Robert Lapper to step down as Law Society CEO

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Paul Schabas, Treasurer of the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario), announced today that Robert Lapper has submitted his resignation as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Lapper, in a statement to staff and stakeholders, said:

"After almost six years as CEO of the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario) I have decided that it is time to leave, to focus on new opportunities and life priorities. The opportunity to have been involved in so many of the ambitious and innovative policy and regulatory initiatives of this Law Society over the past five years has been deeply gratifying and unfailingly interesting. I leave feeling pleased and passionate about the accomplishments of this organization over that time, knowing that the Law Society has both a strong organizational foundation and an openness to new ideas that will serve it well as it approaches future challenges in legal services regulation and access to justice.

It has been an honour and a privilege to have been part of this amazing organization. I have worked with four Treasurers, Benchers, an amazing senior management and staff team, and a large group of stakeholders and interested supporters. I acknowledge with much gratitude their support, and I leave with a large network of good friends and colleagues among them. I am confident that the Law Society will continue to make a difference, and serve the public interest very well."

In a statement thanking Mr. Lapper for his service as CEO, Treasurer Schabas said, "we regret Rob's departure and thank him for his almost six years of service to the Law Society. Under his leadership, staff supported a proactive and innovative agenda and the Law Society saw significant organizational change.  He enjoyed very good working relationships with Benchers and staff, and will be missed. We wish him well as he pursues new challenges."

Mr. Lapper's resignation will be effective October 31, 2017. 

Treasurer Schabas has announced that Diana Miles, Executive Director of Organizational Strategy and Professional Competence, has agreed to serve as Acting CEO. "I am grateful that Ms. Miles, a very capable senior executive of the Law Society, is willing to assume the role of Acting CEO as we consider the leadership needs of the Law Society for the future", said Treasurer Schabas.

The Law Society of Upper Canada is the governing body for more than 50,000 lawyers and 8,000 paralegals in the province of Ontario, Canada. The mandate of the Law Society is to govern the legal profession in the public interest by upholding the independence, integrity and honour of the legal profession for the purpose of advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law.

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SOURCE The Law Society of Upper Canada