August InForum - Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

August InForum: QC Nominations, Emancipation Day Resources & More

Society News

Queen’s Counsel Applications and Nominations

The Advisory Committee on Queen’s Counsel Appointments, chaired by the Honourable Justice Cindy A. Bourgeois, will convene in the fall to consider candidates for the next Queen’s Counsel appointments.

The criteria for these appointments are:

(a) fifteen years or more as a member of the Bar of Nova Scotia as of September 30, 2022 and eligible to practice law in Nova Scotia;

(b) demonstrated professional integrity, good character and outstanding contributions to the practice of law through one or more of:

recognition by other members of the profession as an exceptional barrister or solicitor,
exceptional contributions through legal scholarship, teaching or continuing legal education,
demonstration of exceptional qualities of leadership in the profession, and
engaging in activities of a public or charitable nature in such a way as to raise the esteem in which the legal profession is held by the public;

The Advisory Committee also considers regional, gender, race, sexual orientation and representation from other diverse groups among the persons recommended for appointment as Queen’s Counsel.

In order to be considered as a candidate for a Queen’s Counsel appointment, you must apply or be nominated pursuant to this request. Applications and nominations from previous years will not be considered. Applications and nominations must be submitted as a single email to QCsubmissions@novascotia.ca no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, September 30, 2022 and include all of the following:

A signed Authorization for Disclosure of Information and Release Form;
A signed Application or Nomination Form;
A completed lnformation Form (The form is three pages and provides for an additional two pages if required); end
Two Letters of Reference. (One letter is to come from within the Bar or Judiciary. The second letter is to (One from outside the Bar and Judiciary.)

The forms are available as fillable PDF documents on the Queen’s Counsel process page of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society website. Please note that the Adobe Acrobat settings may need to be adjusted 1o highlight the fillable boxes. You can find those settings in Edit>Preferences>Forms.

Persons 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.

The above email address is for submissions only. Please direct any inquiries to Glenn Anderson, Q.C., Secretary to the Advisory Committee on Queen’s Counsel Appointments, at glenn.r.anderson@novascotia.ca.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,

for: Candace L. Thomas, Q.C.

Deputy Minister of Justice

Recognizing Emancipation Day on August 1: Resources for Members

August 1st is officially designated as Emancipation Day in Canada. Emancipation Day is the day the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 became law across the British Empire, including Canada. It is recognized as the day that the practice of slavery officially ended for millions of African people and their descendants in Canada.

We encourage our members and all Nova Scotians to use Emancipation Day as an opportunity to learn more about the history of African Nova Scotian people and communities, and to continue to address and put an end to anti-Black racism.

This day will allow us to reflect and acknowledge our shared history of the enslavement of people of African descent in Canada. Most importantly the inaugural Emancipation Day will provide us with an opportunity to maintain ongoing meaningful conversations around race relations and inclusive society.

We encourage you to recognize Emancipation Day and to continue your learning this day and on an ongoing basis by reviewing the following resources:

Understanding Anti-Black Racism and How to Be an Ally
(Video/Panel Discussion – Government of Canada, Patricia Harewood)
Nova Scotia Street Check Report
CBC – 8 Documentaries That Explore Race, Racism and Policing in North America
(Government of Canada)
Supporting Each Other in Anti-Racism Work
(Webinar – CBA-NS)
How to be an Ally
(PowerPoint –The Hon. Judge Aleta C. Cromwell, 2020)
RDS vs. A Story of Race and Justice
(Video – Canadian Race Relations Foundation)
Anti-Racism Bookshelf: Tools for Entering a Difficult Conversation
(Resources – Niki Bains, BA (Hons), JD and Sylvie Vigneux, BA, MA, JD)
In Their Shoes: Stories of systemic racism from the legal profession
(Article in CBA National Magazine – 2020)
Working Together for Change: Strategies to Address Issues of Systemic Racism in the Legal Professions
(Law Society of Ontario Report)
The Marshall Inquiry: Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall, Jr., Prosecution
The Society’s Equity Lens Toolkit
Nova Scotia Provincial Library – Reading List for Emancipation Day 2021

Valuable related organizations:

Canadian Association of Black Lawyers – Nova Scotia Chapter
African Nova Scotian Affairs
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre
Africville Museum
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
Game Changers 902
(Mission is to centralize African Nova Scotian experience, culture and history.)
Government of Nova Scotia – Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives
Government of Nova Scotia – African Nova Scotian Justice Institute Launched

The Society’s Acknowledgement of Systemic Discrimination & Review

Request for Proposal: Recruitment Services for Manager, Equity and Access, and Advisor, Equity and Access

The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society requests qualified Proponents for the provision of
recruitment services to assist in the search and selection of two (2) permanent, full-time
positions: Manager, Equity and Access and Advisor, Equity and Access.

View the full Request for Proposal here

Join our Team: NSBS Professional Responsibility Counsel

As the regulator of the legal profession, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society protects the public interest in the practice of law. The Society is the independent, trusted and respected regulator of the legal profession. Acting in the public interest, they provide leadership, value and support to a competent, ethical, inclusive and engaged legal profession.

The Society is committed to being a workplace that is free of discrimination, values diversity and is representative, at all job levels, of designated groups and the citizens we serve. We welcome applicants from groups who have historically faced barriers to employment. We encourage you to self-identify in your application.

Learn more about the Society.

About the Professional Responsibility Counsel

The Professional Responsibility Counsel supports the Society’s professional responsibility and public protection mandate by providing legal counsel respecting professional responsibility, ethics and related regulatory and compliance matters and is a key member of the Professional Responsibility department. The Professional Responsibility Counsel provides other in-house legal services as required and is responsible for ensuring the currency and accuracy of the Code of Professional Conduct.

Key Responsibilities

Complaints Analysis and Investigation

As requested by the Director, reviews written complaints, provides analysis on issues, and recommends appropriate action
in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures investigates complaints under direction of Director, including interviewing some complainants and witnesses, conducting legal research, and preparing reports
Engages the assistance of Complaints and Investigation Committee (CIC) members or liaises with external counsel as needed during investigations
Creates Investigation Plans for complex investigations and ensures investigations are conducted in a timely, efficient, fair, and thorough manner

Ethics Education

Responds to inquiries from members, the public and other Law Societies regarding legal ethics issues, including analysis of the facts, application of relevant rules of conduct and the provision of advice and options to members
Assists with development of and delivers ethics education programs locally, nationally, and internationally, and prepares articles and other materials, including articles for the Society’s publications
Liaises with and participates in counterpart organizations including the Canadian Bar Association, American Bar Association, and the National Organization of Bar Council

Code of Professional Conduct Committee (CPCC)

Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda on ethics issues for internal and Committee use
Provides professional support to the Code of Professional Conduct Committee
Identifies trends and areas for consideration with regard to the Code of Professional Conduct in Nova Scotia, researches and prepares discussion papers regarding same

Professional Responsibility Policies and Procedures Committee (PRPPC)

Provides professional support for the PRPPC, including coordination of meetings, research, preparation of discussion papers, and drafting amendments to the Act, Regulations, and committee and internal policies and procedures
Provides professional support to PRPPC subcommittees as needed

Fitness to Practise Committee (FTPC)

Provides professional support to the FTPC, including coordination of meetings, research, preparation of discussion papers, drafting amendments to the Act, Regulations, and committee and internal policies and procedures, and providing status reports on member cases
Ensures FPTC functions in accordance with its authority under the Act and regulations
Receives reports of potential incapacity from various sources, assesses appropriateness of FTP as an option, and makes recommendations to the Executive Director, Director and the FTPC in this regard
Prepares interim and other agreements between the FTPC and members, and negotiates same with members and/or their counsel
Communicates with members, their counsel, and health professionals with regard to the members’ obligations and program for recovery or support, and for purposes of monitoring members’ fulfillment of terms and conditions of their agreements

Legal Counsel – Other

Conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions and memoranda in relation to regulatory and compliance matters, as assigned
Assists with risk assessment with regard to member violations and non-compliance
Prepares documentation and materials in support of Court and other applications on the Society’s behalf, including Unclaimed Trust Funds, Custodianships.
Responds to and investigates complaints of the unauthorized practice of law

Requirements, Skills, and Assets

This position requires experience with the practice of law and solid knowledge of administrative law principles in Nova Scotia, excellent analytical and legal research skills, and sound judgement. The Professional Responsibility Counsel requires a professional and mature demeanour, works with minimal supervision, and must possess strong initiative and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and time management skills are required to manage a steady and diverse workload. A very high quality of work is required due to the sensitive nature of the work and the high risk of error.

Requirements:

A law degree
Member of the Nova Scotia Bar (or eligibility)
Minimum five years current experience in the practice of law

Skills:

Strong knowledge of the principles of administrative law and their application in a regulatory environment
Experience in investigation, interviewing, research, and analysis of evidence
Proven legal research, analysis and writing skills
Highly effective oral and written communications, including public presentation skills
Ability to analyze situations, discern issues, and communicate empathetically with people who have concerns and require assistance
Ability to work with people in hostile and/or challenging circumstances
Well-developed negotiation, facilitation, and conflict management skills
High level of confidence, confidentiality, composure, and discretion
Organized, efficient and the ability to work independently with initiative while under tight deadlines
Proficiency with various office software applications (MS Office)

Assets:

Training in cultural competence
Experience working in a regulated profession
Experience working in a non-profit organization

Salary: $112,092 – $133,443

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

How to Apply

If you’re interested in this exciting career opportunity, please submit your application in confidence (including resume and cover letter) to the Society via email at hr@nsbs.org.

We offer a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience, a complete health and dental benefit package, a retirement savings program and flexible work options.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Closing date: This position will remain open until filled

Your Practice

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Professional Responsibility

Changes in Category

In every issue of our newsletter InForum, we provide updates on category changes. These are the Changes in Category from July 26, 2022 to Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Welcome to our new calls to the bar:

Simeon Olaniyi Atunbi
Thomas James Wilson

Welcome to our new Articling Clerks

Cassandra Pauline Cavanagh
Zachary Henry Stanley Halper-Johnson
Jamie Elizabeth Samson

These members have changed to Practising status:

Heather Elizabeth Dawe
Sophie Joan Dupré
Sarah Lindsay MacLeod
Marian F. Mancini
Jordan Marie Richard
Elizabeth-Joy Kellee Taylor

These members have changed to Non-Practising status:

Shaylyn Sherisse Oxner
Sang Ho You

These members have changed to Retired status:

Anthony M. Brunt
Eric Oliver Sturk

For Your Information

Board of Directors – Chebucto Family Centre

Join Our Board of Directors!
Are you passionate about community change? Do you want to have a real and meaningful impact in your community? Meet interesting people? Share your existing skills? The Chebucto Family Centre is looking for new board members. At this time, we are seeking a member or members with legal expertise.

About the Chebucto Family Centre:
CFC is a non-profit family resource center and community hub located in Spryfield. It provides free services and supports to enhance the quality of life of families and community members.
These include, but are not limited to:

Advocacy and support
Health and wellness programs
Prenatal and parenting courses
Volunteer Doula program
Youth programming
Family Home Day Care Agency.

About our Board:
The Board meets monthly on Wednesday evenings from September to June. Members serve for three year renewable terms. Board members are asked to bring enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the mission of Chebucto Family Centre. Members are expected to attend meetings regularly, special events as they are able,
and serve on Board committees.

Who should apply:
Ideally, new board members will bring one or more of the following skills and qualities:

Previous board experience.
Human resources experience
Knowledge of financial services/accounting.
Legal expertise
Fundraising.
Knowledge of community issues/community development
Strategic planning

As part of being an inclusive and representative organization, we are very interested in receiving applications from Black, Indigenous, and persons of colour, immigrants, LGBTQ+, youth (18-35) , and people with lived experience of poverty or other systemic barriers.

What we can offer you:
An opportunity to give back to your community
Experience in working in a not-for-profit governance board
A role in supporting families in need

For more information:
Visit our website, www.homeoftheguardianangel.ca or Chebucto Family Centre on social media.

To apply for Board membership:
Send a letter of interest and your resume to lorain@setonspiritualityctr.ca by December 15, 2022

Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 12/15/2022

Deadline Extension: Nova Scotia Supreme Court Family Division Liaison Committee

The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division) Liaison Committee is seeking to fill vacant membership positions on its regional subcommittees.

The committee and its new subcommittees provides a means for ongoing liaison and communication between the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division) and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society about matters of mutual concern and interest and provide an avenue for the Bench and Bar to meet and work towards improvements in practice.

Diversity on committees is a priority. We welcome applications from all equity-deserving groups including but not limited to Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and other racially visible persons. We also welcome applications from persons with disabilities and persons deserving equality on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Given the recent expansion of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division), we welcome applications from lawyers practicing throughout the province to ensure regional contribution on issues affecting the court.

Please direct all inquiries to Jane Willwerth at JWillwerth@nsbs.org on or before Sept 15, 2022.

Recruitment for Legal Membership at the Nova Scotia Health Research Ethics Board

The Nova Scotia Health Research Ethics Board (NSH REB) is recruiting new members to fill the role of legal representatives on our virtual provincial board. The REB’s role is to review cutting-edge clinical research that involves human participants or their data and that takes place within Nova Scotia Health to ensure that the research respects and protects our research participants, patients and communities.

Legal members are persons knowledgeable in the relevant law (i.e. health, privacy) and cannot be part of NS Health legal counsel or risk manager. They represent the legal and ethical perspectives for research participants. Their role is to ensure that the information provided to research participants is readable, correct, and understood. The NSH REB does not expect that legal members understand the science behind the studies. It is the responsibility of scientific and medical board members to simplify the research study protocols so everyone on the board understands the study and what is expected of the research participants.

WHEN: Meetings are held once per month on Mondays from 4:00 – 6:00 pm

WHERE: Virtually through ZOOM. Links and materials sent through email.

INTERESTED? Want to learn more? Please email: ResearchEthics@nshealth.ca

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.