Bar Admission ceremonies occur throughout the year (see below) for applicants who are eligible as members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. The largest Ceremony takes place each June in Halifax.
Applicants are required to appear before the Court in person and a member of the judiciary oversees the proceedings.
Applicants have the option of making their official declarations and Oaths in three languages: English, French, or Mi’kmaq. In addition, they may request to read it in any other language.
After the ceremony, applicants sign the Roll of Lawyers, and only then are they allowed to practise law in Nova Scotia.
Several weeks prior to the ceremony, eligible applicants for admission are contacted by Society staff and must provide documentation and any applicable fees.
During the ceremony, attendees may use cameras and video cameras discreetly; however, this is at the discretion of the Presiding Justice.
Upcoming Call to the Bar Dates
- Friday, June 6, 2025
- Friday, September 19, 2025
- Friday, November 21, 2025
- Friday, January 16, 2026
- Friday, April 10, 2026
June Bar Admission Ceremony
We publish a program booklet with the June admission list, applicant biographies, text for the Oath on Admission and the optional Oath of Allegiance, and welcome greetings from the Bench and Bar. The NSBS does not issue tickets or compile a guest list for this event and guest seating is on a first arrival basis.
What to Wear
The Justices of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia have approved Practice Memorandums which provide guidance for counsel on a variety of items, including courtroom attire.
Applicants for Admission are required to appear wearing traditional legal attire, namely: a waistcoat, a robe, a winged collar shirt, tabs and black or dark gray trousers or skirt and black shoes. Please note that the Society does not provide or rent legal attire.
Once you’re called to the Bar
We’ve created the NSBS Guide for New Lawyers, our primer for new members.
Questions? Please contact the Society’s Education & Credentials Advisor at licensing@nsbs.org.