General Notices Archives | Page 11 of 12 | Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

Return to Pre-Pandemic Client ID Rules and Review of Verification Options

December 29, 2023

We are pleased to provide an update to our October 26, 2023 notice regarding the end of the pandemic relief measures that permitted client verification by viewing government issued ID over a video call. The pandemic-era video verification method presented a high risk of identification fraud. It should have been used only when a better option was not available, and it should not be used in future.

This update deals with three matters: 1) a new deadline for the removal of pandemic measures; 2) a review of existing options used to verify ID, remotely and otherwise; and 3) technology options designed to verify ID remotely, which are helpful even in-person.

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Client Identification Clarification

October 26, 2023

The Federation of Law Societies has issued guidance requiring the use of a technology product capable of verifying the authenticity of the government-issued photo ID when the verification is happening remotely.

To allow for the implementation of the technology required to facilitate this process, the temporary pandemic relief measure of allowing verification by viewing a government-issued identity document with the person over a video call will be extended until January 31, 2024. After this date NSBS members must return to in-person verification of Client ID or adopt remote ID authentication technology conforming to the Federation guidance.

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Notice of Return to Practice: Mark Taylor

March 13, 2023

Mark Taylor, formerly of Taylor and Silver in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is returning to the practice of law as an associate with the firm of MacLeod Webber and will be offering legal services in the areas of Real Estate, Wills/Estates, Corporate/Commercial and Family law beginning April 1, 2023.

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Notice to the Profession: Amendments to the Code of Professional Conduct in effect

February 3, 2023

On January 27th, 2023 the Society’s Council approved amendments to the Code of Professional Conduct. The amendments relate to discrimination, harassment, and ex parte communication.

The amendments to our Code of Professional Conduct reflect amendments made by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to the Model Code of Conduct, which seeks to harmonize, as much as possible, the ethical and professional conduct standards for the legal profession in Canada.

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