Election of Benchers

The Law Society received nomination papers for Benchers eligible to seek election in the Eastern District. As the Law Society only received three nomination papers for the three vacancies, the following have been acclaimed as Benchers:

Eastern District

• Steven Scruton
• John Whelan
• Johnathan Earle

Their terms will be effective 7 June 2024, following the Law Society’s Annual General Meeting.

Appointment of Bencher

As no Nomination Papers for the one Bencher vacancy in the Western District were submitted, the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking expressions of interest from members interested in filling a Bencher vacancy in the Western District.

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 30 April 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 considering whether to send an expression of interest, please consider whether you have some, if not all, of the skills and attributes identified in the Skills Matrix. We also ask that you reflect upon 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 to Erin Rowe at erowe@lsnl.ca by Tuesday, 30 April 2024.

Posted: April 10, 2024