LSO to Hold Special Meeting as Benchers, Legal Orgs Mount Pressure to Release CEO Pay Report
The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) has announced a special meeting of its governing board, scheduled for Thursday evening, amid growing calls for transparency regarding the controversial pay increase of its former CEO, Diana Miles. The meeting, however, will not be open to the public, sparking further debate about accountability within the regulator.
The controversy erupted earlier this year when reports surfaced that Miles’ compensation had risen to nearly $1 million without the knowledge or approval of the LSO’s benchers. This revelation prompted widespread criticism and raised questions about oversight within the organization.
In response to the backlash, the LSO hired former associate chief justice of Ontario Dennis O’Connor to investigate the matter and prepare a report. Benchers were recently allowed to review O’Connor’s findings under highly restrictive conditions, but the LSO has yet to release the report publicly.
Hours after the report was shared with benchers, the LSO announced Miles’ departure from the organization. This move has only intensified demands for transparency, with a group of 10 benchers calling for the “immediate full public disclosure” of the O’Connor report. They argue that such transparency is essential to uphold the LSO’s fiduciary duties and protect its long-term interests.
The push for disclosure has gained momentum, with several legal organizations joining the chorus of voices demanding accountability. The Ontario Bar Association (OBA), which represents over 16,000 members, has called for the release of “a meaningful summary” of the report. OBA president Kathryn Manning expressed concern that the LSO’s reputation “continues to fray with each passing day.”
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA), representing about 12,000 practicing lawyers across 46 law associations outside Toronto, has also demanded the report’s release. Other organizations, including the Law and Mental Disorder Association and Women in Canadian Criminal Defence, have echoed these calls, emphasizing the need for transparency in governance.
While the LSO has not yet committed to releasing the report, Treasurer Peter Wardle has unveiled an action plan to reform the process for determining executive compensation. The LSO spokesperson stated that the organization is “continuing to consider whether all or part of Mr. O’Connor’s legal opinion should be released,” balancing transparency with the sensitive nature of discussions about specific employees.
The situation underscores the ongoing tension between transparency and confidentiality in legal governance, as well as the importance of proper oversight in executive compensation decisions within professional regulatory bodies. As the LSO grapples with these issues, the decision to hold a special meeting highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to restore public trust.
LSO to Hold Special Meeting as Benchers, Legal Orgs Mount Pressure to Release CEO Pay Report
The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) has announced a special meeting of its governing board, scheduled for Thursday evening, amid growing calls for transparency regarding the controversial pay increase of its former CEO, Diana Miles. The meeting, however, will not be open to the public, sparking further debate about accountability within the regulator.
The controversy erupted earlier this year when reports surfaced that Miles’ compensation had risen to nearly $1 million without the knowledge or approval of the LSO’s benchers. This revelation prompted widespread criticism and raised questions about oversight within the organization.
In response to the backlash, the LSO hired former associate chief justice of Ontario Dennis O’Connor to investigate the matter and prepare a report. Benchers were recently allowed to review O’Connor’s findings under highly restrictive conditions, but the LSO has yet to release the report publicly.
Hours after the report was shared with benchers, the LSO announced Miles’ departure from the organization. This move has only intensified demands for transparency, with a group of 10 benchers calling for the “immediate full public disclosure” of the O’Connor report. They argue that such transparency is essential to uphold the LSO’s fiduciary duties and protect its long-term interests.
The push for disclosure has gained momentum, with several legal organizations joining the chorus of voices demanding accountability. The Ontario Bar Association (OBA), which represents over 16,000 members, has called for the release of “a meaningful summary” of the report. OBA president Kathryn Manning expressed concern that the LSO’s reputation “continues to fray with each passing day.”
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA), representing about 12,000 practicing lawyers across 46 law associations outside Toronto, has also demanded the report’s release. Other organizations, including the Law and Mental Disorder Association and Women in Canadian Criminal Defence, have echoed these calls, emphasizing the need for transparency in governance.
While the LSO has not yet committed to releasing the report, Treasurer Peter Wardle has unveiled an action plan to reform the process for determining executive compensation. The LSO spokesperson stated that the organization is “continuing to consider whether all or part of Mr. O’Connor’s legal opinion should be released,” balancing transparency with the sensitive nature of discussions about specific employees.
The situation underscores the ongoing tension between transparency and confidentiality in legal governance, as well as the importance of proper oversight in executive compensation decisions within professional regulatory bodies. As the LSO grapples with these issues, the decision to hold a special meeting highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to restore public trust.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Law Society of Ontario’s handling of former CEO Diana Miles’ compensation has brought to light critical issues of transparency and accountability within the organization. The decision to hold a special meeting, while necessary, has also raised questions about the LSO’s commitment to openness. The departure of Diana Miles and the ongoing demands for the release of Dennis O’Connor’s report underscore the need for the LSO to address these concerns swiftly.
The LSO’s consideration of partial or full disclosure of the O’Connor report, coupled with Treasurer Peter Wardle’s proposed reforms, suggests a step toward addressing these issues. However, the balancing act between transparency and confidentiality remains a challenge. As the LSO moves forward, the focus must remain on restoring public trust and ensuring proper oversight in executive compensation decisions.
