Susan Armatage Richer - The Law Society of Upper Canada

Susan Armatage Richer
East • Est
Ottawa
WHY I AM RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION
I have had the immense luck to be born in Canada and live in a society governed by the rule
of law. I have the privilege of being a lawyer in a self-regulated profession where I can freely
confront the state on behalf of my clients. I wish to play my part in ensuring the continued
independence of the legal profession and the viability of the practice of law. I have the time,
the energy and the will to fulfill my duties as a bencher.
SOME OF MY CONCERNS
Partner: Richer & Richer
Called to the Bar in 1979
Background
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Have been a bencher of the
Law Society of Upper Canada
since November, 2010
Member of Professional
Regulation Committee
Have been in private practice
since my call - starting out
in general practice and now
practising criminal law
Married with two adult
children
Prior career teaching in
Quebec and Ontario
Education and Training
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B.Ed. McGill University
LL.B Osgoode Hall
Law School
Parkdale Community
Legal Services
Professional Associations
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Criminal Lawyers’ Association
County of Carleton Law
Association
Defence Counsel Association
of Ottawa (Former Treasurer)
Endorsed by the Defence
Counsel Association of Ottawa
Community Service
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Active in volunteer work
Vice-Chair and head of the
Governance Committee of the
Ottawa Montessori School
• The future of the profession and retention of lawyers
I enjoy the company of young lawyers and listen to what they say. I am encouraged by their
idealism and ability. I understand that the policy decisions I participate in will affect their
future much more than my own and I will keep their hopes and expectations in mind.
• The small general practitioner and sole practitioner
We need to ensure that lawyers in small practices especially in outlying areas have the support
of their Law Society and access to education and practice assistance at a reasonable cost.
• Access to justice
I continue to be concerned about the erosion of Legal Aid and the resulting imbalance in the
criminal justice system. The diminishing number of jobs for junior criminal lawyers and the
need for mentors from the senior criminal and family bars are issues of importance.
• Discipline Hearings
I will bring empathy and a sense of fair play to my duties in the discipline process.
• Governance and Regulation
The public interest mandate of the Law Society of Upper Canada goes hand in hand with
support for lawyers. The more motivated and competent the Bar - the more the needs of the
public will be met.
LES DROITS LINGUISTIQUES
Mon époux est Franco-Ontarien. Nos enfants ont fréquenté les écoles françaises
exclusivement. Ceci m’a permis de prendre connaissance de la longue lutte pour l’égalité
linguistique en Ontario. Au début, j’ai appuyé les efforts de la francophonie par loyauté
à mes enfants et mon époux. Avec le temps, je suis devenue convaincue de la justice et
de la nécessité d’un accès bilingue à tous les services, que ce soit aux tribunaux, dans les
transactions avec le Barreau du Haut-Canada ou dans les contacts avec notre gouvernement
provincial. Vous pouvez compter sur mon appui résolu, constant et averti.
WHAT I HAVE TO OFFER
I bring to the table the viewpoint and experience of a lawyer who has been in a small private
practice for over 30 years. I have first-hand knowledge of many of the challenges faced by
lawyers on a daily basis and am aware of the concerns of my colleagues in other areas of
practice. I will work diligently to better the profession for us all.
I am asking for your support and for you to encourage your colleagues to vote. My website is
www.susanricher.ca.
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