On August 9, 2016, WLAO member, lawyer Tanya Walker became the first elected black woman from Toronto to become a Bencher in the Law Society of Ontario’s 219-year history.
The Law Society of Ontario is the governing body for the legal profession in Ontario. benchers make rules and regulations for lawyers and paralegals.
After her call to the bar in 2006, Ms. Walker practiced at two downtown Toronto firms before starting her own firm Walker Law Professional Corporation, in 2010. Her practice is in commercial litigation and she represents businesses and individuals with financial disputes.
“I am looking forward to bringing my own voice to the Law Society,” says Ms. Walker. “That voice looks to access to justice and fair opportunity for people of all backgrounds.”
Ms. Walker, who received 2,871 votes, is one of 20 Toronto benchers out of a total of 40 benchers in Ontario. These 40 benchers are elected every four years by lawyers in Ontario who vote for them.

Click on Tanya's picture below to see her interview with the Treasurer.