Frequently Asked Questions

What is CDLPA?

The County and District Law Presidents’ Association (CDLPA) is one of the largest associations representing practising lawyers in Ontario. Since 1990, CDLPA has been advocating for and representing the voice of 46 member law associations in Ontario.

Each county and district law association’s president is a member of CDLPA. Together with the Toronto Lawyers Association, CDLPA represents over 13,000 members of the practising bar in Ontario.

Over the course of the last two decades, CDLPA has been instrumental in putting forth the view points of its members with the provincial and federal governments.

Does CDLPA have the ability to regulate and discipline the profession?

No. CDLPA advocates for practising lawyers only. We ensure that the interests of practising lawyers in Ontario are well represented with the provincial and federal governments. The Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) is the body which regulates the profession. For more information on LSUC, visit its website at http://www.lsuc.on.ca/

How is CDLPA different from other associations representing lawyers?

CDLPA advocates for practising lawyers only. Other associations also represent law students, non-practising lawyers and judges. We are the only association that is truly in touch with lawyers who are practising members of the bar. Together with the Toronto Lawyers Associaiton, CDLPA represents over 13,000 members in Ontario.

You represent the Presidents of the Law Associations, who represent lawyers. Do practising lawyers have to be members of their local law associations?

Most lawyers in Ontario are members of their local law associations. The County and District Law Associations provide very valuable services for their members including:

• Operating the local law libraries;
• Working with CDLPA on issues affecting the pracising bar;
• Providing members with resources, information and advocacy.

You say you’ve been instrumental in a number of key areas – can you explain?

CDLPA has been instrumental in the regulation of paralegals in Ontario, in advocating for a well funded legal aid system and in ensuring there are adequate judicial resources in Ontario. We firmly believe that these issues have been addressed by the government because of CDLPA’s efforts. Thorough our committee work and because of our close working relationship with LSUC and other associations, we are able to put forth thoughtful, meaningful reports that are carefully considered by law makers in Ontario. Our input is timely, comprehensive and effective.

You say the local law associations operate the law libraries, can you explain more?

Every member of LSUC pays a yearly library levy, which is given to LibraryCo Inc, a non profit corporation which oversees the management of the County and District law library system. LibraryCo does this in consultation with LSUC, CDLPA and the Toronto Lawyers Association. For more information on LibraryCo, please visit http://www.libraryco.ca/. Lawyers who want to access their local libraries do so through their local law associations.

Does CDLPA have a media spokesperson?

CDLPA does comment on issues affecting the practicing bar. CDLPA’s Chair can provide comment on timely issues. Media inquires are welcome and can be forwarded to nancy@manaconsulting.ca or by calling 705-220-0016