Standing Committees & Working Groups

Note:   The President and Vice-President are ex-officio members of all committees, except the Admissions and Education Appeals and Trust Safety Appeals Sub-Committee, the CPLED Appeals Sub-Committee and the Discipline Committee.

Standing Committees

The Admissions and Education Committee sets policy related to continuing professional development as well as the admission and re-admission of persons to the Bar.

Members:

Kyle Dear (Chairperson)Mathieu Lafreniere
Joëlle Pastora Sala (Vice Chairperson)Leah Leibl
Miriam BrowneJason Poettcker
Clair Cerilli-StankeviciusDean Scaletta
Dean Richard Jochelson Nik Verma
Janesca KyddBradley Zander
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Eileen Derksen
Joan Holmstrom
Richard Porcher
Rennie Stonyk

The Admissions and Education Appeals and Trust Safety Appeals Sub-Committee hears and decides appeals of decisions made by the Chief Executive Officer or the Director of the Admissions and Membership Department, the Director of the Education, or the Director of the Audit Department as designates of the Chief Executive Officer.

Members:

Kyle Dear (Chairperson)Kenneth Molloy
Joëlle Pastora Sala (Vice Chairperson)Maureen Morrison
Miriam BrowneCarmen Nedohin
Clair Cerilli-StankeviciusSandra Oakley
Neil CohenJason Poettcker
Dean Richard JochelsonKeely Richmond
Janesca KyddDavid Rondeau
Mathieu LafreniereDean Scaletta
Leah Leibl Nik Verma
Lynne McCarthyBradley Zander
Staff:
Richard Porcher
Rennie Stonyk

Members:

Mason BroadfootChristian Monnin
Jay FunkeDean Scaletta
Jeff Hirsch, K.C.Geraldine Wiebe
Staff:
Joan Holmstrom
Rennie Stonyk

The Complaints Investigation Committee considers matters which raise concerns of “professional misconduct”, “conduct unbecoming a barrister and solicitor” or “incompetence” on the part of lawyers.  This Committee can dispose of a complaint in a number of ways.  If the Committee is satisfied that a complaint discloses professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming a barrister and solicitor or incompetence, the Committee may authorize that charges be laid and direct that an inquiry be held before the Discipline Committee.

Members:

Christian Monnin (Chairperson)Sharyne Hamm
Geraldine Wiebe (Vice Chairperson)Tehani Jainarine
Mason BroadfootBrian McLeod
Kyle DearJerilee Ryle
Grant DriedgerGerrit Theule
Gregory Evans Robert Tyler
Blair Filyk
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Noelia Bernardo
Chris Donaldson
Jennifer Houser
Ashley Korsunsky

The Discipline Committee holds an inquiry when a charge of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming a barrister and solicitor or incompetence has been authorized. If the lawyer is convicted of such charges, the Discipline Committee may reprimand, fine, impose conditions of practice on, suspend, disbar or permit the lawyer to resign, and may make an order of costs.

Members:

Hon. Richard Scott (Independent Chairperson)Ellen Leibl, K.C.
Heather Leonoff, K.C. (Vice Chairperson)Kenneth Mandzuik
Roberta Campbell, K.C. (Conflicts Chairperson)Wendy Martin-White
Douglas BedfordNunziata Masi
Victor BellayLynne McCarthy
Karlee BlatzJames McLandress, K.C.
Susan BoulterGrant Mitchell, K.C.
Gemma BrownKenneth Molloy
Miriam BrowneMaureen Morrison
Richard Buchwald, K.C.Carmen Nedohin
Katherine BuetiSandra Oakley
Neil CohenAnu Osborne
Peter Cole, K.C.Joëlle Pastora Sala
Donald DouglasPenny Piper
Barry EfflerKelli Potter
Serena EhrmantrautVivian Rachlis
Lori Ferguson SainKeely Richmond
Patricia FraserDavid Rondeau
Gary GilmourDean Scaletta
David GrayJames Shaw
Irene Hamilton, K.C.Garth Smorang, K.C.
Jeff Hirsch, K.C.Anita Southall
Kameron HutchinsonGrant Stefanson, K.C.
Sarah Innes, K.C.Wendy Stewart
Teresa JaenenDavid Swayze, K.C.
Ashley JoyceMaureen Terra
Leah KlassenMark Toews
Donald Knight, K.C.Lynda Troup
Janesca KyddDr. Lorna Turnbull
Mathieu LafreniereHelga Van Iderstine, K.C.
Christopher LangeBradley Zander
Brock Lee, K.C.
Staff:
Leah Kosokowsky
Rennie Stonyk

The Equity Committee considers and provides strategic advice and recommendations to the benchers and staff on a variety of policy issues and program initiatives aimed at advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in the regulation of the legal profession and in the delivery of legal services.

Members:

Mandzuik, Kenneth (Chairperson)Leah Klassen
Kelli Potter (Vice Chairperson)Brian McLeod
Serena EhrmantrautCarmen Nedohin
Raven-Dominique GobielElissa Neville
Kameron HutchinsonJoseph Pelletier
Dean Richard JochelsonKorbra Rahimi
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Alissa Schacter

The Practice and Ethics Committee considers requests from members of the legal profession for practice direction on matters which apply to the profession in general and for ethical advice on practice-related matters. The Committee will also consider and make recommendations to benchers on specific practice-related issues.

Members:

Kelli Potter (Chairperson)Wendy Martin-White
Mason Broadfoot (Vice Chairperson)Nunziata Masi
Gregory EvansCarmen Nedohin
Sarah Innes, K.C.Joëlle Pastora Sala
Leah KlassenPenny Piper
Jean-Rene Dominique KwiluNadia Rumore
Kenneth MandzuikMaureen Terra
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Darcia Senft

The Professional Liability Claims Fund Committee sets policy in fulfilment of the Law Society’s mandate to protect the public by providing all practising lawyers in Manitoba with mandatory professional liability insurance for errors or omissions in connection with the rendering of professional services. The Committee considers insurance claims in excess of $125,000 and also considers appeals made by claimants where the Chief Executive Officer, or the Director of Insurance as designate, has refused to pay a claim or part of a claim under $125,000.

Members:

Geraldine Wiebe (Chairperson)Eli Goldenberg
Kyle Dear (Vice Chairperson)Teresa Jaenen
Miriam BrowneKelli Potter
Kelly DixonHelga Van Iderstine, K.C.
Blair FilykBradley Zander
Jay Funke
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Tana Christianson

The Reimbursement Fund offers reimbursement to clients of lawyers for losses sustained as a result of the misappropriation or conversion of trust funds by their lawyer. The Reimbursement Fund Claims Committee considers reimbursement claims over $25,000 and appeals made by claimants where the Chief Executive Officer, or the Director of Insurance as designate, has refused to pay a claim or part of a claim under $25,000. The Committee also considers and makes recommendations to Benchers regarding the policies which govern the Reimbursement Fund.

Members:

Geraldine Wiebe (Chairperson)Jay Funke
Kyle Dear (Vice Chairperson)Eli Goldenberg
Miriam BrowneTeresa Jaenen
Kelly DixonKelli Potter
Blair FilykHelga Van Iderstine, K.C.
Bradley Zander
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Tana Christianson

Special Committees and Working Groups

The Access to Justice Steering Committee explores, sets policy, makes recommendations and coordinates initiatives to promote and enhance equal and accessible justice for Manitobans.

Members:

Kenneth Mandzuik (Co-Chairperson)Peter Kingsley
Brian McLeod (Co-Chairperson)Dean Richard Jochelson
Neil CohenHon. Madam Justice Lore Mirwaldt
Michael Conner, K.C.Sr. Lesley Sacouman
Alexandra Dueck-Dunsford Stacey Soldier
Wendy Stewart
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Natasha Brown

The Access to Justice Stakeholders Sub-Committee is a forum for sharing information among stakeholders in the field of accessible legal services. Members of this committee are representatives of a stakeholder organization.

Members:

Kenneth Mandzuik (Chairperson)Leita Kalinowsky
Brian McLeod (Vice-Chair)Voula Karlaftis
Kristal Bayes-McDonaldPeter Kingsley
Neil CohenLeah Klassen
Michael Conner, K.C.Julyda Lagimodiere
Tarik DaoudiHon. Associate Chief Judge Tracey Lord
Alexandra Dueck-Dunsford Hon. Madam Justice Lore Mirwaldt
Ast. Deputy Minister Suzanne GervaisTracy Morrow
Paula HamiltonKaren Sawatzky
Dean Richard Jochelson/ David IrelandMary Troszko
Erin Wilcott
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Natasha Brown

Hon. Murray Sinclair (Chairperson)Desiree Dorion
Jessica Saunders (Vice Chairperson)Kenneth Mandzuik
Knowledge Keeper E.J. FontaineElissa Neville
Knowledge Keeper Eva Wilson-FontaineFrankie Snider
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Alissa Schacter

The Investment Committee monitors the Law Society’s investment portfolio, reports to benchers on compliance, and makes recommendations to benchers regarding the Law Society’s investment policies.

Members:

Susan Boulter (Chairperson)Brian Lerner
Mason Broadfoot (Vice Chairperson)David Marr
Mathieu LafreniereSean Shore
Christopher LangeDavid Swayze, K.C.
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Leah Kosokowsky
Tana Christianson
Colleen Malone

The President’s Special Committee on Regulating Legal Entities will explore and identify the necessary regulatory framework for Alternate Business Structures.

Members:

Mason Broadfoot (Chairperson)Serena Ehrmantraut,
Christian Monnin (Vice Chairperson)Blair Filyk
Hon. Mr. Justice Theodor BockSharyne Hamm
Susan BoulterKameron Hutchinson
Kyle Dear Teresa Jaenen
Grant DriedgerGerrit Theule
Ex officio:
Wayne Onchulenko
Sacha Paul
Staff:
Leah Kosokowsky
Darcia Senft

The Richard J. Scott Award is presented annually to an individual who advances the rule of law through advocacy, litigation, teaching, research or writing.  Activities that support an independent judiciary, an independent legal profession, access to legal services, access to justice, and public interest advocacy are all eligible.  The Richard J. Scott Award Selection Committee selects the recipients of this award.

Members:

Special Committee - Richard J. Scott Award Selection Committee

Hon. Richard J. Scott (Chairperson)Sacha Paul
Susan BoulterHon. Madam Justice Freda Steel
Miriam Browne
Sacha PaulStaff:
Leah Kosokowsky