The time to pick your CLS Executive Committee for the 2013/2014 school year is now on, you can check out all of the election manifestos for the candidates below.

• Anybody in first, second, or third year can vote as long as they are a current PAID CLS member.
  
• Elections will take place on the 20th and 21st of March, and the announcement of results will be made on the 22nd of March.
  

These positions have now all been closed for nominations and your votes can be cast on March 20th and 21st at this website for the following candidates:

• PRESIDENT - Rafiq Charania, Re-Open Nominations.
  
• VICE PRESIDENT - Bryan Thaw, Re-Open Nominations.
  
• SOCIAL SECRETARY - Esther Carenza, Re-Open Nominations.
  
• TREASURER - Tracy Solhi, Re-Open Nominations.
  
• ACADEMIC AND CAREERS OFFICER - Salwa Shmeit, Re-Open Nominations.
  
• PUBLICITY OFFICER - Jonathan Friedman, Re-Open Nominations.

A few rules to remember: The CLS Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube pages cannot be used for campaigning. There is also a £15.00 spending limit.
_

Hey, it worked last time so let’s stick with it. Who’s got two thumbs and can get things done? THIS GUY!!!

Hello and how are all my fellow law students and peers doing? It is with honor that I would like to inform all of you that I have been nominated to run for the Presidency of the Canadian Law Society. I am sure that many of you have had some sort of interaction with me, whether it be through basketball, the Canadian Law Society, our events, or casual conversation. If there is one thing I believe I am good at, it is understanding what the people want and need while representing these desires through the decisions that I have power over.

For those of you who don’t know me, I am a graduate of Simon Fraser University with a degree in Criminology and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Communications with also a year of General Studies at the University of New Brunswick. I am a massive sports fan, from hockey to basketball to MMA, and is someone who always wants to have a good time. I would definitely characterize myself as a people person which is why I believe that leading the Canadian Law Society is something I believe I can not only do, but do well. As a simple version of this display would be the efforts put in this past year as the First Year Social Representative. Of course, the two roles do not coincide in the workload that each position allocates but what it can demonstrate is a claim of efficiency and the power to execute the duties needed for good of our members and the society as a whole.

This position is one that emphasizes the ability to work well not only within our society’s circle but with in regards with the various societies that interact amongst each other within the University of Leicester. It would be a honor to ensure that next year is our best year and a key to that in my opinion would be to have more interaction with the rest of the university. Our journey through our program, for most of us, has hit the halfway mark and it has been an enjoyable ride thus far. My aim would be to raise the bar and have next year be looked upon as an extraordinary year of ours lives.

The goals for next year:

1. Establish monthly forums with the CLS executive and its members so that we can come together and discuss CLS events that are tailored to you.
2. Ensure that all updates in regards to NCA information to help us in preparing for our exams. This will include working with the VP and Careers Officer to make sure we all get the best information at the earliest convenience.
3. I would aim to build a bridge between, not only, the British students and the Canadians, but also with various other societies within the university, such as ELSA and ERASMUS. I would like to make the Law Program to become seen more as a unit rather than individual societies so that we are all working together in a fight towards our common goals.
4. Continue to expand upon the alumni network so that alumni events can take place in Canada.
5. Work, as far as possible, to have the internet in our lecture hall working consistently and efficiently.

I am hoping that when the voting begins, you will Vote CHARANIA for President and that you will allow me the honor of being your voice.

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen.” - Michael Jordan

Background:
Firstly, in terms of my background, I believe that my previous position as the first year representative for the Canadian Law Society and as the VP of finance for the Carleton University Exchange Club provided me with in depth knowledge about the inner workings of an efficiently run club/society.

Secondly, my previous position as the director of operations for Kingston FC (a semiprofessional soccer team in the Canadian Soccer League) provided me with the necessary tools to rectify issues under highly pressured circumstances. My previous position also required a constant interaction with local businesses. Establishing cohesive relationships with local businesses will be vital for future society sponsored events.

Thirdly, as a former administrative staff for a Canadian Member of Parliament, I was able to act as both a medium between the general populace and Parliament while maintaining a proficiently run office. Both of these are crucial for a well run society.

Future of the Society:
Firstly, I believe the society should continue its upward progression towards becoming a more academically inclined society. Events such as the previous webinars, guest lectures with legal experts and NCA information sessions, are all a great beginning for the society. I will also emphasize transitioning back home and future articling opportunities. Finally, I am going to work closely with current CLS members to establish an alumni network that connects previous University of Leicester graduates with students currently studying law at the university.

Secondly, I believe that the interests of the members of the society are first and foremost. That being said, I am looking to establish outlets for current and future students to voice their opinions and concerns. Moving forward, I believe that an online survey will be a valuable tool, as it will enable students to express their views without impeding on their hectic work and social schedules.

Thirdly, as law school is a stressful and work laden course, I believe that various social events and trips will be a good outlet for students to interact with their peers and enjoy the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. The success of the CLS’s trip to London that entailed a visit to Parliament, the Supreme Court and the High Court, leads me to believe that student’s are amenable to such endeavors. I hope to provide more day trips to such places as Bath and Stonehenge for next year’s members.

My diverse background allows me to bring knowledge to the table that is generally not seen by most societies. Combined with my fortitude and fervor, I think that I am the perfect candidate for this position._

Dear law school students:

My name is Esther and I am a proud Canadian from the province of Ontario. Throughout the years, I have gained a tremendous amount of local and international experience involving people from every walk of life. Some of my proudest moments were in my ability to solve social, medical, and legal problems, with the ultimate goal of making people’s lives better. Of these experiences, I have saved lives. As my motto states: “I am committed to excellence” in making people’s lives better while having a positive law school experience and many warm and great memories.

The following are my accomplishments:

1. Vice Chair (2012-2013); Board of Director (2011-2012) of West Scarborough Community Legal Services Clinic (Legal Aid Ontario clinic); Executive Committee (2012); Special Ad Hoc Complaints Committee (2012); Strategic Planning Committee (2011-2012); Policy Committee (2011-2012); Personnel Committee (2012); Human Resources - Hiring Committee (2012); and Ad Hoc ACLCO-Legal Aid Ontario Committee (2011-2012).
2. Legal Aid Ontario Working Group Committee and a number of Sub-Committees – Innovative IT Project (2011-2013).
3. Part of teaching team, Medico-Legal Society of Toronto project - The project is supported by doctors and lawyers who provide mentorship to law students of the Faculty of Law of the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law Students and Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa. These law students provide assistance to unrepresented persons who request reviews of decisions of complaints committees of the regulated health colleges by the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board.
4. Published legal article on Bill C-2 in the Law Times, June 2012; Section 9 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Glamtellect 2011.
5. Achieved a gold medal award for top fundraiser of the year at Sunnybrook Hospital.
6. Successful in an internship with the United Nations Development Programme, Bureau of Africa and took part in published materials sent to the Fourth Women’s World Conference in Beijing, China. Milestone Award, Canadian Red Cross.

Platform:

• Social – Bigger, diverse, and unique events involving WILS, ELSA, Law Soc and Pro-Bono and Innocence Project, and “Women in the law." I have a passion for delivering quality - rather than quantity - prestigious events, with the continued involved of the School's academics, and legal professionals. To increase non-Canadian membership; bring about a better diversification of members.
• Welfare for Students – Improve the existing arrangements and transition for students, particularly Canadian students. Creating a “buddy” system and ongoing supports for law students. Supporting the President and Vice President in their initiatives in this area.
• Main link between CLS and the “Students” Union – Important to get the Student Union to appreciate the Canadian law student needs from all parameters.
• Better integration with all the Law Societies.
• To continue to develop links with Leicester Law School alumni, especially with those back in Canada.

I HOPE THAT I CAN COUNT ON YOUR SUPPORT!

Hi everyone! My name is Tracy Solhi, I am a 1st year Senior Status LLB student and I am running for Treasurer. I’d like to explain to you why I think I’d be a good Treasurer for our society!

I hold an Honours Degree in Business Administration, and my educational background has afforded me with valuable skills and experience in working with multiple projects and with cross‐functional teams. It has also provided me with valuable knowledge in the fields of accounting, finance and statistics which have given me the necessary skills to perform this role.

Whilst working at Aon Hewitt in Toronto, I have managed accounts, handled sizable sums of money and liaised with other third party organizations. I have been fortunate enough to have provided consulting and payroll reconciliation services to executives of some of Aon’s clients, which included several fortune 500 companies. As a result, I have gained exceptional communication skills and work well with others even under pressure. I am precise and therefore I will make sure that even the smallest expense will be accounted for.

CLS has accomplished amazing achievements this past year and I believe that with my involvement, next year we will continue to achieve outstanding results because I believe in enthusiasm, experience, hard work and determination.

I’d love to be Treasurer and I really think that I could make a difference to CLS, so vote for me because I'd be dedicated to give this role my best.

Thanks for reading my manifesto!
Tracy ☺

The position of Academic Career Officer requires a skill set comprised of teamwork, dedication, strong networking abilities, and public speaking and research skills. I can demonstrate such skills through my past employment and extra-curricular involvement. As past President of University of Alberta Toastmasters, I have held an executive position that has vastly contributed to my public speaking, networking and mentoring abilities. Moreover, my work on Parliament Hill in Ottawa was the primary contributing factor to my excellent research skills. Also, my past employment with the Government of Alberta with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology will undoubtedly allow me to bring a great depth of knowledge to the position of Academic Career Officer, The Canadian Law Society (CLS), and all its members.

One of my primary goals is to further facilitate a connection between University of Leicester and various other Canadian universities. In doing so, I will work to maximize the knowledge available to Canadian students in regards to their future academic and career paths. We have each decided to attend law school for various reasons and while the CLS has already provided a platform to give us guidance, my mission is to work with the organization as a team to build on this and leave no question unanswered regardless of a students future aspirations.

It is vital that Canadian law schools are further informed about Leicester’s Law program and the quality of education that it provides us with. In turn, we must make a greater effort to network with these universities in addition to the various legal communities within Canadian cities. I plan on doing so through the avenues as the role entails. For example, I will work with the CLS to organize trips of academic nature, assist in advancing career opportunities of society members, and will arrange for outside speakers to provide Canadian law students with a wealth of career advice. Additionally, I will help ensure that students are kept up to date regarding requirements and/or changes pertaining to the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA).

Through such research and connections, I plan to assist the Canadian student body with all the necessary information they require to make informed decisions dependent on their chosen paths. I am a strong believer in teamwork and feedback. As your Academic and Career Officer, I will encourage all inquires to be brought forth, so we can provide all Canadian Law Society members with well rounded knowledge and support.

Sincerely,
Salwa Shmeit, BCom.

My name is Jonathan Friedman. I’m a Senior Status Law student at the University of Leicester. My wish is to become a Publicity Officer at the university’s Canadian Law Society (CLS) as I really have enjoyed my first year being a part of this group and I believe that I can benefit the society as a whole.

I have many ideas how our society could be advertised and I also know why people would be interested in joining us – I have previous experience working as a promoter for Hype Productions in Halifax, Nova Scotia and in Toronto, Ontario and believe I have the skills necessary to promote and publicize all of the CLS events and workshops for the upcoming year.

My goal is to make the CLS larger, more publicized, more involved with the University of Leicester Law Society and more fun than ever before! Many people are lurking around university focusing only on their studies or being lost as a fresher and I would love to reach out to them offering this creative way to make new friends.

Using my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology I would definitely bring my knowledge of connecting people to benefit the CLS. Every Canadian in Leicester (and even every local) should be involved in the CLS and by organizing and publicizing the events better I believe that this is an attainable goal.

People should vote for me because I tend to be very creative and passionate when I feel that someone is counting on me; especially when I feel I have the power to change things for the better. I think communication is a key to any kind of progress in life and I enjoy every kind of it from a casual chat with mates to communicating with potential clients. I think publicizing for the CLS would be a great way to connect like-minded people and to give Canadians a voice at the University of Leicester.