Suzanne M. Alexander-Smith, KC

Our self-governing legal profession earns and maintains the confidence of both the public and its members through efforts to uphold and protect the public interest in the administration of justice. I seek election as a Bencher to contribute practical judgment, governance experience, and a collaborative Central Alberta perspective to this important work.

Our social, governmental, and regulatory landscape is ever changing. In this changing environment, the Law Society’s continued effectiveness is supported by its developing strategic priorities that are grounded in its core values of: Integrity, Transparency, Fairness, Respect, Independence, and Visionary Leadership.

As the inaugural Chair of the Central Alberta Legal Clinic Foundation (CALCF) in 2004, I experienced the Law Society’s visionary leadership in the public interest firsthand. Its guidance, collaboration, and credibility helped establish Central Alberta’s first comprehensive pro bono legal clinic. With its support, we secured funding, recruited staff and volunteers, and developed services responsive to community needs for access to justice. The Law Society also facilitated stakeholder discussions leading to the creation of Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA), which became the Law Society’s centenary project in 2007.

Through establishing CALCF and as PBLA’s inaugural Secretary, I have spent more than 20 years strategizing, networking, and developing capacity for pro bono service providers, both as governance and service volunteer. I returned to the CALCF Board in 2023 and have served as Chair since 2025. In 2011, I was honoured to receive the LSA/CBA–Alberta Distinguished Service Award for pro bono work. I also understand the challenges of sustaining these organizations in our changing societal environment.

My governance service in my community, including with Red Deer Hospice Society, Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter, and other organizations, has further honed my skills to listen to varied perspectives and collaborate through respectful deliberation and collective decision-making. I have worked to identify and assess risk, exercise oversight and accountability, and undertake strategic planning and priority-setting with efficacy and sustainability in mind.

I have been a member of the Law Society since 1998. I have worked full-time at Chapman Riebeek LLP since 2003 and served as a partner since 2013. I run a general litigation practice. I also work with my partners to guide our firm and support our staff, to serve our clients effectively.

Professionally, my combined governance, volunteer, and business experience has shown me how to adapt to changing circumstances while remaining focused on an organization’s priorities and mandate. Personally, I am motivated to help sustain effective self-governance through sound, accountable regulation and adherence to core values. I see Bencher service as an extension of my professional and public service. I would be honoured to receive your endorsement.