The Law Society of Saskatchewan (LSS) laid out progress in these areas and others as part of its recently released annual report for 2024.
In her introductory remarks, past president Suzanne Lalonde called it “a year of agility and progress for the Law Society” — one “marked by emerging technologies, new wellness data and persistent access to justice challenges.”
Suzanne Lalonde, Law Society of Saskatchewan
Executive director Tim Brown said the LSS has “long been guided by forward-thinking strategies, values and objectives.”
“Our ongoing efforts reflect a deep commitment to ensuring that we remain both relevant and legitimate — not only to our members and justice system partners, but most importantly, to the public we serve,” Brown said.
On one front, the LSS continued to focus on the professional competency of its members. The report notes collaboration between 2023 and 2024 with its regulatory counterparts in Alberta, B.C. and Manitoba on the development of the Western Canada Competency Profile, an initiative aimed at creating a consistent training standard for lawyers in those jurisdictions.
Tim Brown, Law Society of Saskatchewan
Continuing the theme of competency, the LSS also introduced its Guidelines for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of Law in a bid to help members “navigate technological advancements” and “connect the practical use of [AI] tools to ethical obligations” they are required to meet.
The report also touched on the health and wellness — mental, in particular — of those working in the profession.
“Supporting the well-being of legal service providers by promoting a culture of wellness in the profession through appropriate education, member resources and regulation is key to ensuring that high-quality legal services are available to the public,” it states.
The goal was to increase awareness among members about mental illness, addictions and “other health concerns,” and to support members in addressing any challenges in these areas.
Last year, the LSS hosted two professional development sessions on wellness. (As of then, the LSS had hosted 21 such sessions since 2011, according to the report.)
“One session, co-hosted with the Canadian Lawyers Insurance Association, focused on wellness issues facing the legal profession and practical advice about what law firms and lawyers can do to respond to mental health issues. Another session focused on sleep and wellness,” notes the report.
Another goal of the LSS was to lessen the stigma attached to mental illness and addiction. Starting in November of that year, its members became eligible for free and confidential support through the regulator’s member assistance program, which, among other things, provides mental health counselling for addictions, family strife, financial problems and issues with stress.
In terms of numbers, the report noted there were 1,929 active LSS members for 2024. Of those, 1,142 were in private practice, while 199 were in-house corporate counsel and 174 worked for the provincial government. Smaller numbers worked for legal aid, the federal government, provincial Crown corporations or universities.
In 2024, there were 282 complaints received that year or earlier that were either “resolved or referred for further disciplinary or remedial response.”
If you have any information, story ideas or news tips for Law360 Canada, please contact Terry Davidson at t.davidson@lexisnexis.ca or 905-415-5899.