Partner, Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP
Having just completed his tenure as the elected president of the Law Society of Ontario, Treasurer Paul Schabas is also a litigation partner at Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP and one of Canada’s leading media lawyers, frequently representing Canadian and international media. Under his leadership, the LSO made changes in improving the equality and diversity of the profession and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, access to justice and lawyer licensing processes. Schabas was responsible for the LSO name change after 220 years, the action plan to identify barriers and improve access to justice and public protection, the creation of the SPOT team in response to the #MeToo movement and the first steps to improve equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives to avoid discrimination from all sides against lawyers and clients. He presided over the Challenges Faced By Racialized Licensees Working Group, out of which came the statement of principles and the controversy that surrounded it. His leadership has resulted in a review panel to approach conflict resolution in a sensitive manner and the establishment of the Legal Aid Working Group to explore how to increase access to justice.
WHAT VOTERS HAD TO SAY:
“As a leader of the legal community in Ontario, he has put his mark on the importance of inclusion, fairness and progressive aspects of the practice of law.”
“A true advocate and fighter.”
