When you hire a Certified Specialist, you are hiring a lawyer who is recognized and experienced in his or her field of law and who has met the standards of certification established by the Law Society of Ontario.

This designation is given out after careful review and consideration to members of the Bar that have proven themselves to be specialists in their field of law. 

In May of 2022, the Law Society of Ontario has decided to remove this designation, stripping current members of their titles. 

While it is understandable that times change and programs and designations must change as well, to strip existing members who have proudly earned and exemplified this designation is an insult to them and the members of the Bar that have taken the time to acknowledge and appoint these specialists. If the designation is to be sunset, at least allow the honourable members to retain what they have earned.

This petition is to simply allow existing LSO Certified Specialists to continue to retain and hold their status of Certified Specialist for the duration of their career.

Let's continue to honour those who have stood out and show respect for the accomplishments of our peers.