Public Resources
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society regulates Nova Scotia’s legal profession. Learn more about who we are and what we do.
We cannot provide legal advice or lawyer referrals. This is a guide for the public to common resources.
No. We do not have the authority to interfere with Legal Aid’s processes. Legal Aid is entitled to determine who is eligible for their services and what matters they will take on. Legal Aid outlines the process for appealing the decision on their website.
The Society does not provide legal advice however we’ve compiled a list of resources:
Legal Information Resources:
- General Legal Information: The Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) provides easy to understand legal information to help you deal with everyday legal problems
- For Self-Represented Litigants: The Courts of Nova Scotia holds free clinics for self-represented litigants who have limited or no experience navigating the legal system. Private one-hour sessions with a volunteer practicing lawyer and a law student are also available by appointment. The website has detailed information about all levels of court in the province, as well as court processes and fees, court decisions, and public information including links to information kits for Representing Yourself in Court.
- The Courts of Nova Scotia also provide information on jury duty, Small Claims Court and court forms
- Family Law Information: Family Law Nova Scotia is a resource website that details the law, processes and services that makeup family law in Nova Scotia.
- By dialling 211 or visiting the Nova Scotia 211 website, members of the public can easily and quickly connect to the community, legal and social services they need, anywhere in the province, regardless of where they’re located.
- For Immigrants: Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) can refer immigrants to appropriate legal services in Nova Scotia. 902-423-3607 or 1-866-431-6472.
- Criminal Case Information: The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service has information providing an explanation of the criminal case, from investigation to appeal the verdict or sentence.
- The Government of Canada’s Department of Justice website offers a number of information resources relating to federal laws, family law, criminal justice, and Canada’s justice system.
No. The Society cannot assist with disputes about your lawyer’s fees.
The Small Claims Court has the authority to reduce the account in appropriate circumstances. The address of the Small Claims Court in your area can be found at: www.courts.ns.ca
The Society can circulate a missing will notice to our members through our monthly newsletter.
Submit a notice about a missing will by completing our submission form.
If you have concerns relating to the ethical conduct of a lawyer in Nova Scotia, we may be able to help. We ensure all lawyers in the province practise ethically and competently and we investigate concerns related to a lawyer’s ethical conduct.
Learn more about sharing your concerns with the Society
NSBS guides to understanding Power of Attorney and Bail
These guides “Understanding Power of Attorney” and “Understanding Bail” were created for the Society by Maria Rizzetto through Pro Bono Dalhousie.
The NSBS guide “Understanding Power of Attorney” will help to answer questions including:
- Who should be my power of attorney?
- What does my power of attorney control?
- Do I have to pay my power of attorney?
The NSBS guide “Understanding Bail” includes a pyramid showing how the bail procedure changes with the seriousness of the offence & more:
Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI) resources for families
The following Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI) resources provide information about the Divorce Act amendments. Materials are available on the family law pages of Justice Canada’s website.
Parenting arrangements after separation or divorce
A Child’s Views and Preferences
Family dispute resolution: resolving family law issues out of court