For 11 years at the Law Society and 4 years at the Federation of Law Societies, I was engaged in the reform of the governance of the profession in Ontario and across Canada, the role of women in law, civility, and access to justice.

What inspired you to decide to run for bencher this year?
I want to move the reform agenda forward and continue with the "Canadian project" where lawyers are now mobile across Canada.

Which issue facing the law profession are you most concerned about?
Access to available and high standards of justice is the key policy which is vital to maintain independence and lawyers' special privileges. Access to justice requires a series of projects, large and small, which must come from each and every lawyer and law firm in their own way.

What would be your first priority upon getting (re)elected?
I would continue the programme of modernization and efficiency in regulating lawyers, particularly developing new forms of permissible communication between lawyers and their clients, in the electronic age.

What do you hope to achieve over the next four years as a member of Convocation?
To enhance public perception of the profession, I hope to continue the Federation's national projects, complete the reforms underway, develop a universal culture to bring new initiatives enhancing access to justice on a broad scale, and policy initiatives that advance the role of women in the profession. I am concerned about the procedural complexity of civil and criminal justice and will co-operate with the courts and the Attorney General to simplify the process.

What is the most prominent concern for the profession in your region of the province?
The Toronto region is made up of large and small law firms. The most important concern is the needs of small law firms and sole practitioners, serving a complex and diverse community. Policies must be tailored to meet these needs.