Announcement

Sonia Bjorkquist, President of The Advocates' Society, announced today the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Alexandra Chyczij. "Alex has advised me of her decision to retire from the Society, after a very distinguished career as the Society's Executive Director," said Ms. Bjorkquist. "The Society owes Alex a huge debt of gratitude for all that she has accomplished over the last twenty-five years." Ms. Chyczij will leave the Society at the end of May 2018.

During her twenty-five year tenure, the Society was transformed from an emergent association administered from the attic of an historic house, into a thriving and highly regarded national not-for-profit organization committed to professionalism and excellence in advocacy, with more than 6000 members.

On announcing her retirement, Ms. Chyczij said "As I embark upon the next chapter of my professional career, I take great pride in the role I was privileged to play in the evolution of Canada's premier association for trial lawyers, judges and advocates. I am grateful for the opportunity and privilege of working with so many distinguished advocates and will miss the talented and dedicated staff with whom I have had the privilege of serving the members of the Society."

Ms. Bjorkquist also announced that Senior Staff of the Society will continue to manage its operations under the direct supervision of the Executive and Board of Directors while the Society conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement. "While we will of course miss Alex’s leadership, the Society will continue its mission of delivering the highest quality educational programmes and skills workshops, providing networking and mentoring opportunities, and serving as the voice of advocates in interventions and policy work across the country. We are also delighted to be hosting the Chief Justice of Canada at our End of Term dinner where we will have an opportunity to recognize Ms. Chyczij's long service and dedication to the Society before 1,400 of our members."