ABS debate a hot topic in bencher election

As this year’s Law Society of Upper Canada bencher election race heats up, Toronto critical injury lawyers John McLeish and Dale Orlando tell Law Times where a candidate stands on alternative business structures (ABS) will strongly sway their vote.

ABS – the ownership of law firms by non-lawyers – has stirred debate across the personal injury bar, with many plaintiffs’ lawyers warning it will lead to the closure of many independent firms practising in the area.

Voting anti-ABS

McLeish, partner with McLeish Orlando LLP, tells Law Times the firm has encouraged its lawyers to vote for anti-ABS bencher election candidates.

Orlando, also a firm partner, says the ownership structure looks to fix a system that isn’t broken.

“I think ABS is a solution to a problem that simply doesn’t exist,” Orlando tells Law Times. “People say well it’s an access to justice issue … I don’t think that anybody in the province of Ontario who has something other than a completely frivolous case will have a problem finding a personal injury lawyer.”

Eligible voters have until April 30 to vote in the bencher election.