On Thursday, the LSO Convocation approved a number of changes to the good character assessment process. Included in the changes were recommendations put forward by the Ontario Bar Association based on the work of our Aboriginal Section.
The LSO accepted the OBA’s recommendation that, in their good character applications, licensing candidates no longer have to disclose an absolute discharge that occurred more than one year prior to the date of application. They are also no longer required to disclose a conditional discharge that occurred more than three years prior to the date the application was submitted.
The OBA has been proactive in supporting a range of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives to recognize and advance the legal profession’s unique role in safeguarding the public interest. This work includes evaluating established mechanisms that govern the profession with a view to identifying potentially discriminatory barriers to admission.
The good character assessment process must be one that reduces, rather than exacerbates, existing inequalities between applicants. This work is not only critical for the good health and future of the legal profession, but also for the Law Society to fulfill its duty to facilitate access to representative justice for the people of Ontario.
To read the OBA’s full submission, visit https://www.oba.org/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=6cb2855f-d4a6-4c29-9a9d-7f575a219a95
The LSO’s Professional Regulation Committee Report on the matter, including the amendments that were passed today, can be found at the following here: https://lso.ca/about-lso/convocation/2019/february