Law Society of Saskatchewan News Notice of Regulatory Change – Changes to an Exemption and the Code of Professional Conduct
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Notice of Regulatory Change – Changes to an Exemption and the Code of Professional Conduct
December 13, 2024The Law Society has completed consultation in relation to the exemption for mediation from the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law as well as general family law practice. Consultation was in partnership with the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Institute of Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General (Dispute Resolution Office, Early Family Dispute Resolution Office, and Family Law Information Centre).
This consultation has resulted in regulatory changes to the exemption for mediation and parenting coordination and the Law Society of Saskatchewan Code of Professional Conduct for lawyers. These changes and the background and consultation findings are outlined in a Notice of Regulatory Change which details that:
- A lawyer must meet the updated requirements set out in the Code of Professional Conduct when acting as an arbitrator, mediator, or parenting coordinator.
- Mediators and parenting coordinators who are not also lawyers are exempt from the prohibition against unauthorized practice, provided they hold membership in a recognized professional dispute resolution or regulatory association.
- Any arbitrators, mediators, or parenting coordinators participating in the Early Family Dispute Resolution program must meet the requirements set out in legislation to practice under this program, which recognizes that these areas of practice require specialized and ongoing education, training, and experience.
These changes will take effect on January 1, 2025. Additional information is provided through Frequently Asked Questions – Practice of Law and Exceptions and Exemptions.