (Western District) has been appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador effective 29 November 2024. The Law Society Act, 1999, provides that Benchers must appoint a person to fill the vacancy.

Any interested member in good standing, who is practicing and residing in the Western District, should submit their name and a brief outline of their qualifications by 31 December 2024. Subject to eligibility, Benchers will appoint one of these individuals to fill the vacancy until June 2025, at which time the person appointed can stand for election for a four-year term.

When reflecting on whether to send an expression of interest, please take into account if you have some, if not all, of the skills and attributes identified in the Skills Matrix. We also ask that you review the following key traits that contribute to effective decision-making:

• The ability to think strategically and analytically and to effectively communicate thoughts and the reasons for them;
• Possession of earned respect of key stakeholder group members, including, but not limited to, the public and the members;
• The ability to work well with others as a member of a collaborative group with group decision-making authority and an understanding of the duty to act with due care, diligence, and skill, honestly, in good faith, and in the best interests of the Law Society;
• Demonstrated understanding of the differences between “oversight” and “supervision”;
• Earned reputation for emotional maturity, personal integrity, and honesty; and
• A demonstrated familiarity with the body of knowledge related to both the Law Society’s mandate, governing legislation, policies, and procedures.

Any interested member in the Western District is asked to send their expression of interest along with a completed Skills Matrix to Erin Rowe at erowe@lsnl.ca by 31 December 2024.

Posted: December 2, 2024