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2026 Bencher Nominees

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City of Winnipeg Electoral District

Kathrine Basarab is a current Bencher and hopes to earn your vote again. A Robson Hall graduate, she has wide-ranging criminal law experience and currently works as a Supervising Senior Crown Attorney with Manitoba Justice (Prosecutions Service). In 2020, she completed a Master of Laws in Criminal Law and Procedure at Osgoode Hall.

During her 2.5 years on the Board, Kathrine has undertaken numerous committee assignments. Presently, she is Vice-Chair of the Discipline committee, Chair of the President’s special committee on Access to Justice, and Bencher Board representative to Robson Hall’s Faculty Council. Former assignments include Professional Liability Claims Fund, Reimbursement Fund Claims, and Equity committees.

Kathrine volunteers regularly with the local legal community. As a member of the executive of the Criminal Law Section of the Manitoba Bar Association, she has planned numerous continuing professional development seminars for the local bar. She has written many articles for the “Headnotes and Footnotes” newsletter and won the 2025 Edward (Ned) Brown Headnotes & Footnotes Award. She is a regular volunteer at the Law Society’s Lawyers for Literacy program, and at Robson Hall, where she guest lectures and/or coaches small groups for a variety of courses. She has also appeared in eight lawyers’ shows (includes 2026’s forthcoming musical Crazy for You) at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.

The proud daughter of immigrants of Ukrainian descent, Kathrine is a stalwart of the local Ukrainian community. She is a past board member of the Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council. She has volunteered with Folklorama’s Ukraine-Kyiv pavilion and PLAST (Ukrainian youth scouting organization) for decades. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Children’s Museum.

I have been a proud member of the Law Society of Manitoba since 2015 and was previously a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador from 2012 to 2016. I graduated from the University of New Brunswick, Faculty of Law, in 2012.

I have extensive experience in regulatory and administrative law, professional governance, policy development, and public interest decision making. I currently serve as Director, Registration and Innovation at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM), where I am responsible for licensing frameworks and standards setting. I am also involved as in-house legal counsel on arising matters in multiple areas of CPSM. I recently sat on CPSM’s working group for Internationally Trained Physicians, which focused on improving the transition into the Manitoba practice environment.

My work focuses on accountability, fairness, transparency, and legal defensibility in regulatory decision making. I have led complex policy initiatives involving competency assessment, scope of practice, supervision models, and fitness to practise considerations, and regularly provide advice to the Council, Council committees, and senior leadership on risk, governance, and statutory compliance.

Through my innovation portfolio, I have contributed to initiatives involving digital transformation, process improvement, and the responsible use of emerging technologies in professional regulation. This includes drafting CPSM’s Advice to the Profession on the use of AI technologies.

Outside of CPSM, I have served on the Law Society of Manitoba’s Complaints Investigation Committee since 2023. I was on the Manitoba Bar Association’s Administrative Law Section Executive from 2022 through 2025.

Prior to joining CPSM in 2016, I worked with Manitoba Public Prosecutions and, prior to that, Simmonds and Partners – a law firm in St. John’s, NL, specializing in criminal law.

I am committed to upholding the public interest, supporting competent and ethical professional practice, and strengthening trust in self regulating professions. This is why I want to be a Bencher with the Law Society of Manitoba.

I am asking for your support in this Election.  I value my time with the Law Society and confess I would like another term to complete my eligibility as a Life Bencher.

Presently, I am the Chief Adjudicator for The Manitoba Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Act and practice as a sole Practitioner, primarily as a Chartered Arbitrator and mediator. Prior to this, I was the Registrar-General of Manitoba overseeing the Manitoba Land Titles System.

Previously have served on the executive of the Manitoba Bar Association as Vice President, Communications Chair and Secretary-Treasurer.  Served as a chair and executive member of the CBA National ADR section.

Past director of the Manitoba Law Foundation.
Past member of the Winnipeg Foundation Appointing Board

Extensive activity with the Law Society as both a Bencher and as a non- Bencher

LSM committee appointments:

  • Discipline Committee 2019-current
  • Admissions and Education Committee
  • Conveyancing Practices Committee
  • Complaints Investigation Committee (a past Chairperson)
  • Equity Committee
  • Professional Liability Claims Fund Committee
  • President’s Special Committee on Representative Capacity
  • Community Legal Education Association
  • President’s Special Committee on Trust Safety
  • Practice and Ethics Committee (a past Chairperson)
  • Legal Research Institute of Manitoba

I am committed to becoming a Bencher to contribute meaningfully to the governance of the profession to which I have had the privilege of being a member for over 25 years. I would utilize my business acumen to complement the valuable work that has been completed to date and continues to be undertaken by our Benchers. I have been an active participant in the boardroom throughout my career, bringing my financial knowledge, strategic thinking and adaptability to navigate competing interests and it is now time for me to bring this insight to the legal community. For these reasons, I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with our fellow members to strengthen our profession.

In my career in the legal industry, including nearly 20 years in the business law group at MLT Aikins, I have developed expertise in commercial law in my role as legal advisor on a wide variety of matters. My experience has ranged from working in a two-person law firm to a national firm and working as and with numerous in-house counsel as clients, which has enabled me to appreciate many different perspectives. Moreover, having earned an M.B.A. concurrent with my practice has helped broaden my perspective on the business of the administration of the profession. I currently represent over 20 not-for-profit member organizations with many parallels to the Law Society. In particular, I provide governance and regulatory advice to these organizations and strongly believe this experience will enable me to serve the Law Society in an impactful manner. I also serve on the Law Society Complaints Investigation, Investment, Professional Liability Claims Fund and Reimbursement Fund Claims committees.

On the personal side, I have a passion for health and fitness and am committed to ensuring that the physical and mental health and well-being of all our members is promoted wherever possible. I also mentor those afflicted with chronic pain, having previously suffered and subsequently recovered from post concussive headaches. And perhaps more interesting, I participated in my first Hyrox fitness competition in March and look forward to my second in May (with my older sister). I am certain that my focus on health and wellness will enhance my contributions and value to the legal community in my role as a Bencher.

I currently work as Crown Counsel with the Legal Services Branch of Manitoba Justice, where I provide legal advice and service on cross-government issues, liaise with central government offices, and work broadly in an advisory capacity to government departments, divisions and agencies, with a focus on access and privacy law, legislative and policy development, public interest disclosure (whistleblower protection), and government reorganization.

Prior to joining Manitoba Justice, I articled and practiced at Hill Sokalski LLP, where my practice included litigation, workplace investigations, acting as independent counsel for complainants in sexual assault proceedings and working closely with the Integrity Commissioner for the City of Winnipeg.

I am born and raised in Manitoba and am a graduate of Robson Hall. I was called to the bar in 2014.  I am an avid reader and am passionate about my family, my garden, and the rule of law.  I would love the opportunity to give back to the profession as a Bencher.

Jason is running for re-election as a Law Society of Manitoba Bencher in the Winnipeg Electoral District.

Jason was called to the Manitoba Bar in 2010 and practised civil litigation with MLT Aikins for 4 years before becoming In-House Legal Counsel for the University of Manitoba Faculty Association in 2013, where he practises labour law.

Jason was elected to the Law Society of Manitoba Benchers in 2025 during a by-election.  In the past year as a Bencher, Jason has actively participated in all Bencher meetings, attended the Federation of Law Societies annual conference, and served on the Admissions and Education Committee, the Admissions, Education, and Trust Safety Appeals Committee, and the Discipline Committee.  Jason also chaired a Law Society admissions appeal hearing, and wrote the decision for the panel (which is published on the LSM website).

Prior to being elected to the Benchers, Jason served as President of the Manitoba Bar Association from 2023-2024.  During his term, the MBA saw membership growth, advocacy initiatives to promote access to justice, an increased focus on health and wellness through collaborations with the Law Society and Law(yer) Strong, as well as new on-campus programming for students at Robson Hall.  Jason continues to be involved with the MBA by serving as Supervisor for a Pro Bono Student Project with the MBA, and as Chair of a Joint Committee on the Study of AI in the Manitoba Legal Profession, both of which were developed during his term as President.

Jason is a Past Chair of the MBA’s Labour and Employment Section, Young Lawyers Section, and Law Day Committee.  He is also a former Board Secretary of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Manitoba, from which he maintains a Qualified Arbitrator designation.

In 2023, Jason was nominated for the In-House Counsel Up and Comer Award at the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association’s In-House Counsel Celebration.  In 2024, he was awarded a Winnipeg 150 Medal, honouring 150 Winnipeggers for their community contributions.  Jason was recognized for his work in the legal community, in the cancer care community, and in the Winnipeg Jewish Community, where he has worked in areas such as community relations and governance.  Jason now serves on the Law(yer) Strong Governance Committee as well.

As a cancer survivor and cancer awareness advocate, Jason speaks regularly to groups about his experiences, and his team, Jason’s Journey, has raised over $55,000 over the last 8 years for the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation through its annual 20-kilometre Challenge for Life Walk.  Jason was recently featured in the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation’s March 2026 Newsletter, as well as in the March 12, 2026 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Jason is excited at the opportunity to serve a full two-year term on the Benchers, and hopes that he can count on your support!

Called in 2017, Sharyne is a litigation partner at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP practising in the areas of administrative law, commercial and construction litigation. In her administrative law practice, she provides advice and advocacy on professional regulation and governance for self-regulated professions.

Prior to being elected as a Bencher in 2022, Sharyne was elected as Student Bencher for 2016/2017 and served on the Admissions and Education Committee.  Sharyne has served on various committees, including the Complaints and Investigation Committee (currently as Chairperson), Access to Justice Committee (as Vice-Chairperson), Strategic Planning Committee, Practice and Ethics Committee and the President’s Special Committee on Regulating Legal Entities.  She is also the Law Society’s representative on the Manitoba Law Foundation.

As a firm advocate for Canadians’ ability to obtain legal services and access to justice, she has volunteered at the Legal Help Centre since her time in law school. Along with two of her TDS colleagues, she was awarded the MBA 2023 Pro Bono Award for their role in an intervention before the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.

Sharyne is committed to the development of young lawyers, volunteering as a coach for the Davies Corporate Securities Moot from 2017 to 2023 and working with her colleagues at TDS.

In the community, Sharyne sits on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Manitoba and is the Past President of Swimmingly, an organization she has volunteered with for more than 10 years.

Sharyne hopes to have the privilege of rejoining the Bencher table in 2026 to continue to work to ensure the competence and ethical practice of Manitoba lawyers.

Jeffrey King is a litigation and dispute resolution lawyer with PKF Lawyers in downtown Winnipeg. Jeffrey has previously served as a Councillor and the Governance Committee Chair of the Manitoba Arts Council and a Youth Mentor with Manitoba Justice.

Jeffrey hopes to bring a new voice as a Bencher through his experience in advocacy and his record of public service to help protect and preserve the ideals and standards of the legal profession.

A former Judicial Law Clerk to the Honourable Chief Justice Charbonneau of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, Jeffrey has always had a passion for advocacy. Since receiving his call to the Manitoba Bar in 2019, Jeffrey has appeared as sole/lead counsel in the Manitoba Provincial Court, the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, the Manitoba Court of Appeal, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and numerous administrative bodies.

After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba, Jeffrey attended the University of Windsor (Ontario), obtaining his Juris Doctorate. At the U of W, he was a Teaching/Research Assistant for the Legal Research & Writing Course, and academically ranked 2nd in his class of 154 students.

A committed Winnipegger, Jeffrey hopes to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Daniel Abraham “Abe” Yanofsky, O.C., K.C., a Winnipeg lawyer, politician, and chess player, as an active member of the legal profession and the community. To date, Jeffrey has held a variety of governmental and non-governmental positions, including as a Youth Mentor with Manitoba Justice, a program director for several community outreach organizations, and a Councillor / Chair of the Governance Committee of the Manitoba Arts Council. Jeffrey has also been featured in numerous media articles over the past few years.

As a Bencher, Jeffrey would utilize this background of advocacy and public service to further the mission, role, and values of The Law Society of Manitoba in helping to ensure the public is well-served by a competent, honourable, and independent legal profession, presently and into the future.

Tim practices Corporate Law as a partner with Taylor McCaffrey LLP, and has been serving the Law Society as a Bencher since 2024. He currently Chairs the Professional Liability Claims Fund Committee, the Reimbursement Fund Committee and the Investment Committee, and is a member of the Discipline Committee. He has also served on the Audit and Risk Committee and Practice and Ethics Committee in prior years.

Tim has been a Managing Partner of TM for over fifteen years. His experience in Corporate Law and governance matters has earned annual recognition with Best Lawyers consecutively since 2009.

Tim’s other roles in service to the legal community include past Chair of the Business Law Subsection of the MBA, as Sessional Lecturer at Robson Hall, and as contributor to Law Society and MBA continuing professional development programs and initiatives. His non-legal community service includes roles with the Fort Whyte Foundation (including as Chair), United Way Winnipeg, the Manitoba Pension Commission, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, the Judicial Advisory Committee, and the Downtown Business Improvement Zone.

Tim would welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the Bar as Bencher.

An African-Canadian, I was raised, grew up, schooled and lived in both Montreal and Winnipeg. I am a trained Economist (University of Manitoba) and bi-jural legal scholar (Quebec Civil Law and North American Common Law at the Université de Montréal). I hold a B.A., LL.B., JD and LL.M.

I am an experienced trial lawyer and successfully brief and argue cases at trials, appeals and judicial reviews, inter alia. I have successfully litigated cases in all levels of Court in Manitoba, including The Federal Court of Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

Apart from my law practice, I am an independent researcher and a Lecturer in Commercial Law at L’Université de Saint-Boniface.

I am the current President of the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) and sit on the National Board. I am a member of l’Association des Juristes d’Expression Française du Manitoba (AJEFM).

I sat on Manitoba’s Public Safety Training Strategy Steering Committee overseeing the development of the strategy to modernize public safety training for police and peace officers, and currently seat on Manitoba’s Access to Justice Advisory Network.

On the community front, I founded la Clinique Juridique Franco-Justice (CJFJ), a community clinic offering on the record pro-bono legal services to francophone newcomers and settled francophone communities in Manitoba, together with the BPOC English speaking newcomers and settled communities – to offer affordable legal services in Winnipeg in Canada’s official languages.

Alexandre exerce sa pratique au sein de MLT Aikins LLP, dans le département de litige. Sa pratique se concentre sur les litiges en matière de construction, les assurances, la responsabilité professionnelle ainsi que les différends relatifs aux valeurs mobilières et aux actionnaires. Il conseille également en matière de commerce international et de conformité réglementaire.

Alexandre est engagé dans sa communauté. Il siège au conseil d’administration de Main Street Project depuis 2020, en plus d’avoir été administrateur de Rossbrook House Foundation et membre du comité de gouvernance de la Société de la francophonie manitobaine.

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Alexandre practises at MLT Aikins LLP, in the firm’s litigation department. His practice focuses on construction litigation, insurance, professional liability, and securities and shareholder disputes. He also advises on international trade and regulatory compliance.

Alexandre is committed to his community. He has acted as a board member for Main Street Project since 2020, in addition to having served as a director for Rossbrook House Foundation and as a member of the governance committee for La Société de la francophonie manitobaine.

I am the Principal and owner of Mitousis Family Law Group, a firm of women lawyers and support staff practising exclusively in family law. Having run my own firm for eight years and practised law for twenty, I have a firsthand understanding of what it takes to build a practice that is both professionally rigorous and personally resilient.

Professional Experience & Leadership
Since my call to the Manitoba Bar in 2006, my practice has focused on the complex realities of family dispute resolution. Because family law frequently intersects with corporate, tax, criminal, real estate, and civil litigation, I have had the privilege of working closely with lawyers from diverse practice areas over the years. These collaborations have given me a broad perspective on the shared challenges and unique needs across the profession.

My commitment to the governance of our profession is reflected in my involvement with the Manitoba Bar Association and the Law Society of Manitoba:

  • MBA Council Member: Serving since 2019, including roles within the Family Law and the Women Lawyers Sections. My contributions have been recognized with the President’s Award of Excellence, the Council Member and Community Involvement Awards.
  • Law Society Involvement: I served on the President’s Special Committee on Lawyer Health and Wellness (2019–2022) and currently serve as an arbitrator for the Legal Fees Advisory Committee.
  • Education: I am a sessional instructor at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law, teaching the Advanced Family Law course. I was honoured to be named a Jurist of Robson Hall in 2022. I value my role as it allows me to mentor future practitioners and represent the interests of Law Society members working within academia.

A Commitment to Resilience and Access to Justice
I believe that a strong, healthy profession is a prerequisite for public protection. As a founding member and Co-Chair of Law(yer) Strong, I have worked closely with various stakeholders to establish a peer support network that helps lawyers avoid burnout and practise safely. To me, lawyer well-being is directly connected to access to justice; a resilient bar is better equipped to serve the public honourably and competently.

Beyond the legal community, I have gained valuable governance experience serving on boards such as Manitoba Opera and the Mamingwey Burn Survivor Society. These roles have reinforced my belief in the importance of diverse representation and transparent leadership.

Vision as a Bencher
As a Bencher, I will utilize my experience as a practising lawyer, law firm owner and wellness advocate to ensure the Law Society remains a proactive and supportive regulator.

I am committed to:

  1. Practical Governance: Bringing the perspective of a small to mid-firm owner to policy decisions and strategic planning.
  2. Sustainability: Promoting initiatives that support the mental health and longevity of practitioners, ensuring the public is served by a stable and competent bar.
  3. Public Interest: Ensuring our regulatory framework remains responsive to the evolving needs of Manitoba families and the TRC Calls to Action.

I would be honoured to represent you as a Bencher and contribute to the continued integrity and strength of the Law Society of Manitoba.

Called to the Bar:
Manitoba (2020) | Nigeria (2012)

Education:
LLB – University of Lagos
LLM in Internet Law and Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
Certificate in Generative AI for the Legal Profession, UC Berkeley Law.

Current Roles
I am a Managing Senior Legal Counsel at Diligent Corporation, a global governance, risk, and compliance SaaS company, where I advise on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, intellectual property, and technology/SaaS transactions. I also maintain a general practice at Restall & Restall LLP.

Background
Before my call in Manitoba, I was a founding partner of a law firm in Lagos, bringing cross-jurisdictional insight into how legal systems and professional regulation adapt in practice.

Professional Leadership
I currently serve as a Co-Chair of the Internationally Trained Lawyers Section, Manitoba Bar Association, where I actively support the integration and advancement of internationally trained lawyers within Manitoba’s legal community.

Why I am seeking a Bencher role
I intend to serve all Manitoba lawyers, whether in family law, criminal defence, corporate practice, or solo practice, by bringing a fresh perspective on governance, technology, and access to justice.

My focus is straightforward: access to justice, bringing diverse perspectives to governance, and helping the profession adapt to rapid changes in artificial intelligence and legal technology, without losing sight of core competence.

I am a partner with MLT Aikins LLP, where I practice civil litigation, advising clients on estate litigation, foreclosure, and debt collection matters. I have had the opportunity to appear before all levels of court in Manitoba and Alberta, as well as before numerous administrative tribunals.

Having had the honour of serving the legal community through my involvement with the Canadian Bar Association, the Manitoba Law Foundation, and Robson Hall, I am seeking to continue my commitment to the betterment of our profession by putting my name forward as a candidate for Bencher for the City of Winnipeg Electoral District.

I am committed to upholding high standards of professional competence and conduct while ensuring that regulatory processes remain accessible and fair. It is vital that the Law Society continue to protect the public while supporting lawyers as we navigate increasing demands and complexity arising from technological advances and evolving client expectations.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Bencher and contribute my time engaging with diverse viewpoints to ensure we have a strong, healthy profession that reflects the diversity of Manitoba, maintains an independent bar and judiciary, and continues advancing truth and reconciliation.

I was called to the bar in 2018 after completing my articles with Myers LLP, where I now carry on a civil litigation, indigenous legal services and employment law practice predominantly assisting individuals, Unions and First Nations. I have had the privilege of representing clients at all levels of court in Manitoba, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Alberta Court of Appeal.

I am running for Bencher because I believe in the importance of self-governance of the legal profession and the role lawyers play in a free and democratic society. As we’ve all seen, the Rule of Law and the role of counsel and the judiciary are facing unprecedented challenges in the public sphere. I believe my experience and perspective can meaningfully assist the Law Society in confronting and navigating these challenges.

Throughout my career I have sought volunteer opportunities that have allowed me to contribute to the Manitoba Bar and foster a healthy and collegial legal community. My experience includes serving two years as co-chair of the Manitoba Bar Association Mid-Winter Conference, which is Manitoba’s largest annual legal conference. I have also consistently volunteered at Robson Hall assisting with its advocacy courses and lecturing on the topic of civil procedure. I am looking forward to serving as a sessional instructor at Robson Hall beginning in January 2027.

My experience and commitment to contributing to the legal profession will allow me to fulfill the important role Benchers serve.

Maureen was born in Winnipeg, but also lived in several other communities, including Lynn Lake MB, Emo ON, Thunder Bay ON, Kitchener-Waterloo ON, and Morden MB before returning to Winnipeg with her 2 sons.

She is a graduate of the University of Waterloo Faculty of Arts (Psychology Honours, Sociology Minor), and the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, and received her call to the bar in 2004.

She has been practicing law for over 21 years, including as a District Registrar for the Morden Land Titles Office before opening her own firm in 2021, MTERRA Legal Services, with a focus on real estate law. This includes a mixture of residential, commercial, condominiums, and land development. She also provides consulting services to other law firms and organizations, including the Manitoba Real Estate Association.

Passionate about education, Maureen has been a frequent presenter on a variety of real estate topics, including for the various Land Titles Offices throughout the Province, The Law Society of Manitoba, the Real Property Subsection of the Manitoba Bar Association, the Association of Manitoba Land Surveyors, the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board, the Manitoba Real Estate Association, The City of Winnipeg, and various real estate brokerages. Most recently, she began teaching the Real Estate Transactions course at the University of Manitoba law school, Robson Hall, and proudly mentors 2 internationally trained articling students.

Maureen has remained actively involved in the legal profession and community as a volunteer throughout her career, including: Council Member for the Manitoba Bar Association (2009-2017 & appointed Life Council Member in 2017), Executive Council Public Representative for the Association of Manitoba Land Surveyors (2019-present), Discipline Committee of The Law Society of Manitoba (2021-present), and Industry Practices Advisory Committee member for the Manitoba Real Estate Association (2024-present). She would be honoured to continue this involvement as a Bencher with The Law Society of Manitoba.

Faron Trippier is a trusted advisor, mentor, and accomplished advocate who has practised law in Winnipeg for almost 27 years, with a primary focus on civil litigation. After spending 23 years practising with mid/large size firms, Faron founded Trippier Law in 2023, committing the firm to delivering high-quality, professional, and personalized legal services with a strong client focus.

Faron brings extensive experience resolving disputes both inside and outside the courtroom. He is well known as a skilled litigator and effective negotiator. He has a strategic approach, sound judgment, strong advocacy, and disciplined focus and achieves fair and practical outcomes for his clients.

Faron has extensive experience in administrative and regulatory proceedings. He regularly acts as counsel for professionals and professional regulatory bodies and has a deep appreciation for processes that are impartial and firmly rooted in due process and fairness.

Throughout his career, Faron has demonstrated integrity, strong analytical and decision-making abilities, with a commitment to upholding professional standards.

As sole proprietor of an evolving, ever-growing firm, mentoring lawyers, Faron understands and places increasing importance on the legal profession’s shared responsibility to work collaboratively to maintain standards, including through collegiality and mentorship. He values community involvement and believes that excellence in the profession is strengthened by discipline, fairness, and mutual respect.

Faron believes becoming a Bencher would extend his skills from our firm to The Law Society, benefitting both the profession and the public at large.

Leah Unruh is a partner at Wolseley Law LLP, practising in the areas of family law and real estate. She is trained in Collaborative Family Law and is an active member of Collaborative Practice Manitoba.

Leah Unruh graduated from Robson Hall in 2014 and was called to the Bar of Manitoba in 2015.  She subsequently was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2016 and practiced in the areas of family and fertility law in Toronto and the surrounding area for several years before returning to Winnipeg to join Wolseley Law LLP in 2019, where she has practiced ever since.

Leah has served as an elected Bencher with the Law Society of Manitoba for the past four years, and currently sits on the Complaints Investigation Committee, as well as Vice-Chair to the Access to Justice Committee and Chair of the Equity Committee. She is a lawyer supervisor with the Law Library Hub project, an externship through Robson Hall. She volunteers with the Community Legal Education Association giving presentations on various areas of family law. Leah also takes the opportunity to speak to the students at Robson Hall whenever possible and has been a guest lecturer on several occasions on the topics of access to justice and limited scope retainers to students throughout the years.

Leah’s experience in working at a smaller firm, particularly one where a variety of areas of law are practiced, gives her a valuable perspective at the Bencher table. Leah has valued her time as a Bencher so far and would appreciate the opportunity to continue in that role, if re-elected.

Thank you for your consideration.

I am a partner with Myers LLP, and I am seeking election for a 2nd term as a Bencher of the Law Society of Manitoba. I practice almost exclusively in criminal defence and professional discipline and was called to the bar in 1997 and became a partner at Myers in 2009.

I served as president of Manitoba Bar Association and am a life council member. I am a past chair of the Manitoba Bar Association and Canadian Bar Association Criminal Justice Section. In 2014, I was the recipient of the CBA’s Doug Miller Award which recognizes developing talent and which honours members who demonstrate characteristics of leadership to the profession.

I was appointed a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and currently serve on the Teaching of Trial and Appellate Advocacy Committee and volunteer my time as a faculty member of the Trial Advocacy Program which takes place across North America.

I have proudly served as a Bencher for the last two years. I especially enjoyed my time volunteering on both the  Complaints Investigation Committee and Admissions and Education Committee.

For the past 11 years, I have served on the planning committee for the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association conference and have lectured numerous times to both crown and defence counsel. I have enjoyed volunteering my time lecturing at the former CPLED program, at Robson Hall, and the University of Winnipeg.

Outside the practice of law, I serve as past chair of the Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education.

My goal as Bencher is to continue to serve the profession by promoting education in the areas of core competency, ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, collegiality and the rule of law. My hope is that by promoting these values, our membership practices with integrity and that the public is well served by our profession.

Thank you for considering me for a second term as a Bencher for the Law Society of Manitoba.

I am a criminal law practitioner with over 15 years of experience appearing before courts and tribunals across Manitoba, and more than 17 years of experience interpreting, applying, and developing legislation, policy, and governance frameworks. I am seeking election as a Bencher of the Law Society of Manitoba to contribute meaningfully to its mandate of protecting the public, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring a competent, ethical, and independent legal profession.

Since 2021, I have served as a Crown Prosecutor with the Manitoba Prosecution Service in Winnipeg. In this role, I conduct complex trials, bail hearings, and sentencing proceedings in both the Provincial Court and the Court of King’s Bench. My work requires careful, principled decision-making, a deep understanding of criminal law and procedure, and a commitment to fairness and justice for all participants in the legal system. I regularly engage with victims and witnesses to guide them through the court process, ensuring they are informed, supported, and treated with respect.

Prior to my current role, I practiced criminal defence for nearly a decade, including as a Partner/Senior Associate and later as an Associate Lawyer in Winnipeg. This experience provided me with a comprehensive perspective on the justice system, having represented individuals from diverse backgrounds facing complex legal challenges. I appeared at all levels of court in Manitoba, as well as before various quasi-judicial tribunals. This dual experience as both Crown and defence counsel has given me a balanced and practical understanding of the legal profession and the systemic issues that affect it.

In addition to my practice, I am a Sessional Instructor at the University of Manitoba, where I teach criminal law and procedure to undergraduate students. Teaching has strengthened my ability to communicate complex legal principles clearly and has reinforced my commitment to mentorship and professional development within the legal community.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to governance, leadership, and service. I have held numerous roles within professional organizations, including Vice President (Private Bar) of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association of Manitoba, Co-Chair of the Manitoba Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section, and Executive Committee Member of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Criminal Justice Section. In these roles, I contributed to law reform initiatives, policy development, and stakeholder engagement on important issues affecting the administration of justice.

I have also served on advisory and oversight committees, including with Legal Aid Manitoba, where I provided input on access to justice and the delivery of legal services to vulnerable populations. My work with the Uniform Law Conference of Canada involved reviewing legislation and contributing to recommendations on criminal law reform at the national level.

Currently, I serve on the Equity Committee of the Law Society of Manitoba, where I assist in developing strategies to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and in the delivery of legal services. I am committed to ensuring that the profession reflects the diversity of Manitoba and that regulatory processes are responsive to the needs of Indigenous peoples and support the broader goal of reconciliation.

My background also includes extensive governance experience outside the legal profession. I previously served as President and Vice President External of a large post-secondary students’ association, where I helped oversee a multi-million-dollar budget, develop policy, and advocate to government on issues of access to education. These experiences strengthened my understanding of board governance, strategic planning, and accountability—skills directly relevant to the role of Bencher.

Earlier in my career, I worked in corrections, youth justice, and community-based programming. These roles provided valuable insight into the social and systemic factors that contribute to involvement in the justice system. This perspective continues to inform my approach to legal practice and my commitment to fairness, proportionality, and access to justice.

As a Bencher, I would bring a principled, balanced, and informed perspective to the governance of the Law Society. I am committed to upholding high standards of competence and ethics within the profession, supporting the well-being of lawyers, and maintaining public confidence in the regulation of legal services. I believe in transparent, fair, and timely regulatory processes, and I am dedicated to advancing meaningful access to justice for all Manitobans.

My career has been defined by service, leadership, and a deep respect for the rule of law. I would be honoured to contribute to the important work of the Law Society of Manitoba as a Bencher.

Sincerely,

James Wood (He/Him)

Dauphin Central Electoral District

I was raised on an acreage south of Riding Mountain National Park and spent most of my childhood wandering the countryside on horseback trying to decide if I wanted to be Jane Austen or Indiana Jones when I grew up; I believe that I found the perfect compromise in the practice of law.  After a 6-year foray as consulting geologist (which turned out to be considerably less fun than I had anticipated) I entered law school in 2014, and then in 2018 joined the law firm of Greenberg & Greenberg in Portage la Prairie.  Since that time, I have built a practice primarily in Wills, Estates, Corporate law, and Civil Litigation.  My practice of the latter has garnered critical acclaim from opposing counsel, who have notably described my positions as “disappointing” and “profoundly unreasonable”, while a recent affidavit was (accurately) described as “literally longer than War & Peace”.  When not vigorously advocating for my clients, I served two terms on the Manitoba Bar Association Council as a representative for the Central-Eastern district from 2019 – 2023, two years as a director for the Portage la Prairie Chamber of Commerce from 2023-2025, and I have been a director for the Central Bar since 2023.  I was honored to be elected as Bencher for the Dauphin-Central District in 2024, where I sat on the Complaints Investigation and Equity Committees.  I continue to enjoy roaming the countryside.

Eastern Electoral District

My involvement with the Law Society began in 2021, when I was appointed to the President’s Special Committee on Health and Wellness. That experience was incredibly rewarding so I decided to run in the next general election and I was elected as the Bencher for the Eastern Electoral District, a role I have held since. Since then, I have sat on the following committees:

  • Practice and Ethics Committee  2025 (Chairperson)
  • Discipline Committee  2025, 2024, 2023, 2022
  • Professional Liability Claims Fund Committee 2025 (Vice Chairperson), 2024 (Chairperson)
  • Reimbursement Fund Claims Committee 2025 (Vice Chairperson), 2024 (Vice Chairperson)
  • Investment Committee  2024 (Vice Chairperson), 2023, 2022
  • Nominating Committee  2024, 2022
  • Strategic Planning Committee  2024
  • Access to Justice Committee  2023
  • Admissions and Education Committee  2023, 2022
  • Admissions and Education Appeals Committee  2023, 2022
  • Equity Committee  2023

In my professional life, I articled with Smith Neufeld Jodoin LLP, in the Steinbach office, and have practiced with the firm since my call in May of 2016. I am also a Deputy Chief Commissioner for the Residential Tenancies Commission and am an Arbitrator for the Manitoba Labour Board.

In addition to being a Bencher, I have done a fair bit of volunteer work including:

  • Sara Riel Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba
    • Board Member – 2019 – Present;
      • Chair – 2024 – Present; and
      • Vice Chair – 2021 – 2024.
  • Sara Riel Foundation, Winnipeg, Manitoba
    • Board Member – 2021 – Present; and
      • Vice Chair – 2021 – 2022.
  • Ste Anne Curling Club, Ste Anne, Manitoba
    • Board Member – 2021 – Present.
  • enVision Community Living, Steinbach, Manitoba
    • Board Member – 2024 – Present.
  • Aulneau Renewal Centre Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba
    • Board Member – 2014 – 2019.

On a personal note, my wife and I now call Steinbach home and are proud members of the community. In my spare time, I love to golf over summer, and curl in the winter.

I would ask for your continued support as the representative of the Eastern Electoral District.

Northern Electoral District

I previously served as the Bencher for the Northern Electoral District from 2022 to 2024 and enjoyed representing Northern Manitoba for those 2 years.

I am Indigenous from Misipawistik Cree Nation and have dedicated myself to serving the North since receiving my LLB. I have been practicing in Northern Manitoba since my Articling year in 1999 and Call in 2000 and have been employed with Manitoba Prosecution Service since 2003. I became a Senior Crown Attorney in 2013 and then the Supervising Senior Crown Attorney in 2018 and then became the Reconciliation Lead and Chair for the Indigenous Advisory Council for Manitoba Prosecution Service in 2025.

I was raised in the North in my younger years and only moved to Winnipeg to attend university and advance my education and then returned to the North after graduation and quickly realized in my articling year that I had an interest in criminal law and wanted to dedicate my professional career to service an underserviced area of the Province. I have experienced many of the issues that come with the legal system in the North, such as limited resources and staff shortages in all areas of the Justice System.

I have years of experience living in the North and working with the surrounding Indigenous communities, RCMP and Manitoba First Nation Police as well as many of the local Justice Committees. I bring demonstrated experience, skills and knowledge relevant to continue to be your Bencher in the North again.

Thank-you.

Kameron

Simon Jack was the second-last person to receive an LL.B from Robson Hall at the University of Manitoba, graduating on the dean’s list in 2013. He then articled in Northern Manitoba with the Thompson Community Law Centre. After being called to the bar, he practiced at the TCLC until 2017, when he entered private practice. He is originally from Atlantic Canada. He practices largely in the field of criminal law, where he has achieved success at all levels of court in Manitoba. His interests include access to justice issues, reading, and wondering why his dog insists on behaving the way it does.

Western Electoral District

I have served as a Bencher for the past two years and I am hoping to continue as a Bencher for the next term.

A graduate of Brandon University, I attended Law School at the University of Manitoba obtaining my LLB in 2000. I articled at Meighen Haddad LLP and have remained with the firm since then, becoming a partner in 2006.

I maintain a solicitor’s practice focusing on Real Estate, Corporate Commercial, Wills and Estates, Agribusiness, Professional Corporations and Construction matters.

I am a past president of the Western Manitoba Bar Association and a past member on the MBA Council. I am a former Chair of the Brandon Family YMCA Board of Directors, an organization close to my heart.

I look forward to the opportunity to advance the objectives of the Law Society and maintaining public confidence in our self-governed profession.