19 Candidates put their names forward for the 2024 Bencher Election. Two candidates were elected by acclamation. An election was held on May 1, 2024 for the ten remaining openings in the City of Winnipeg, Dauphin Central and Northern Electoral Districts. Voting took place between April 11 and April 30. To learn more, see the results of the 2024 Bencher Election.
For questions about the electoral process, please contact Rennie Stonyk at rstonyk@lawsociety.mb.ca.
Join Our Board as an Elected or Appointed Bencher Position
Benchers Reflect on their Experience Serving as a Bencher
One of the things that I’ve enjoyed most about being a bencher is learning from and working with colleagues and staff who are committed to ensuring that the Law Society grows and evolves as an organization to reflect the changing needs, values and priorities of lawyers and the public.
Serving as a bencher has been a great experience – not only to see how the sausage is made, but also because it’s been so reassuring to see multiple viewpoints and positions considered before decisions big or small are made. Everyone should seriously consider getting involved.
I have been a lay bencher (public representative) for several years and it has been a rewarding and fascinating experience. Public representatives provide an important perspective on matters before the Law Society. I know we are contributing to a more transparent, equitable and inclusive profession.
If you have any questions about Becoming A Bencher, please contact any one of the following:
| Leah Kosokowsky, Chief Executive Officer | 204-926-2030 | lkosokowsky@lawsociety.mb.ca |
| Gerri Wiebe, KC, President | 204-949-8122 | gerri.wiebe@gwslaw.ca |
| Wayne Onchulenko, Past President | 204-957-6402 | wonchulenko@ltglc.ca |
Bencher Positions
Elected Positions
Elections for 12 bencher positions are held every second year. To be eligible as a candidate for election, a member of the society must be a practising lawyer on the 1st Monday in March of the election year, maintain a principal office in the district in which they seeks to be a candidate and must be nominated in accordance with the rules.
Appointed Positions
During the bencher election process, a call for applications for the appointed bencher positions will be made to both the profession and the public. The appointment process ensures that applicants with unique skill sets and abilities and from diverse backgrounds are eligible for appointment.
Practising Lawyer Benchers
Four lawyers are appointed, to serve for a two year term. At least one of the lawyers must be from the Winnipeg District and one must be from outside of Winnipeg.
Lay Benchers
Six public representatives are appointed for a two year term in each election year by a Committee chaired by the Chief Justice of the Province of Manitoba.
