NSBS Mandatory Online Assessment for new Code of Professional Conduct

The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Code of Professional Conduct was approved by Council on September 23, 2011, and will come into effect on January 1, 2012.

The new Code has a new format and, while there are only a few substantive changes to the rules of ethics, it is important that all lawyers become familiar with the new Code and the changes that have been approved.

Council has also approved a new regulation requiring all practising lawyers and articled clerks to successfully complete a mandatory online Code of Professional Conduct assessment. Successful completion of the assessment will be required before a non-practising, retired or life member may change their category of membership to a practising lawyer.

The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that lawyers become familiar with the new format of the Code, are able to navigate through the new rules when seeking guidance on ethical matters, and are made aware of those areas where the rules have been amended in any substantial way.

Please note: ALL PRACTISING LAWYERS AND ARTICLED CLERKS MUST COMPLETE THIS ONLINE ASSESSMENT NO LATER THAN APRIL 30, 2012.

Members should have received by now an email from assessment@nsbs.org, with detailed instructions on how to access and complete the mandatory online assessment. If you have not yet received it, please check your ‘junk mail’ folder in case this important email was diverted.

For more information on the new Code, see the feature article in the October 2011 edition of the Society Record magazine, and read "Current Issues in Legal Ethics," an ongoing series of InForum articles by Elaine Cumming, Professional Responsibility Counsel.

The Code of Professional Conduct is available in the Regulation section of our site.

An Executive Summary is also available online.