August InForum - Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

August InForum: Congratulations to Malcolm Jeffcock QC, Virtual Panel Event in October & more

Congratulations to the 2021 Distinguished Service Award Recipient Malcolm Jeffcock QC

We’re pleased to announce that Malcolm Jeffcock QC of Truro, NS is the recipient of the Society’s 2021 Distinguished Service Award (DSA).

Established in 1999, the DSA is presented to a member who has made significant contributions to their community, the legal profession and the Society.

Learn more about the Distinguished Service Award.

We present this award and honour the recipient along with 50-year practitioners at our annual Recognition Reception. The reception date and details are TBA.

“As chair of the Society’s Distinguished Service Award committee, I am delighted to see Malcolm recognized with this award for his outstanding contributions and commitment to the profession, the Society and his community. Malcolm is a leader in every respect, and he is most worthy of this recognition. He is a person to whom all members of the profession can look for inspiration.” – Marjorie A. Hickey QC, Chair of the NSBS Distinguished Service Committee and 2013 DSA recipient.

Congratulations Malcolm!

“To be included on a list with such a distinguished group of previous recipients is not only overwhelming but it also hard for me to imagine. I am extremely proud to be able to say that I’ve had the privilege to work with some of the previous recipients and I also attended law school with two… where we were students of several other members of this list!

I only hope that I can continue to serve my clients and the Bar in a manner that allows others to feel that I am worthy of the huge honour that has been bestowed upon me by the Society. My heartfelt gratitude to those who felt me worthy of nomination and the members of the Committee who agreed. As the son of immigrants who came to Canada with very little such recognition is overwhelming. Thank you.” – Malcolm Jeffcock QC

About Malcolm Jeffcock QC

Malcolm Jeffcock QC was born in Cornwall, Ontario. He was called to the NS Bar in 1981 after earning his Bachelor of Science in psychology in 1977 and his Bachelor of Law in 1981 from Dalhousie University. He was also called to the British Columbia Bar in 2011 and remains a member of the Law Society of British Columbia.

Malcolm is a sole practitioner based in Truro who represents clients from across Atlantic Canada. Most of his career was with legal aid including NS and BC Legal Aid and his 40-year practice has primarily focused on criminal law and mental health law. He has appeared in front of the NS Provincial Court, NS Supreme Court, the NS Court of Appeal, the NS Criminal Code Review Board, the NS Review Board convened pursuant to the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act and the Supreme Court of Canada.

In 2005, Malcolm received his Queen’s Counsel (QC) designation. He also accepted an appointment in 2013 as a per diem Crown Attorney.

Malcolm has dedicated his time, leadership and skills to the Society and the legal profession throughout his career. He has mentored many colleagues and he is frequently engaged by the Society to act on our behalf in receiverships. He has served for many years as a member and Chair on various Society committees and currently serves as a dedicated member of the Code of Professional Conduct Committee – Ethics and Professional Standards (Criminal) Committee.

He has been a CBA member and was previously the chairman of the Criminal Justice Section, Nova Scotia Branch Canadian Bar; a member of the Police Review Board Nova Scotia, a founding and member of the NS Roundtable Committee on the Criminalization of the Mentally Ill and NS Mental Health (Wellness) Court Planning & Implementation Committee (2008-11), a current member of the Provincial Wellness Court Steering Committee as well as the Nova Scotia Criminal Lawyers’ Association.

Malcolm is a regular lecturer, and he has presented for the Canadian Congress on Criminal Justice, NSBS, CBA, NS Criminal Lawyers’ Association, the Canadian Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, Capital District Health Authority Association of Social Workers’, Capital District Health Ethics & Education Committee, Lake City Industries, St. Mary’s University and more.

As an active community member, Malcolm volunteers extensively and he has dedicated his time to organizations including the Executive, Truro Golf Club, Truro and Area Minor Hockey Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters Colchester County, Colchester and District Soccer Association, the Regional Steering Committee Options for Youth, Colchester County, and the NS Committee Coordinating Community Agency Response to Family Violence. He is also an active vintage car enthusiast and a member of the British Automobile Touring Association.

Malcolm is also an active volunteer in amateur sport. He is a certified hockey coach, a qualified Ajax Football (soccer) youth coach, a baseball coach and he has acquired over 25 years of experience as an active hockey referee.

Register for the Panel Discussion: “It’s Not the Glass Ceiling, It’s the Sticky Floor”

Join the Society, the Canadian Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges and the Nova Scotia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association for our upcoming event:

“It’s Not the Glass Ceiling, It’s the Sticky Floor”

At this virtual panel discussion, we’ll explore the reasons why women often leave the practice of law or modify their careers after years of work and we’ll look for ways to disrupt that pattern. There will be breakout rooms hosted by members of the Judiciary and opportunities to engage and ask questions.

When: Thursday, October 28, 2021 – 6:30-9:00 PM (ADT)
Cost: FREE and open to all NSBS members (including those who are not CBA-NS members)
Location: via Zoom

How to register:

CBA-NS Members: Register on the CBA-NS website.
Non CBA-NS Members: Please send your name and contact details to cbainfo@cbans.ca so the CBA-NS team can register you manually.

2021 Queen’s Counsel Appointments

In the fall of this year (2021) the Advisory Committee on Queen’s Counsel Appointments, chaired by the Honourable Justice Cindy A. Bourgeois, will consider candidates for the next Queen’s Counsel appointments.

The QC designation is awarded each year to members of the legal profession to recognize exceptional merit and outstanding contribution to the legal community.

Read the Deputy Minister’s letter to members

Members may either apply personally or nominate another member of the Bar. All applicants will be treated equally by the Advisory Committee whether they are nominated or apply personally.

Queen’s Counsel Application or Nomination Process

2021 Queen’s Counsel Application or Nomination Forms

Your complete application or nomination must be received by Justice Bourgeois no later than 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021. It may be mailed or delivered to:

Advisory Committee on Queen’s Counsel Appointments
c/o The Honourable Justice Cindy A. Bourgeois
The Law Courts, 1815 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1S7

Please do not send your application or nomination to the Society.

Council News

As our governing body, Council ensures we carry out our purpose to uphold and protect the public interest in the practice of law. Council members lend their voices and unique insights to decisions that impact Nova Scotia’s legal profession. Review our 2021-2023 Council bios.

July Highlights (July 23rd meeting)
Next meeting is September 24th

Call for Participation in External Independent Review of Systemic Discrimination in the NSBS

The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has acknowledged the existence of systemic discrimination in the justice system and within the Society. In its acknowledgement the Society stated, in part:

We not only acknowledge and regret the existence of systemic discrimination within the justice system and the Society but also recognize the need for action and education to address it. The Society is committed to reducing barriers created by racism, unconscious bias, and discrimination. We are committed to continuing our efforts to learn, to adapt, to improve our processes and to lead Nova Scotia’s legal profession by example. In collaboration with our members, the legal entities we regulate, stakeholders, and justice system partners, we will work diligently towards eliminating all forms of discrimination in the justice system and in the Society.

As part of its commitment to eliminate systemic discrimination, I have been retained by the society, as set out in the Terms of Reference to undertake a comprehensive external, independent review of the Society’s policies and processes to identify and address any areas of systemic discrimination that exist within the Society.

I am writing to request the assistance and input of members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the general public to share your experiences, views and opinions with me in relation to this review as outlined in the Terms of Reference.

If you wish to speak with me or provide your views in writing I may be contacted at the dedicated email address set up by the Society at druck@nsbs.org.

The review is being conducted on a confidential basis. Any conversations, interviews, or thoughts and opinions submitted in writing will be entirely confidential and any comments will be anonymized to remove any indicators of identity.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated assistance in the review.

Douglas G. Ruck, Q.C.

Equity in Action: Expanding Your Definitions of CPD, Networking, and Mentorship

concentrated male coworkers working with papers and laptop in office

This Equity in Action blog post was written by Asha Pelly, NSBS Summer Law Student

Are you ready to expand your definitions of CPD, networking, and mentorship in your workplace?

Our Equity in Action blog series is moving on to step three from our Six Steps to Make Your Legal Workplace more Equitable – expanding your definitions of CPD, networking, and mentorship.

Traditional definitions of continuing professional development, networking, and mentorship often fail to value opportunities for employees to become more culturally competent, build a presence in diverse communities, or find mentors that are the best possible fit.

You’re encouraged to provide your thoughts by commenting on the blog!

Read the latest Equity in Action blog

Apply for the September disposal of undistributed trust funds by August 27th

Twice a year, the Society makes a court application on behalf of lawyers and law firms with undistributed trust funds to have those funds made payable to the Public Trustee.

You can send your submission to the Society anytime but the next application for disposal of undistributed trust funds is September 2021. To be included with the September application, please send your submission to the Society no later than August 27, 2021.

To make an application for the disposal of undistributed trust funds, please follow the steps outlined our FAQ’s and review the Procedure and Sample Documents or contact Elaine Cumming, NSBS Professional Responsibility Counsel, at (902) 377 6308 or ecumming@nsbs.org

Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia

FRAUD ALERT: Cyber Scams Rampant

NSLAP WELLNESS: Surviving Another September

Changes in Category: July 29, 2021-August 26, 2021

In every issue of our newsletter InForum, we provide updates on category changes.

Welcome to our new articled clerks:

Nicholas Marshall Darbyshire

Shalyn Folami Pearl Jones

Dana Lynne Scholz

Welcome to these lawyers who were recently called to the bar:

Noah MacLean Entwisle

Colin Douglas Hooper

Marissa Jean Prosper

Iakov Nikolaevich Radyushin

Coralie Jeannine Marie Robert

Roberto Justin Walcott

These members have changed to Practising status:

Joan Katrina Christiansen

Shahinaz Yasser El Malah

Bryce West Morrison

Jeremy Graham Ryant

Kristen Jayne Stallard

Julianne Michelle Stevenson

These members have changed to Non-Practising status:

Lindsay Theresa Marie Cuvilier

Katelyn Heather Dempsey

Sarah Lindsay MacLeod

Jacqueline Renee Ruck

Victoria Doreen Tremblett

Joseph Solomon Ur

Ian Benjamin Wilenius

These members have Retired:

Thomas J. Feindel

In Memoriam:

Our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of:

John Ronald Creighton QC, who passed away on August 7, 2021. He was called to the bar in 1974 and practiced with Patterson Law (Truro, NS).

Aileen Grant, who passed away on August 6, 2021. She was called to the bar in 1987 and was a retired member and teacher in Ontario.

For Your Information

J. Ronald Creighton QC

It is with sadness that we share that J. Ronald Creighton QC of Tatamagouche passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021.

Ron was admitted to the Bar in 1974 and practiced with Patterson Law (Truro) where he established a large clientele of people and businesses who respected his skill, loyalty and sound advice. He was dedicated to his clients, colleagues, community and he contributed significantly to Nova Scotia’s legal profession throughout his life.

He was appointed his Queen’s Counsel (QC) designation in 1998, served as President of the Society in 2009-2010 and served as a member and Chair of numerous Society committees.

Society staff who had the pleasure of working with Ron recall his dedication, professionalism and kindness. We send our deepest condolences to Ron’s family, friends and colleagues.

Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting Coulter’s Funeral Home website.

Federal Court of Appeal and Federal Court 50th Anniversary Events

To celebrate 50 years of service to Canadians, the Federal Court of Appeal and the Federal Court are publishing a book that reflects on the work of the Courts both from a historical perspective and looking forward; and presenting three follow-up webinars. A formal launch of the book will be held virtually on October 1, 2021. It will feature remarks from the Chief Justices of both Courts, an opening address by the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, and a discussion about the book by four of its authors, moderated by Justice Johanne Gauthier. Learn more.

Mortgage Discharge Escalation Contact List

The Canadian Bankers Association (“CBA”) has provided us with an updated list of bank officials to contact in the case of delays in the discharge of mortgages. Review the contact list.

Tusarnaarniq Sivumut Association Volunteer

Tusarnaarniq Sivumut Association – Music for the Future (TSA) is a small volunteer, working board created in 2009, that provides opportunities for youth in Nunavut to access and learn music. The TSA is seeking a lawyer to join the Board of Directors on a volunteer basis as a Member at Large. In addition to attending bi-monthly Board meetings and participating in decision-making regarding the governance and management of the organization, the director will also provide legal expertise as needed. To express interest or for further information about this opportunity, contact Julie Lohnes-Cashin, Chairperson at tsamusicforthefuture@gmail.com or visit musicforthefuture.ca.

Missing Wills

Name on will: Patrick Fitzpatrick
Last known residence: New Glasgow, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact Phillip Snell at masterphil69@hotmail.com or (902) 752-4854.

Name on will: Guy Lapierre
Last known residence: 9 Sprucevale Drive, Timberlea
Any lawyers with information please contact Kimberly Lapierre at kim@dog-karma.com or (902) 488-9758.

Name on will: Karen Margaret Dort
Last known residence: Guysborough
Any lawyers with information please contact Margaret Alexandra Dort at maggie.dort@gmail.com or (416) 476-7580 or Sarah Almon at salmon@stewartmckelvey.com or (902) 420-3301.

News from the NS Courts

Career Opportunities

Upcoming Events

These events include NSBS events as well as professional development opportunities and related events posted to the events page on our website.

Homing in on Harassment: Developments in remedies, investigations, and judicial review (Sept. 2)
Online LRA Qualification Assessment (September 15-October 6)
Estate Planning Blunders and How to Avoid Them (September 16)
Time Management for Lawyers: Eight Essential Elements (September 23)
National Health and Safety Conference (September 29)
Social Media & Electronic Evidence: What’s New? (September 30)
Advising the Start-up Business (October 14)
Superior Legal Writing: The Point-First Approach (October 21)
It’s Not the Glass Ceiling, It’s the Sticky Floor (October 28)
Online LRA Qualification Assessment (November 10)