Manitoba Law Society Touts Access to Justice Wellbeing Initiatives

• The Law Society of Manitoba has highlighted its work in access to justice and wellbeing initiatives in its 2026 annual report.
• The Ours to Protect campaign has reached millions of Canadians, with over 26 million views of an anthem video and 135 million digital and TV ad impressions.
• The Law Society is championing the implementation of mandatory minimum compensation for all articling students to promote fairness and equity in the profession.
• The body has adopted a competency profile for entry to the profession, which will facilitate consistent quality competent practice training for articling students.

"Competence in this profession is rarely loud or performative. It is preparation, judgment, reliability, and using your skills to help others through stressful or uncertain moments."

The Law Society of Manitoba has highlighted its work in access to justice and wellbeing initiatives in its 2026 annual report. The report outlines the advancement of several priorities, including competence, stakeholder confidence, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. One notable initiative is the Ours to Protect campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the rule of law and its role in democracy. The campaign has reached millions of Canadians, with over 26 million views of an anthem video and 135 million digital and TV ad impressions. The Law Society is now initiating the second phase of the campaign, focusing on civics and the importance of the rule of law for youth.

The Law Society's initiatives may require lawyers to review and update their pro bono service offerings and compensation practices to ensure compliance with new standards and regulations. The body has adopted a competency profile for entry to the profession, which will facilitate consistent quality competent practice training for articling students. Additionally, the Law Society is championing the implementation of mandatory minimum compensation for all articling students, addressing concerns that some students are underpaid or not paid at all. This move aims to promote fairness and equity in the profession.

The Law Society's initiatives demonstrate its commitment to access to justice and wellbeing. The Ours to Protect campaign has successfully raised awareness of the rule of law, while the pro bono services initiative aims to provide holistic support to Manitobans. The competency profile for articling students will ensure consistent quality training, and the mandatory minimum compensation for all articling students is a step towards promoting fairness and equity in the profession. These efforts are crucial in cultivating inclusivity and geographical diversity in the bar, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.

The Law Society of Manitoba's initiatives may require lawyers to review and update their pro bono service offerings and compensation practices to ensure compliance with new standards and regulations.

Source: Original reporting via Law Society of Manitoba annual report 2026