This is a good opinion piece.
Canadian Lawyer Magazine – nice summary of the main arguments.
https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion/the-law-society-of-ontario-should-release-the-oconnor-report-on-the-ceo-pay-scandal/391734
The most concise summary of the heart of the issue is this quote from this editorial:
Given that this controversy has already resulted in leadership upheaval and has called the organization’s governance into question, transparency is the only path to restoring trust. The LSO cannot credibly demand that Ontario lawyers uphold professional and ethical accountability in their own practices while it shields itself from scrutiny.
My Own Thoughts
The thing is you can’t just throw words at lawyers. We understand them.
Sunlight is the disinfectant the Law Society needs now. As pressure mounts, they are bound to see the light.
That’s why we need to hear from all the biggest stake-holders. Show the profession your silence is not complicit – that you’re not afraid to see the report and find out what really happened, even if the news might be uncomfortable, disappointing or embarrass someone you championed in the past.
People make mistakes. It’s whether and how they own them that counts.
About Anita Szigeti
• Called to the Bar (1992)
• U of T Law grad (1990)
• Sole practitioner (33 years)
• Partner in small law firm (Hiltz Szigeti) 2002 - 2013
• Mom to two astonishing kids, Scarlett (20+) and Sebastian (20-)
• (Founding) Chair of Mental Health Legal Committee for ten years (1997 to 2007)
* Founding President of Law and Mental Disorder Association - LAMDA since 2017
* Founder and Secretary to Women in Canadian Criminal Defence - WiCCD - since 2022
• Counsel to clients with serious mental health issues before administrative tribunals and on appeals
• Former Chair, current member of LAO’s mental health law advisory committee
• Educator, lecturer, widely published author (including 5 text books on consent and capacity law, Canadian civil mental health law, the criminal law of mental disorder, a law school casebook and a massive Anthology on all things mental health and the law)
• Thirty+ years’ experience as counsel to almost exclusively legally aided clients
• Frequently appointed amicus curiae
• Fearless advocate
• Not entirely humourless
anitaszigeti 