On June 12, 2026, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Council approved a revised Professional Standard on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), marking an important step in the Society’s ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive and accessible legal profession.
The updated standard provides enhanced guidance to law firms and legal workplaces about their obligations to create environments where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
In substance, the revised standard emphasizes the requirement for lawyers and law firms to develop and enforce policies related to EDIA in the workplace, while also making sure to periodically review and adapt these policies. The newly revised standard also incorporates specific references to the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act among other pieces of legislation and the NSBS Code of Professional Conduct.
Council extends its sincere thanks to the Law Office Management Standards Committee for its leadership and dedication in undertaking this comprehensive review. The Committee’s work has resulted in a stronger and more contemporary standard that will help support equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across legal workplaces in Nova Scotia.