Pursuant to the Legal Aid Act, the Law Society is responsible for providing the Minister of Justice with a list of five members (from which three will be selected) who are interested in being considered for appointment to the board of the Legal Aid Commission. Members of the board, other than ex officio members, hold office for 2 years and are eligible for reappointment. Commissioners are remunerated in accordance with Treasury Board Guidelines at Level II rates.

Those who make up the Legal Aid Commission should collectively possess the following core competencies:

• Familiarity with the Legal Aid Act;
• Knowledge of the Province’s legal system and the operation of courts and tribunals;
• Financial management experience;
• Experience in communications or public relations;
• Familiarity with Human Resources issues;
• Understanding of the legal needs of individuals experiencing low-income; and
• Awareness of Aboriginal culture.

The Board meets at least once a month except when the Chairperson considers a meeting unnecessary. Board members are also expected to spend additional time reviewing materials and preparing for Board and Committee meetings.

Duties include:

• Consideration and approval of Commission policy;
• Hearing appeals from persons denied Legal Aid assistance; and,
• Overseeing the financial and administrative management of the Commission.

Members interested in having their name put forward should contact Ms. Brenda B. Grimes, QC, Executive Director, at brenda.grimes@lawsociety.nf.ca by Tuesday, 10 October 2017.