ATRISHA LEWIS

For Bencher 2019

My name is Atrisha Lewis and I am a litigation associate at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Toronto. It is with great enthusiasm that I ask for your vote as I run for Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario. As a 2013 call and a diversity and inclusion champion, if elected I would bring a new and exciting voice to Convocation, at a time when our profession must better reflect and represent both licensees, and the communities we serve.

INCLUSION

Our profession must reflect our communities. As a profession, the most basic measure of our commitment to equal opportunity is our diversity. The Law Society has made great strides, but there is more to do. As a diverse lawyer and recent call, I will bring my generation’s voice to Convocation.

ACCESS

We must find ways to ensure that our profession is accessible to all, including removing financial barriers to law school and licensing. The de-regulation of law school fees has significantly compromised both access to the profession, and access to justice. The Law Society must work with law schools to address this growing problem. The flip side of access to the profession is access to the justice system. The Law Society has a role to play in working towards a sustainable and innovative approach to access to justice in all areas of practice including family, criminal, immigration and civil litigation. 

GOVERNANCE

Members of the Law Society have a right to demand accessibility, accountability and prudent judgment from Convocation. You deserve strong decision makers that consider a variety of perspectives, represent diverse lived experiences, and are responsive to your concerns. Sound regulation requires consultation and collaboration. If elected, my first duty will always be to listen — to work with you to develop better solutions to our challenges. Let’s start the conversation.