Last year, Nova Scotia Legal Aid supported thousands of Nova Scotians through more than 13,000 full‑service files, over 21,000 summary advice and duty counsel services, and nearly 4,000 additional files delivered by private practice lawyers. This legal help was on the issues that mattered most — when their housing was at risk, when their children were affected, or when their liberty hung in the balance. Behind every one of those cases is an organization that depends on thoughtful, principled leadership to remain strong, responsive, and trusted.
About Nova Scotia Legal Aid
Since 1977, Nova Scotia Legal Aid (NSLA) has been a cornerstone of the province’s justice system. Created under the Legal Aid Act as an independent commission, NSLA’s independence remains fundamental to its mandate. By providing free legal information, advice, and representation in criminal, family, and social justice matters, NSLA helps ensure fair hearings and meaningful access to justice.
With 25 offices across the province, NSLA serves low‑income and equity‑deserving communities, including those affected by gender‑based, intimate partner, and family violence. Specialized services include youth, social justice, mental health, and criminal and family appeals. NSLA delivers services through an integrated model of staff lawyers, certificate lawyers, legal professionals, and service specialists, guided by an intersectional approach that reflects the diverse realities of its clients. This approach ensures systems, organizational structures, policies, and practices are equitable, responsive, and reflect the needs of the communities they serve.
NSLA’s legal services help improve legal, social, economic and health outcomes for Nova Scotians and it has litigated some of Nova Scotia’s most important cases protecting the rights of individuals.
To learn more about Nova Scotia Legal Aid, visit our website: www.nslegalaid.ca
The word from board chair George Ash
An equitable, accessible justice system depends on a strong, independent legal aid program. Legal aid protects the rights and freedoms of Nova Scotians and supports fair, efficient proceedings before courts and tribunals. The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission provides strategic and financial oversight for the program, and board directors play a direct role in strengthening access to justice through sound governance and stewardship of public resources.
What We are Looking For
Serving on the NSLA Board is an opportunity to shape how justice is delivered to those who need it most. Board members bring diverse perspectives and professional experience to guide a province wide organization at the intersection of law, public policy, organizational leadership and social justice. You’ll help guide a provincial organization that touches thousands of lives in profound ways each year and you’ll do it alongside a team of committed professionals who believe, fundamentally, that access to justice is a right, not a privilege.
We are particularly interested in candidates who offer:
- Strategic vision and the ability to remain future‑focused on NSLA’s purpose, impact, and priorities.
- Community connection, including lived experience or deep ties to the communities we serve, including Mi’kmaq/Indigenous, African Nova Scotian/Black, newcomer, rural, or low-income communities.
- Professional expertise in law, finance, human resources, information technology, or public administration are especially welcome.
- A commitment to equity and access to justice.
Time Commitment
The Board meets three to four times per year in-person or by Teams for half-day sessions. Board directors also serve on one or more committees – Executive, Audit and Finance, Governance, and Appeals. These committees meet on an as needed basis.
Appointment Process
The 11‑member Board includes five Justice appointments, four Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (NSBS) appointments, and two Attorney General appointments. NSBS nominees are reviewed by the Society’s Nominating Committee before being recommended for appointment through an Order‑in‑Council.
If you are interested in serving on the Board, please send the following to wwilson@nsbs.org:
- an expression of interest;
- your résumé or curriculum vitae; and
- A completed skill matrix, which you can find here.
Deadline to Apply: April 15, 2026