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The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador 2014 - 2015 Annual Report
The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
2014 - 2015 Annual Report
This Report covers the periodJune 2014 - June 2015
The Law Society of Newfoundland and LabradorAnnual Report 2014 - 2015ISBN 978-1-77220-001-0
Law Society Seal:Gerald Squires, RCA, LL D
Published by The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
Annual Report2014 - 2015
CONTENTS
Benchers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Law Society Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Law Society Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
President’s Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Vice-President’s Annual Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Bar Admission Course Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Continuing Legal Education Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Education Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Insurance Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Library Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Student Awards Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Auditors' Report and Financial Statements, Law SocietyFiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014
(covering: General Fund, Lawyers’ Insurance Programme,
Assurance Fund and Endowment Fund)
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BENCHERS
Officers
Eastern District:
Donald E. Anthony R. Paul BurgessAmy M. CrosbieBarry G. Fleming, QC
Kenneth W. JerrettAnn F. Martin Donovan F. Molloy, QC
Liam P. O’BrienLeanne M. O’LearyIan C. Wallace
Central District:
Marcus A. Evans, QC
Kevin T.A. Preston (until 4 March 2015)
Western District:
Shawn C. A. Colbourne, QC
James E. Merrigan, QC
Labrador District:
Adrienne S. Edmunds
Lewis B. Andrews, QC
Jeffrey P. Benson, QC
Augustine F. Bruce, QC
Morgan C. CooperV. Randell J Earle, QC
J. David B. Eaton, QC
Francis P. Fowler, QC
J. Vernon French, QC
The Hon. Mr. Justice Brian F. FureySheila H. Greene, QC
The Hon Mr. Justice W. GoodridgeThe Hon Chief Justice J. D. GreenThe Hon Gloria HardingEdward M. Hearn, QC
Thomas R. Kendell, QC
R. Barry Learmonth, QC
Dana K. Lenehan, QC
Augustus G. Lilly, QC
Dennis C. MacKay, QC
G. David Martin, QC
Paul M. McDonaldThe Hon. Mr. Justice George L. Murphy Irene S. Muzychka, QC
Stephanie L. Newell, QC
Glen L.C. NoelM. Francis O’Dea, QC
Thomas J. O’Reilly, QC
Ernest G. Reid, QC
John F. Roil, QC
The Hon Mr. Justice D. RussellRobert M. Sinclair, QC
The Hon. Mr. Justice R. WellsMarina C. Whitten, QC
Appointed Benchers
Donovan Downer Glenda ReidLinda Harnett Bert Riggs
Honorary Benchers
President: Kenneth L. Baggs, QCVice-President: Susan M. LeDrew
Elective Benchers
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1846 Hon Wm. B. Rowe, QC 1846 E. M. Archibald1849 Bryan Robinson, QC 1847 H. W. Hoyles1852 E. M. Archibald 1849 F. B. T. Carter1855 F. B. T. Carter 1855 George Hogsett1866 Wm. V. Whiteway 1856 Henry A. Clift1869 Robert J. Pinsent, QC 1869 M. W. Walbank1870 Wm. V. Whiteway 1866 Robert J. Pinsent1879 Robert J. Pinsent, QC 1869 M. W. Walbank1881 J. J. Little, QC 1877 T. I. Keough, QC
1885 Robert J. Kent, QC 1879 Prescott Emerson, QC
1893 Sir Wm. V. Whiteway, KCMG, QC 1885 Prescott Emerson, QC
1908 Sir James S. Winter 1889 A. J. W. McNeily, QC
1911 Daniel J. Greene, KC 1895 D. M. Browning1912 Donald Morrison, KC 1914 C. O’N. Conroy1919 J. A. Clift, KC 1916 C. H. Emerson, KC
1923 P. F. Summers, KC 1919 Rt. Hon. Sir Wm. Lloyd1927 W. R. Howley, KC 1937 J. G. Higgins, QC
1941 C. O’N. Conroy, KC 1947 J. A. Barron, QC
1947 John G. Higgins, QC 1958 G. M. Stirling, CM, QC
1958 R. S. Furlong, QC 1959 T. A. Hickman, QC
1959 G. M. Stirling, CM, QC 1967 D. A. Mercer, QC
1971 R. W. Bartlett, QC 1974 Noel Goodridge, QC
1974 Donald A. Mercer, QC 1976 Francis P. Fowler, QC
1977 Robert Wells, QC 1981 Ernest G. Reid, QC
1981 Francis P. Fowler, QC 1982 Thomas J. O’Reilly, QC
1982 Ernest G. Reid, QC 1983 M. Francis O’Dea, QC
1983 Thomas J. O’Reilly, QC 1984 Peter W. Strong, QC
1984 M. Francis O’Dea, QC 1985 David L. Russell, QC
1985 Peter W. Strong, QC 1986 G. David Martin, QC
1986 David L. Russell, QC 1986 J. Vernon French, QC
1986 G. David Martin, QC 1987 Lewis B. Andrews, QC
1987 J. Vernon French, QC 1988 John F. Roil, QC
1988 Lewis B. Andrews, QC 1989 J. Derek Green, QC
1989 John F. Roil, QC 1990 R. Barry Learmonth1990 J. Derek Green, QC 1991 Thomas R. Kendell, QC
1991 R. Barry Learmonth 1992 Augustus G. Lilly, QC
1992 Thomas R. Kendell, QC 1993 V. Randell J. Earle, QC
1993 Augustus G. Lilly, QC 1994 Reginald H. Brown, QC
1994 V. Randell J. Earle, QC 1995 Dana K. Lenehan, QC
1995 Reginald H. Brown, QC 1996 Gloria Harding1996 Dana K. Lenehan, QC 1997 J. David B. Eaton, QC
1997 Gloria Harding 1998 Dennis C. MacKay, QC
1998 J. David B. Eaton, QC 1999 Robert M. Sinclair, QC
1999 Dennis C. MacKay 2000 Jeffrey P. Benson, QC
2000 Robert M. Sinclair, QC 2001 William H. Goodridge, QC
2001 Jeffrey P. Benson, QC 2002 Stephanie L. Newell, QC
Officers of the Law Society of Newfoundland (and Labrador)Treasurers / Presidents Secretaries / Vice-Presidents
— 1834-1845 Records of the Society were destroyed in the Great Fire of June 9, 1846 —
LAW SOCIETY STAFF
Executive Director: Brenda B. Grimes, QC
Director of Legal Education: Francis P. O'Brien
Legal Director: Phyllis E. Weir
Library Director: Gail A. Hogan
Librarian: Heather A. Myers
Accountant: Richard T. Yabsley
Administrators: Pamela A. Marks Professional Responsibility
Janice K. Ringrose Insurance
Administrative Assistants: Anne P. Cross Professional Responsibility
Lisa E. Kennedy Custodianship
Erin C. Rowe Executive
S. Renee Whalen Library / Reception
Regina M. Whitty Education
Library Technician: Rosemary A. Myers
Maintenance: Donald T. Norman
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Treasurers / Presidents Secretaries / Vice-Presidents
2002 William H. Goodridge, QC 2003 Brian F. Furey, QC
2003 Stephanie L. Newell, QC 2004 Edward M. Hearn, QC
2004 Brian F. Furey, QC 2005 Paul M. McDonald2005 Edward M. Hearn, QC 2006 Marina C. Whitten, QC
2006 Paul M. McDonald 2007 Sheila H. Greene, QC
2007 Marina C. Whitten, QC 2008 Irene S. Muzychka2008 Sheila H. Greene, QC 2009 Glen L.C. Noel2009 Irene S. Muzychka 2010 Augustine F. Bruce2010 Glen L.C. Noel 2011 Morgan C. Cooper2011 Augustine F. Bruce 2012 George L. Murphy, QC
2012 Morgan C. Cooper 2013 Kenneth L. Baggs, QC
2013 George L. Murphy, QC 2014 Susan M. LeDrew2014 Kenneth L. Baggs, QC
1950 - 66
1951 - 64
1952 - 66
1953 - 69
1954 - 72
1955 - 75
1956 - 73
1957 - 76
1958 - 76
1959 - 77
1960 - 81
1961 - 83
1962 - 86
1963 - 86
1964 - 86
1965 - 86
1966 - 86
1967 - 89
1968 - 106
1969 - 110
1970 - 124
1971 - 129
1972 - 129
1973 - 145
1974 - 153
1975 - 179
1976 - 189
1977 - 203
1978 - 237
1979 - 261
1980 - 281
1981 - 316
1982 - 333
1983 - 351
1984 - 371
1985 - 378
1986 - 394
1987 - 408
1988 - 435
1989 - 445
1990 - 477
1991 - 514
1992 - 560
1993 - 588
1994 - 617
1995 - 635
1996 - 669
1997 - 683
1998 - 706
1999 - 728
2000 - 750
2001 - 767
2002 - 772
2003 - 798
2004 - 808
2005 - 832
2006 - 858
2007 - 870
2008 - 904
2009 - 923
2010 - 931
2011 - 948
2012 - 931
2013 - 937
2014 - 983
2015 - 997
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MEMBERSHIP
Membership Statistics as of June, 2015:
Practising (Insured): 548Practising (Uninsured): 197Non-Practising: 219Life: 33
TOTAL 997
The total membership figures for the years since Confederation with Canada are as follows:
Eight lawyers were called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador on June 13, 2014
Roll#
1643 Nigel Perry Jenkins1644 Matthew Robert Kennedy1645 Lisa Jane Smith1646 Rebekkah Marie Sheppard
Roll#
1647 Brandon Marshall Trask1648 James Ross Strickland1649 Jonathan Wayne Moore1650 Robert John Parsons
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The Benchers record with regret the death of the following members and past membersduring the period from June 2014 to June 2015:
James J. Greene, QCcalled as a solicitor on October 15, 1953; called as a barrister on October 19, 1953; Roll #227
The Honourable Mr. Justice John J. O’Neillcalled as a solicitor on December 2, 1954; called as a barrister on January 26, 1955; Roll #234
Kevin T. A. Prestoncalled April 12, 1988; Roll #711
William (Bill) A. Cadigancalled April 11, 1990; Roll #757
Allan Henrycalled July 2, 1991; Roll #819
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Ten lawyers were called to Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador on October 17, 2014
Roll #
1651 Robert Alexander Bill1652 Katrina Rose Marie Hanlon1653 Sarah Jayne Clarke1654 Joshua William Charles Lehr1655 Ellen Claire O’Gorman
Roll #
1656 Ivan George Cecil Nault1657 Shanna Michele Wicks1658 Laura Jane Bursell1659 Jessica Dorothy Tellez1660 Agnes Wai Tong
Fifteen lawyers were called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador on February 13, 2015
Roll #
1661 Megan Stephanie Sheppard1662 Justin Gordon John Caines1663 Johnathan McDonald1664 Emily Renée Young1665 Alexandra Kindervater1666 Tracy Lynn Bannier1667 Matthew Victor William Moulton1668 Dominic Joseph Foley
Roll #
1669 Natika Jennifer Hearn1670 Jennie Myra Donnelly McDonald1671 David Charles Bennett1672 Stephen Johnathan Moyer Lichti1673 Blank1674 Solène Marie-Paule Murphy1675 Adrienne Hau Yin Ding1676 Holly Faith Anne Chapman
Five lawyers were called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador on April 17, 2015
Roll #
1677 Carolyn Rebecca Mouland1678 Judith Florence Rae1679 Margaret Emily Wente
Roll #
1680 Meaghan Elizabeth McCaw1681 Colin David Andrews
Lawyers were first regulated in Newfoundland under a Royal Charter of 1826; the Law Society was incor-porated on July 1, 1834.
The Barrister and Solicitor Rolls, as of April 17, 2015, record that 1680 members have been called to the Barsince 1826.
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Discipline CommitteeGlen L.C. Noel, Chair
John M. Green, QC, Vice-Chair
LAW SOCIETY COMMITTEES
STANDING COMMITTEES
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Law Society Members:John M. Babb, QC
Glen S. BelbinKatrina A. Brannan, QC
Janis C. ByrneWayne D. Chamberlain, QC
Sandra R. Chaytor, QC
S. Bruce ChislettPaul L. CoxworthyMichael J. Crosbie, QC
Jean V. Dawe, QC
V. Randell J. Earle, QC
Anne M. Fagan, QC
Donald J. Gallant, QC
Bruce C. Grant, QC
Deborah L.J. Hutchings
David A. King, QC
R. Barry Learmonth, QC
Mary J. Mandville, QC
Tobias F. McDonald, QC
John W. McGrath, QC
James C. Oakley, QC
Mary C. O'BrienJohn V.B. O'Dea, QC
D. Richard RobbinsLinda M. Rose, QC
Daniel W. Simmons, QC
Ellen E.M. Turpin, QC
James E. Vavasour, QC
John D. Brooks, QC
Dennis N. Clarke
Paul D. Dicks, QC
Tamara L. DroverGladys H. DunneGregory A. FrenchStephanie S. HickmanDavid W. Jones, QC
Lee Ann L. MontgomeryLynn M. MooreGregory A.C. MooresTracey PasleyStephen F. PenneyRichard S. RogersJames L. Thistle, QC
Thomas E. Williams, QC
Rodney J. Zdebiak
Appointed Representatives:Bernard BolgerAngela BowesHerbert BurryFrederick DroverRaymond RoseDr. Marina Sexton
Barry G. Fleming, QC, ChairJ. David B. Eaton, QC, Vice-ChairLinda Harnett, Appointed Bencher
Phyllis E. Weir, ex officio
Alternate Members
Complaints Authorization Committee
Donald E. AnthonyAmy M. CrosbieSheila H. Greene, QC
Glenda Reid, Appointed BencherMarina C. Whitten, QCBert Riggs, Appointed Bencher
Excutive CommitteeKenneth L. Baggs, QC, President
Susan M. LeDrew, Vice-PresidentBarry G. Fleming, QC
R. Paul BurgessDonald E. Anthony
Brenda B. Grimes, QC, ex officio
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Bar Admission Committee J. David B. Eaton, QC, Chair
Aubrey L. Bonnell, QCSandra M. Burke, QCV. Randell J. Earle, QC
Gregory M. SmithFrancis P. O'Brien, ex officio
Library CommitteeLiam P. O'Brien, Chair
Rebecca C. PhillippsPadraig J. MohanMaeve A. BairdAngela M. WhiteheadAndrew A. FitzgeraldBenjamin J. Blackmore
Daniel M. Boone, QC (by invitation)Bert Riggs, Appointed BencherGail A. Hogan, ex officioHeather A. Myers, ex officioBrenda B. Grimes, QC, ex officio
Education CommitteeIan C. Wallace, Chair
David G. L. Buffett, QCJ. David B. Eaton, QCHeather M. Jacobs, QC
D. Bradford Wicks, QCSusan M. LeDrew, ex officioFrancis P. O'Brien, ex officio
Accounts and Finance CommitteeBarry G. Fleming, QC, Chair
Glenda Reid Brenda B. Grimes, QC, ex officioRichard T. Yabsley, ex officio
John D. Brooks, QCV. Randell J. Earle, QC
Bert Riggs, Appointed BencherEdward J. Shortall, QC
Insurance CommitteeR. Paul Burgess, Chair
Philip J. BuckinghamEdward M. Hearn, QC (until 24 March 2015)Stephen J. May, CLIA Board Rep. (until 21 November 2014)
Thomas J. Johnson, QCDonald E. AnthonyRaymond P. Walsh, FCIPJanice K. Ringrose, ex officioBrenda B. Grimes, QC, ex officio
Honours and Awards CommitteeMarcus A. Evans, QC, Chair
Claims Review CommitteeThomas J. Johnson, CounselLewis B. Andrews, QC
Gary L. BairdJanice K. Ringrose, ex officio
AD HOC COMMITTEES
LLP CommitteeDennis N. Clarke, Chair
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Life Membership CommitteeIan C. Wallace, Chair
Real Estate CommitteeSusan M. LeDrew, Chair
Shawn C.A. Colbourne, QCCatherine J. Perry
Graham A. Wells, QCBrenda B. Grimes, QC, ex officio
Student Awards CommitteeHeather Jacobs, QC, Chair
Andrew FitzgeraldDenis J. Mahoney
Gail Hogan, ex officioFrancis P. O'Brien, ex officio
Access to Justice CommitteeIan Wallace, Chair
Donovan DownerAdrienne S. EdmundsDonovan F. Molloy, QC
Glenda ReidFrancis P. O’Brien, ex officioBrenda B. Grimes, QC, ex officio
SS Daisy Legal History CommitteeChristopher P. Curran, QC, Co-chair
The Honourable Judge John L. Joy, Co-chair
Mel Baker, Ph.D.The Hon. Judge Gerald J BarnableThomas J. Burke, QCJohn F.E. DroverChristopher EnglishDavid J. Jones, QC
The Hon. J. Derek Green,Chief Justice of Newfoundland & LabradorRobert P. PittmanJames E. Merrigan, QC, Bencher LiaisonFrancis P. O’Brien, ex officio
Barry G. Fleming, QC Bert Riggs, Appointed Bencher
John V. B. FrenchStephanie S. Hickman
Neil L. Jacobs
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PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT
Kenneth L. Baggs, QC
It is my privilege to present the President’sannual report for 2014-2015 which summarizessome of the significant events, accomplish-ments and activities of the Law Society duringmy term.
Call to Bar for New LawyersOne of the more pleasant tasks a President ofthe Law Society carries out is participating inthe various ceremonies and celebrations of theLaw Society, including the Call to Bar cere-monies. Four (4) of these took place from June2014 to June 2015. The result of these was theadmission of 38 new lawyers to our Bar. As iscustomary, the Law Society hosted receptionsfollowing these Call to Bar ceremonies at theLaw Society offices.
While the practice of law is exciting andrewarding, it also brings with it much responsi-bility. It is important that all members of theLaw Society continue to provide guidance andsupport to these new colleagues as they moveforward on their chosen career path.
New Judges Another notable ceremonial occasion is when amember of the Law Society makes the transi-tion from the Bar to the Bench upon beingappointed as a judge. Although this appoint-ment marks the end of that person’s member-ship in the Law Society, it is still an occasion tobe recognized and celebrated by the membersof the Law Society as it highlights the esteem inwhich this former member is held. I was hon-oured to attend and give remarks at theSwearing-In ceremony of Judge Phyllis A.Harris, who was appointed to the ProvincialCourt in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Regrettably,I was unable to attend the Swearing-In ceremo-ny for Justice Jane M. Fitzpatrick, who wasappointed to the Supreme Court in St. John’s.Our Vice-President, Susan M. LeDrew did soinstead.
I also attended and gave remarks at theInaugural sitting of the Honourable George L.Murphy, and the Swearing-In ceremony for theHonourable Raymond P. Whalen as ChiefJustice of the Trial Division of the SupremeCourt.
The Law Society, in partnership with theCourts, hosted receptions for the appointmentsof the new judges.
New Queen’s CounselIt was a pleasure to attend the Swearing-In ofQueen’s Counsel on 28 November 2014.Members appointed were: Daniel M. Boone,William W.C. Boyd, Augustine F. Bruce, WayneD. Chamberlain, Ronald A. Cole, Donald J.Gallant, Brenda B. Grimes, Heather M. Jacobs,Thomas J. Johnson, James E. Merrigan,Donovan F. Molloy, Sheilagh M. Murphy, PaulG. Noble, James C. Oakley, John V.B. O’Dea,Lorna A. Proudfoot, Adam J. Sparkes, Ellen E.M. Turpin, John L. Vivian, and D. GordonWoodland.
This is a well-deserved honour and recognitionfor the members appointed and I was privi-leged to attend on Benchers’ behalf and to con-gratulate our new Queen’s Counsel at thereception hosted by the Law Society followingthe ceremony.
Former Judges and MembersOn occasion, a President is asked to speak at aceremony organized to pay tribute to a memberor former member who is no longer with us.This year I was privileged to be asked to partic-ipate in the ceremony held to commemorate thelife of the late Justice John James O’Neill. Whilesadness is always part of such an occasion, italso provides an opportunity for those attend-ing to learn of and celebrate the accomplish-ments of the one who is no longer with us.
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Benchers, Law Society staff and members weresaddened to learn of the untimely passing ofmembers: James Greene, QC; Alan Henry;William (Bill) Cadigan; and Kevin Preston, whowill all be greatly missed by family, friends andcolleagues.
The Work of the Law Society:
Benchers, the Executive Committee and Law Society Professional StaffAs the governing body of the Law Society,Benchers have the authority to regulate thepractice of law and the legal profession in thepublic interest. Benchers consists of 17 electedmembers of the Law Society and four lay mem-bers appointed by a Committee chaired by theChief Justice of the Trial Division of theSupreme Court of Newfoundland andLabrador.
Members of our bar are often unaware of thework that is done behind the scenes byBenchers. Being a Bencher requires dedication,engagement and, sometimes, a significant com-mitment of time but it is also a very rewardingexperience. In the course of regulating in thepublic interest, Benchers deal with many inter-esting issues and make decisions which canhave a fundamental impact on the profession.Members are encouraged to take the time to getinvolved in the Law Society, whether by run-ning for election as a Bencher or by volunteer-ing for one of the Committees.
Benchers, in conjunction with the ExecutiveCommittee, the Complaints AuthorizationCommittee, the Insurance Committee, theEducation Committee and many others, haveimportant roles to play in policy developmentand legislative change, all with the objective ofprotecting the public interest. In order to suc-cessfully carry out these roles, significantreliance must be placed on the information,guidance and advice provided by the LawSociety’s senior professional staff under theleadership of the Executive Director, Brenda B.Grimes, QC.
The Law Society’s professional and administra-tive staff are diligent in advising, informing andsupporting Benchers and the ExecutiveCommittee in furtherance of our protection ofthe public interest mandate. Benchers look for-ward to continuing to work in collaborationwith them in the continued discharge of ourresponsibilities as a Law Society, and the suc-cessful regulation of the practice of law and thelegal profession in the public interest.
Notable Positive Initiatives / ResultsAchieved this Year Benchers and Law Society staff work hard toensure that the Law Society is operating effec-tively and efficiently. Members can be confidentthat our Law Society is well placed to carry outits public protection mandate. Some examplesof positive initiatives/results include:
1. Benchers receive necessary information onkey operations and programs, includingfinances, insurance and custodianships on aregular basis;
2. As the financial statements show, the LawSociety (and all of its programs) is in a verystrong position, in keeping with actuarialrecommendations. Results of operationsfor the past several years have been rela-tively stable with 2014 operations showingrevenues exceeding expenses primarily dueto favourable claims experience with theLawyers’ Insurance Programme and thecontinued strong performance of theSociety’s investment portfolio. These posi-tive results have allowed the Society tomaintain its member fee structureunchanged through 2015 for the fourth con-secutive year while continuing its statutorymandate of public protection;
3. Ongoing monitoring of our infrastructurerequirements to ensure that the integrityand safety of Law Society information isprotected and that we can effectivelyreceive and deliver information;
4. Continued improvement in the generaltransparency and understanding of Law
Society operations by Benchers and mem-bers including the introduction of anOrientation Manual for Benchers;
5. Adoption of a Conflict of Interest Policy forBenchers;
6. Review of the Committee structure withBenchers approving the following commit-tees for the upcoming year: ExecutiveCommittee, Complaints AuthorizationCommittee, Discipline Committee,Education Committee, Accounts andFinance Committee, Bar AdmissionCommittee, Claims Review Committee,Insurance Committee, SS Daisy LegalHistory Committee, Student AwardsCommittee, Honours and AwardsCommittee, Real Estate Committee, LibraryCommittee, LLP Committee and, Access toJustice Committee. Members will havealready received a request for expressionsof interest for some of these committees;
7. National Discipline Standards were adopt-ed with implementation effective January 1,2015; and a new policy, Publication –Discipline Proceedings was adopted;
8. A program for Mandatory ContinuingLegal Education (CLE) in Newfoundlandand Labrador was approved with an imple-mentation date of 2016.
Committee WorkThe work of Law Society staff and Benchers isoften augmented by the work done by its vari-ous committees, many of whom have includedsummaries of their activities elsewhere in thisAnnual Report. The committees assist in awide range of areas including education,finance and accounts, the library, discipline andprofessional conduct, admissions and insur-ance. The work is always challenging and oftentime consuming but it is invaluable to the suc-cess and effective operation of the Law Society.The dedication of these committee membersmust be recognized.
Federation of Law Societies of CanadaCanada’s fourteen provincial and territorial lawsocieties govern over 100,000 lawyers and 3,500Québec notaries in the public interest. TheFederation of Law Societies of Canada is theirnational coordinating body.
As a member of the Federation of Law Societiesof Canada, the Law Society has access to abroader range of resources to assist it in carry-ing out its mandate. Matters of national impor-tance which are discussed at the Federationlevel quite often lead to the creation of andimplementation of common policies in eachjurisdiction. This commonality helps in theadoption of uniform best practices and pro-vides for a larger pool of precedent on which todraw when interpreting matters locally. It alsoensures that mobility between provinces ismore seamless. All of this is of benefit to theprofession and protects the public interest.
This past year the Federation has undertaken agovernance review in order to ensure that it isequipped to meet the needs of all jurisdictionsin Canada and the public we serve.
We derive much value from the Federation inmany ways. Notable among these is the collab-oration among staff from each Law Society(which is invaluable in terms of identification ofissues and sharing of best practices) and theFederation’s intervention in a number ofSupreme Court of Canada cases the results ofwhich had (or could have had) a significantimpact on our members.
The President and Vice-President, along withMs. Grimes, QC and Ms. Greene, QC, attendedthe Federation’s Annual Conference in Halifaxin October, 2014 where the focus was on Accessto Justice issues. Participants were required toparticipate in a poverty simulation and meetwith various groups that deal with these andother issues in the local community. Followingthis meeting, Benchers created the Access toJustice Committee and the Law Society is alsorepresented on the Newfoundland andLabrador Access to Justice Steering Committee.
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The President and Vice-President along withMs. Grimes, QC, Ms. Greene, QC and Mr.Fleming, QC attended Federation Meetings inOttawa in March, 2015. The meeting focused ongovernance issues. Discussions were candidand useful addressing the benefits gained fromthe Federation and ways to improve value foreach jurisdiction in the future.
Law FoundationWe are fortunate and grateful once again tohave the continued financial support of the LawFoundation of Newfoundland and Labrador forlaw libraries and the SS Daisy Legal HistoryCommittee. For the calendar and fiscal yearend, 31 December 2014, the Foundation granted$76,000.00 for law libraries in the province. Thisfunding is allocated among the Law Societylibrary in St. John’s and the libraries in CornerBrook and Gander. The Foundation also contin-ues to support the work of the SS Daisy LegalHistory Committee. In 2012, funding of$16,500.00 was granted for three publicationprojects. The third and final publication pro-duced with this funding was published in 2014with the redirection of funds from the ForbesProject to Carter Volume II. The Governors ofthe Law Foundation are Aubrey Bonnell, QC,Chair, Jeffrey Benson, QC, F. Geoffrey Aylward,QC, Daniel Boone, QC, L. Wade Locke, AdamSparkes, QC and Sheri Wicks. Mr. LawrenceCollins is the Foundation’s Executive Director.On behalf of Benchers and the Law Society, Iwould like to extend sincere thanks to the LawFoundation and its Board of Governors for itscontinued support, which is crucial to main-taining and upgrading the library resources soessential to the profession and the public.
Our VolunteersThe dedication of numerous members and non-members who contribute, on a volunteer basis,to the important work of the Law Society doesnot go unnoticed. Whether they are contribut-ing at the Benchers’ level, on one of the Law
Society’s committees or in other ways, our vol-unteers strengthen our professional communi-ty, thus enhancing and advancing the integrity,credibility and future of the profession. Onbehalf of Benchers and the Law Society, thankyou for all of your hard work and commitment.
ConclusionThe Law Society has an important mandate tofulfill in ensuring that the integrity of the pro-fession is maintained and the interests of thepublic are protected. As the Bar grows largerand barriers to mobility disappear, new issuesand challenges arise. Changes in the way legalservices are delivered and increasing relianceon electronic communication contribute to thecomplexity of the Law Society’s work. As aBencher and President, it is easy to see howmuch the work of the Law Society has changedin response to our changing world. Many otherchanges will occur as time goes on, as the LawSociety strives to ensure that its method of reg-ulation is dynamic and responsive to the chal-lenges of a changing profession. Being aBencher is an important, sometimes onerous,always challenging but incredibly rewardingand enjoyable experience. Consideration in par-ticipating in the work of the Law Society at thislevel is encouraged.
In closing, it is a privilege to have, and to havehad, the opportunity to serve the professionand our members as a Bencher and asPresident. I am grateful to have had this oppor-tunity. Our experiences as Benchers create aunique perspective on the regulatory issues fac-ing our profession.
Benchers, Executive Committee members andthe entire Law Society team are to be com-mended for their valued support and assis-tance. Best wishes to all involved in the LawSociety for continued success.
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The Law Society Act, 1999 (the “Act”) pre-scribes the Vice-President’s role in the discipli-nary process. The Vice-President receivesreports from the Legal Director and submitsallegations to the Complaints AuthorizationCommittee. The Complaints AuthorizationCommittee, a statutory committee consistingof three Benchers, at least one of whom is anappointed Bencher, screens allegations of con-duct deserving of sanction. Conduct deserv-ing of sanction is defined in section 41 of theAct to include professional misconduct, fail-ure to maintain the standards of practice, con-duct unbecoming a member of the Society, act-ing in breach of the Act or the Law SocietyRules and failing to adhere to the Code ofProfessional Conduct.
The Vice-President, with the consent of theparties, may attempt to resolve an allegationor may refer the allegation to alternate disputeresolution. If the allegation is resolved themediator confirms the resolution and the fileis closed. Where a satisfactory resolution isnot achieved then the allegation is referred tothe Complaints Authorization Committee.The initial assessment of an allegation is sub-ject to the third party allegation policy.
A third party allegation is an allegationreceived from a non-client or a lawyeropposed in interest to the client of the solicitoragainst whom the allegation is made.Following a review of the allegation on thebasis of specific factors, the Vice-President hasdiscretion to decline or to defer the investiga-tion pending the final determination of a pro-ceeding. When an investigation is deferred,the Vice-President requests, from the respon-dent, a consent and a waiver of delay. Whenan investigation is declined, the complainant
is advised that outstanding issues, if any, maybe re-filed with the Law Society subsequent tothe final determination of the proceeding.
The powers of the Complaints AuthorizationCommittee are prescribed by section 45 of theAct and include the authority to conductinvestigation, conduct a practice review andrequire the member’s appearance before theCommittee. The investigation/review is con-ducted through the Legal Director’s office.Following its final consideration of an allega-tion, the Complaints AuthorizationCommittee will either dismiss the allegationor, where there are reasonable grounds tobelieve that a respondent has engaged in con-duct deserving of sanction, the Committeewill authorize the Complaint. A complainantwhose allegation is dismissed by theComplaints Authorization Committee has aright to appeal to the Supreme Court, TrialDivision.
Following authorization of the Complaint, theComplaints Authorization Committee maycounsel or caution the respondent, mayinstruct the Vice-President to file theComplaint and refer it to the DisciplinaryPanel, make an application for appointment ofa Custodian of the member’s practice, andsuspend or restrict the member’s licence topractice.
The Disciplinary Panel, appointed pursuant tosection 42 of the Act, is comprised of LawSociety members and lay representatives,appointed by the Minister of Justice. For thepurpose of dealing with Complaints referredand applications made to the DisciplinaryPanel, the Chairperson appoints anAdjudication Tribunal, consisting of two
VICE-PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT
Susan M. LeDrew
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members and one lay representative, to hearthe matter. The Hearing proceeds pursuant tosections 47 through 51 of the Act. A party tothe Hearing has the right to appeal an Orderor Decision of the Adjudication Tribunal to theSupreme Court of Newfoundland andLabrador, Trial Division.
Information concerning Complaintsprocessed during the current reporting periodfollows. The Complaints AuthorizationCommittee has authorized elevenComplaints; one of which resulted in a letterof counsel; four resulted in letters of cautionand six were referred to the DisciplinaryPanel. The Complaints Authorization
Committee suspended a member’s licence topractice pending the determination of theComplaint by an Adjudication Tribunal.Currently there are eight Complaints beforethe Disciplinary Panel.
Hundreds of hours of volunteer time are con-tributed on an annual basis by members of theComplaints Authorization Committee and bymembers of the Disciplinary Panel to the LawSociety’s disciplinary process. The Societycould not function without the dedication andvolunteer time of committee members. Yourcontribution is significant and very muchappreciated.
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The Law Society requires all Students-at-Lawto attend at the Bar Admission Course andsuccessfully complete the Bar AdmissionCourse Examinations as part of the LawSociety’s licensing requirements.
The 2014 Bar Admission Course began onOctober 7, 2014 and continued untilNovember 24, 2014. The Bar AdmissionCourse involves in-class teaching, generallyscheduled from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, andthe Course runs for a period of seven (7)weeks in total. Daily attendance at the BarAdmission Course is mandatory for allStudents-at-Law. There are approximately150 scheduled hours of instruction in the BarAdmission Course, delivered through lec-tures, seminars and workshops. The instruc-tion is primarily provided by Law Societystaff, practicing lawyers, judges and other pro-fessionals and invited presenters.
In the 2014 Bar Admission Course there were24 students enrolled. Students attending theCourse were articling in a variety of legalenvironments. Approximately two thirds ofstudents were articling with a firm in privatepractice, with approximately one third arti-cling in a public sector placement, for examplewith the NL Legal Aid Commission, theCrown Attorney’s Office or the Department ofJustice (Civil Division). While the majority ofstudents were articling in the St. John’s metro-politan area, this year’s Course also had agood geographical representation of studentsarticling throughout the Province, for examplein Carbonear, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor,Stephenville, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City.
To pass the Bar Admission Course, studentsmust pass six Bar Admission Course licensingexaminations in the following areas: FamilyLaw, Commercial Law, Civil Procedure,
Criminal Law, Administrative Law and RealEstate/Wills. Each of these six licensingexaminations exam is 3½ hours long andfocuses on the lectures and in-class presenta-tions, the Bar Admission Course materials andthe approximately 80 provincial and federalstatutes and regulations covered in theCourse. The Bar Admission Course materialsconsist of 11 separate volumes and cover thou-sands of pages of content.
The goal of the Bar Admission Course is togive new lawyers a comprehensive overviewof Newfoundland and Labrador andCanadian law and procedure, and transfer tothem the necessary information to ensureentry level competence in the profession. TheCourse is intensive, practical and relevant towhat a new lawyer will see in practice.
What follows is an overview, providing fur-ther particulars on each section of the Course:
Family Law:Topics include divorce proceedings, parenting(custody and access), child and spousal sup-port, matrimonial property, provincial familylegislation, pensions, court procedures, childprotection, support enforcement and taximplications of family law. There is also aJudicial panel discussion on the practice offamily law.
Corporate/Commercial Law:Topics include incorporation and organizing abusiness, registration issues, corporate proce-dures, corporate finance, the PersonalProperty Security Act, security opinions, pur-chase and sale of a business/shares and com-mercial insolvency.
Civil Procedure:Topics include limitations of actions, fatal acci-dents, survival of actions, commencing pro-
BAR ADMISSION COURSE COMMITTEE REPORT
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ceedings, service, defences, counterclaims,third party proceedings, summary trial, expe-dited trial, discovery and disclosure of evi-dence, setting down for trial, the JudgmentEnforcement Act, civil appeals, costs andalternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Practice Skills, Practice Managementand Ethics:The Course presents lawyering-skills work-shops where students receive instruction indirect examination, cross-examination, negoti-ating settlements, interviewing clients, theLaw Society’s professional liability insuranceprogram, risk management and how to avoidprofessional negligence claims. As well thereis a presentation on maintaining a balancebetween professional and personal lives, anda presentation on using the resources of theLaw Society Library. There are also presenta-tions on the Law Society Trust Accountingrequirements and professional conduct andclient complaints. There is a separate sectionon ethics and the Code of ProfessionalConduct, in which students complete a writ-ten assignment.
Criminal Law and Procedure:Topics include the court structure, presump-tions and burdens, classification of offences,pre-arrest, arrest, charge, first appearances,judicial interim release, disclosure, electionsand re-elections, solicitor/client matters, pre-liminary inquiries, pre-trial matters, Charterapplications, trial by judge alone, jury trials,the sentencing process, types of sentences,
criminal appeals, young offenders, eviden-tiary matters, voir dires, search and seizureand defences. As well, in this section, stu-dents receive instruction on advocacy skills,there is a panel discussion with judges on thetopic of advocacy, and students prepare forand participate in a mock trial and sentencingexercises.
Administrative Law:Topics include the Labour Relations Board,labour and commercial arbitration, municipallaw, the Human Rights Commission, theWorkplace Health, Safety and CompensationCommission, the professional disciplineprocess, statutory appeals, judicial review ofarbitration and a presentation on judicialreview and other prerogative orders.
Real Estate and Wills:Topics include the registry system and landtenure, the real estate transaction, the mort-gage, condominiums, professional responsi-bility in real estate issues, title insurance, sur-vey/location certificates, taxation issues,crown lands, quieting of titles, possessorytitle, residential tenancies and title searches.There is a real estate transaction workshopand a separate section on wills, estates andprobate.
Law Society members or prospective mem-bers interested in obtaining further informa-tion about the Bar Admission Course shouldcontact Mr. Francis P. O’Brien at (709) 722-4898or by email [email protected].
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CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION REPORT
The Law Society of Newfoundland andLabrador develops and delivers a program ofContinuing Legal Education for members ofthe Bar. This is achieved through the LawSociety’s education entity, Newfoundland andLabrador Continuing Legal Education.
Newfoundland and Labrador ContinuingLegal Education has, as its goal, the provisionof high quality legal education programswhich assist in keeping our members currentand competent.
Continuing legal education programs areoffered to members of the Newfoundland andLabrador Bar in a variety of practice areas.Examples of recent and proposed programsare:
• Understanding and Effectively UsingFinancial Statements for Lawyers
• Family Law Update
• Advocacy Skills Workshop
• Family Law Rules Changes: Costs andOffers to Settle in Family Law Proceedings
• Mediation Advocacy
• Taxation Law
• Updated Real Estate
Lawyers in Newfoundland and Labrador con-tinue to be very interested in ContinuingLegal Education and they continue to supportour programming by their excellent levels ofattendance, positive feedback and suggestionsfor future programs.
We appreciate our many volunteer lawyers,judges and other professionals who givefreely of their time and talents, as presenters atour seminars, to enhance the knowledge andprofessional standards of other practitioners.The Law Society greatly appreciates these con-tributions and we are continuously impressedwith the excellence and enthusiasm of ourpresenters.
As Benchers have approved a program ofMandatory Continuing Legal Educationbeginning in 2016, with reporting in 2017, theLaw Society is looking forward to membersengaging in meaningful continuing legal edu-cation opportunities in future.
Members with program suggestions shouldcontact Mr. Francis P. O’Brien at (709) 722-4898or by email at [email protected].
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EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Education Committee is responsible foreducational issues which arise concerningmembers and prospective members of theLaw Society. The Committee deals with allapplications for admission and re-admissionto practice, which applications generallyinvolve an assessment of academic creden-tials, currency of legal knowledge, fitness topractice and good character elements. TheEducation Committee deals with requeststhroughout the year from members andprospective members relating to the require-ments in the Law Society Act, 1999 and the LawSociety Rules on educational and admissionsissues.
As such, the Education Committee considersapplications from:
• law students regarding admission as aStudent-at-Law;
• applications from members of other LawSocieties who wish to practice inNewfoundland and Labrador on a tempo-rary basis under the National MobilityAgreement;
• applications from members of other LawSocieties who wish to transfer toNewfoundland and Labrador on a perma-nent basis pursuant to the NationalMobility Agreement; and
• applications from non-practicing or for-mer members of the Law Society whowish to reinstate their status to practicingmembership.
In all of these cases, the Committee mustensure that the applicant has met the requiredstandards, educational and otherwise.
Each year the Education Committee alsoreviews and approves the marks from the BarAdmission Course examinations and directs,when required, the writing of supplementaryexaminations or the completion of furthereducational requirements before a Student-at-Law is eligible to be called to theNewfoundland and Labrador Bar.
From May 2014-April 2015, the EducationCommittee:
(i) admitted 38 new applicants as Students-at-Law;
(ii) recommended to Benchers that 23 stu-dents, having met the requirements of aStudent-at-Law, be called to the Bar inNewfoundland and Labrador;
(iii)approved the application of 16 transfercandidates to be called to the Bar ofNewfoundland and Labrador under theNational Mobility Agreement; and
(iv)approved a change from non-practicing topracticing status for 20 Law Society mem-bers.
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INSURANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Paul Burgess, Chair
This report will summarize some of the devel-opments which have occurred over the lastyear with the Lawyers’ Insurance Programme(“Programme”). If members have any ques-tions or require further details, please contactthe Chair or our Insurance Administrator, Ms.Janice Ringrose.
This year Mr. Raymond Walsh retired as theinsurance adjuster for the Programme afterproviding 25 years of invaluable service. Mr.Walsh was part of the team who led theProgramme through the difficult times whenwe had challenges obtaining insurance cover-age for our members, dealt professionally andefficiently with our members, and has helpedour Programme to be as successful as it istoday.
Also, Mr. Edward Hearn, QC retired asInsurance Committee member on 24 March2015 after many committed years. Mr. Hearn,QC was instrumental in helping us get throughsome of our toughest years and his involve-ment will undoubtedly be missed.
The Lawyers’ Insurance Programme has had asuccessful year from a claims perspective, andwe are presently in a healthy and stable finan-cial position. Our Claims Review Committee,consisting of Janice Ringrose, Tom Johnson,QC, Lewis Andrews, QC and Gary Baird, havecontinued to operate the Programme effec-tively, which has ensured premium costs tomembers have remained stable.
Our insurer, CLIA, which is a reciprocal, hasbeen undergoing restructuring. While last
year the largest subscriber of CLIA, Alberta,decided to leave the organization, I ampleased to report it did not negatively impactCLIA’s financial position.
At the local level, part of the Programme’smandate is to provide excess cover insurancethrough CLIA. One of the benefits of excesscover through CLIA is the consistent policywording above the basic $1M provided bymembers’ Law Society insurance and, as well,the unified administration of claims.
Excess coverage can be purchased throughCLIA from the Law Society in amounts from$1M to $9M. The premium rate structure perlawyer remains the same as last year and is asfollows:
$1,000,000.00 per occurrence / and aggregate = $343$2,000,000.00 per occurrence / and aggregate = $504$3,000,000.00 per occurrence / and aggregate = $589$4,000,000.00 per occurrence / and aggregate = $624$9,000,000.00 per occurrence / and aggregate = $873
The Insurance Committee continues to benefitfrom the generosity of each of the members ofthe Committee who devote significant timeout of their busy schedules to ensure theLawyers’ Insurance Programme continues tobe effectively administered and is financiallystable. The Programme provides the best pos-sible coverage to Members and protects thepublic as effectively as possible.
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The primary objective of the Law Societylibrary is to support lawyer competencythrough the delivery of high level referenceservices to members in Newfoundland andLabrador. To provide these services it is essen-tial to maintain the library’s excellent collec-tion of texts, reference tools and electronicdatabases including e-books and e-journals.
This goal is becoming increasingly challeng-ing as the library strives to control costs in aclimate of ever escalating pricing for looseleafs and electronic services. The struggle iscompounded with law firms deciding to go toa single source for electronic services and can-celling large numbers of their loose leaf textswith the collective thinking being, presum-ably, that the Law Society library will be ableto maintain all services. The library endeav-ours to maintain a current and accessible col-lection that is also available to members of thepublic. This has always been a requirement ofLaw Foundation funding and has taken ongreater prominence in light of recent access tojustice initiatives. Balancing access to materi-als with cost control continues to be of para-mount importance to the Law Library.
It is with mixed feelings that we announce theretirement of Heather Myers. Heather is clos-ing an illustrious career as a special librarianin government, a children’s librarian andfinally a law librarian. Heather’s knowledgeand experience is extensive and diverse andwe will miss her greatly. Heather, aRenaissance woman, will be so engaged as a
yoga instructor, student of music and mathe-matics, bibliophile, traveler and curious intel-lectual, to name a few, that she will be busierthan ever. Thank you for everything, Heather!
On November 27, 2014 Lauren Kean left theLaw Society library to begin employment withthe legislative library. Lauren was a great assetto our team and we wish her success in hernew position. Beginning January 26, 2015Rosemary Myers was hired as our newestLibrary Technician. Rosie comes to us withacademic library experience and is a welcomeaddition to the Law Society library staff. Rosieis able to assist members with reference ques-tions, tweets library related information@LSlibraryNL and is also responsible formaintaining the Law Society website.
The library extends its appreciation to mem-bers of the Library Committee for generouslyproviding their advice and assistance.Committee members include Liam P. O’Brien,chair, Maeve A. Baird, Benjamin J. Blackmore,Daniel M Boone, QC (by invitation), Andrew A.Fitzgerald, Padraig J. Mohan, Rebecca C.Phillipps, Angela M. Whitehead, and BertRiggs (appointed Bencher).
The Library Committee would like to expressits gratitude to the Law Foundation ofNewfoundland and Labrador for its contin-ued financial support, without which the LawSociety could not provide current in-depthresearch materials.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE REPORT
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The Student Awards Committee deals withLaw Society awards for Articled Students-At-Law. These are the Hunt Award, theProvincial Court Judges’ Association Award,the Penney Award, the Spracklin Award, theWilliam J. Browne Scholarship and theMaxwell J. Pratt Scholarship, respectively.
The Hunt Award is presented to the Student-at-Law who receives the highest overall aver-age mark in the Law Society ofNewfoundland and Labrador’s BarAdmission Course. The recipient of the HuntAward for the 2014 Bar Admission Course isMr. Justin Caines. Mr. Caines served Articlesof Clerkship at the firm Cox and Palmer and hisprincipal was Mr. Denis Fleming. Mr. Caineswas called to the Newfoundland andLabrador Bar on February 13, 2015, at whichtime he commenced practice with Cox andPalmer.
The Provincial Court Judges’ AssociationAward is presented to the Student-at-Lawachieving the highest mark in the CriminalLaw Examination of the Bar AdmissionCourse. The co-recipients of the ProvincialCourt Judges’ Association Award for the 2014Bar Admission Course are Mr. Justin Cainesand Ms. Lesley Pike. Ms. Pike served Articlesof Clerkship at the firm NL Legal AidCommission and her principal was Ms. TammyDrover. Ms. Pike will be called to theNewfoundland and Labrador Bar on June 19,2015. As indicated above, Mr. Caines servedArticles of Clerkship at Cox and Palmer andwas called to the Bar on February 13, 2015.
The Penney Award is presented to theStudent-at-Law achieving the highest mark in
the Family Law Examination of the BarAdmission Course. The recipient of the 2014Penney Award is Ms. Carolyn Mouland. Ms.Mouland served Articles of Clerkship at theCrown Attorney’s Office and her principal wasMs. Trina Simms. Ms. Mouland was called tothe Newfoundland and Labrador Bar on April17, 2015, at which time she commenced prac-tice with Crown Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Mouland is also the winner of theSpracklin Award. The Spracklin Award ispresented to the Student-at-Law achieving thehighest mark in the Real Estate/WillsExamination of the Bar Admission Course.
The William J. Browne Scholarship is present-ed to a Student-at-Law who has submitted aresearch essay on a legal issue of current pub-lic concern. The recipient of the 2015 WilliamJ. Browne Scholarship is Mr. Mark Aylwardwho is presently articling with the firmMcInnes Cooper. Mr. Aylward’s research essayentitled “Random Alcohol Testing: MovingForward After Irving Pulp.”
The Maxwell J. Pratt Scholarship is based onacademic performance and is presented to aStudent-at-Law who is a graduate ofMemorial University of Newfoundland and astudent at Dalhousie Law School. The recipi-ent of the 2015 Maxwell J. Pratt Scholarship isMr. Shane Belbin who is presently articlingwith the firm Curtis Dawe.
The above-described awards will be formallypresented on June 12, 2015 at the Law Societyof Newfoundland and Labrador AnnualDinner.
STUDENT AWARDS COMMITTEE REPORT
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