Law Society of Saskatchewan Job Board
Complaints Review Commissioner
Description
About the Law Society
The Law Society of Saskatchewan regulates the practice of law in the public interest. For further information, please consult the Law Society’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
In line with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Equity Program, the Law Society encourages applications from equity-seeking/equity-deserving groups with diverse skills, perspectives and experiences. This includes Indigenous candidates, women, persons with disabilities, racialized groups, 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and others who hold unique and complex lived experiences.
Position description
The Law Society is seeking applications from members of the public interested in being considered for appointment to act as the Complaints Review Commissioner for the Law Society. The Complaints Review Commissioner will act as an independent decision maker responsible for reviewing Law Society decisions to dismiss complaints made against members licensed to practice law where the complainant does not agree with the outcome. Specifically, the Complaints Review Commissioner reviews the decisions made by Law Society staff and their designates not to take further action on a complaint due to lack of merit, substantiation, or regulatory concern.
The successful candidate will be provided with training regarding the Law Society’s mandate and procedures, standards of review and decision-writing. As the Complaints Review Commissioner operates independently of the Law Society, they will be provided with access to independent legal counsel to provide guidance on legal issues, as necessary. Additionally, they will be provided with private electronic, telephone and physical mail access points to communicate with complainants, members and the Law Society. The use of personal contact information is not required.
The responsibilities of the Complaints Review Commissioner include:
- Directly receiving requests for review from complainants who have been provided with the option of requesting a review of a decision to dismiss their complaint;
- Considering whether the request is appropriately made;
- Communicating with the complainant to acknowledge receipt of the request and indicate next steps;
- Communicating with the member to inform them of the receipt of the request and indicate next steps;
- Communicating with Law Society staff to request delivery of the complaints file associated with the review request;
- Reviewing all of the materials included in the complaint file;
- Reviewing the decision issued by the Law Society directing no further action in relation to the complaint;
- Considering whether further information should be requested of either the complainant and/or the member and, if so, communicating with the complainant and/or the member to make such request(s);
- Where appropriate and necessary, communicating with independent legal counsel to obtain information or advice about any complex legal questions arising in the context of a complaint review;
- Considering the information on the file, the reasons provided in the decision, and determining whether the decision to dismiss the complaint was reasonable, based on the information that was before the decision maker at the time the decision was made;
- Writing a decision regarding the reasonableness of the decision to dismiss the complaint, providing reasons; and
- Communicating the decision to the complainant, the member and the Law Society.
When reviewing decisions, the Complaints Review Commissioner will:
- Approach matters from a non-discriminatory standpoint, recognizing and avoiding biases in the review process;
- Keep confidential all information obtained in the course of the reviews;
- Ensure that requests for file contents, communications regarding reviews, and decisions are completed on a timely basis;
- Ensure that the Law Society’s core values of fairness and accountability are demonstrated throughout the review process; and
- Prepare reasons and decisions that are clear, concise, well-organized and well-reasoned.
Term and reappointment
Appointments are for terms of two years and may be renewed.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Qualifications
- Strong commitment to public service;
- Objectivity;
- Open-mindedness;
- Strong analytical skills;
- Strong written communication skills;
- Sound judgment;
- Professionalism;
- Strong organization and time management skills.
The following, while not required, will be considered assets:
- Previous decision-writing experience;
- Previous experience with professional regulation;
- Knowledge and experience in the application of administrative law principles;
- Understanding, experience and/or training in the areas of trauma informed service delivery, culturally safe/anti-racist practices, mental health and/or addictions, and in the application of Gladue principles.
Lived experience as a member of an equity-seeking group will also be considered an asset.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older;
- Reside in Saskatchewan and be eligible to work in Canada; and
- Be available to receive and respond to review requests as needed (expect to receive 40-50 requests for review per year).
Compensation
A per-review honorarium will be paid to the Complaints Review Commissioner at a rate to be discussed with short-listed candidates.
To apply
Apply online by by 4:30 pm, Friday, May 16, 2025 @ https://lawsociety-sk-humi.applytojobs.ca/professional responsibility/37998
Include the following in your application:
- Cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how you meet the requirements for the position;
- Three professional references; and
- Responses to the questions within the application.
Information will be kept confidential and will be used only for the fulfillment of the position posted.
The Law Society thanks all applicants for their interest. Only shortlisted applicants for interviews will be contacted.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide:
- A name-based criminal record check;
- Consent to release regulatory history from any professional regulatory bodies; and
- Disclosure of any other matter which may have the potential of undermining public confidence in the Law Society.
The existence of a minor or dated criminal or regulatory matter in an applicant’s history is not a determinative factor. All information provided by applicants including information as to how an applicant has conducted themselves since moving on from any past criminal or regulatory difficulties will be considered.
The Law Society values diversity and will provide accommodation to allow full participation and fulfillment of duties. Please provide notification of any accessibility needs or accommodation in relation to any part of the application or selection process.
Contact / Questions
E-mail Laurie Johnson at laurie.johnson@lawsociety.sk.ca