The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society is seeking candidates for the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee for Nova Scotia.
The independent judicial advisory committees constitute the heart of the judicial appointments process. The committees are responsible for assessing the qualifications for appointment of lawyers who apply to the judiciary.
Membership on a judicial advisory committee requires a significant commitment of time and effort. It is important that Committee members be fully prepared to respect the strict confidentiality of the information entrusted to them. Individuals serving on judicial advisory committees must have a clear understanding of these obligations and be committed to making a meaningful contribution to the judicial appointment process.
Committee Composition and Term
Committees are made up of the following representatives:
- 1 nominee of the provincial or territorial Law Society.
- 1 nominee of the provincial or territorial branch of the Canadian Bar Association.
- 1 nominee of the Chief Justice of the province, or of the Senior Judge of the territory.
- 1 nominee of the provincial Attorney General, or territorial Minister of Justice.
- 3 nominees of the Government representing the ‘general public’;
- 1 ex officio non-voting member: Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs or Executive Director, Judicial Appointments.
Lawyer members of the committees cannot themselves be candidates for judicial appointment for one year following the end of their term of office on the Committee.
Committee members serve a three (3) year term, with the possibility of an extension at the discretion of the Minister.
Experience and Qualifications
Individuals must be a member, in good standings, of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and should demonstrate a minimum of 10 years professional legal experience.
Candidates for serving on judicial advisory committees should demonstrate the following qualities:
- general proficiency in the law
- strong analytical skills
- the ability to listen attentively
- the capacity to exercise sound judgment
- a solid reputation among professional peers and within the broader community
- the capacity to manage a heavy workload
- well-developed interpersonal skills
Candidates should also possess strong personal characteristics, including:
- an appreciation of social issues
- a well-developed sense of ethics
- discretion
- neutrality
- honesty
- common sense
- integrity
- fairness
- reliability
- a strong sense of responsibility
While courtroom experience and bilingualism are assets, they are only some of the many factors which may be considered in assessing a candidate’s suitability for the role.
Candidates from traditional and non-traditional legal careers will be equally considered.
Notice to Applicants
When appointing Committee members, the Government seeks to achieve a gender-balanced Committee that also reflects the diversity of members of each jurisdiction, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of linguistic, ethnic, and other minority communities, including those whose members’ gender identity or sexual orientation differs from that of the majority.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying please send a Letter expressing your interest, a recent resume, and a complete Skills Matrix to Interim Deputy Executive Director, Jacqueline Mullenger at Jmullenger@nsbs.org by April 23, 2026.