July InForum: New CEO, President’s Speech and more.
Society News
President’s Message: Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Announces New CEO
Today, I have the pleasure of sharing news with you that the NSBS Council has unanimously chosen a new CEO. We welcome Cheryl Hodder, QC, an accomplished and respected leader with more than 30 years of legal, governance and executive business experience. Cheryl has served as Chief Sustainability and Legal Officer with Canada Post Corporation (CPC), based in Ottawa, and she has been leading a team across a diverse portfolio that is directly relevant to NSBS’s mandate.
We are delighted to welcome Cheryl “home”, where she has served and practiced over many years. She will begin in her new role in mid-September 2022. Please see the links below, including a full profile for her, as well as the NSBS CEO search profile and press release we will be issuing shortly. This positive outcome is a result of a very comprehensive national recruitment process, led by a selection committee appointed by Council. Council unanimously approved the committee recommendation.
Cheryl’s most recent role saw her as executive responsible for Indigenous Reconciliation and with other executives shared responsibility for EDI, as a pillar of Canada Post’s ESG strategy. She also provided support to the work of a diverse employee group involved in developing a new anti-racism charter. And, as part of the learning path and process around the organization’s accessibility strategy, she has undertaken extensive consultation across the country involving diverse groups with lived experience, and she has had the opportunity to be involved in intensive unconscious bias training.
NSBS will benefit from Cheryl’s experiences, as we continue to focus on the momentum and priorities of our organization. Under Cheryl’s leadership we will build upon our success, regulating the profession in the public interest, and in a manner that is proactive, inclusive and supportive so our members deliver competent and ethical legal services. Cheryl has a deep and abiding respect for lawyers’ role in society. She has had a broad engagement in the profession over her diverse career and she is a seasoned governance professional with a distinctive skillset honed over many years of taking on roles that were both challenging and meaningful.
Much has been accomplished over the last number of years, and it is to the credit of a professional and engaged staff and the many dedicated Council and committee members who volunteer their valuable knowledge and time to our society. And as we all know, we have been with an Acting Executive Director for longer than perhaps anticipated. We are extremely grateful for Jacqueline Mullenger’s leadership during this time of change and growth.
Members of the search committee are:
- Melanie Petrunia, Lawyer, Nijhawan McMillan Petrunia (Committee Co-Chair/Chair)
- Tuma Young, Assist. Professor, Indigenous Studies, Cape Breton University (Committee Co-Chair until June/22)
- Mark Scott, Chief Crown Attorney, Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service
- Carole Lee Reinhardt, Professional Executive Freelancer
- Alisha Brown-Fagan, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Office of Equity & Anti-Racism Initiatives, Province of Nova Scotia
- Morgan Manzer, Lawyer, Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Social Justice Office
- Susan Hayes, Chief Professional Resources Officer, Stewart McKelvey
We thank the committee and all NSBS members for their continued professionalism, commitment to NSBS and its members and those whom we serve.
Profile of Cheryl Hodder, QC
Media Release
NSBS CEO Search Profile
NSBS President Melanie Petrunia’s Annual Meeting Speech
As we welcome our new President Melanie Petrunia, we would like to share a recording of the speech she gave at the Annual Meeting on June 18, 2022.
July Council Documents
The Society’s Council met Friday, July 22, 2022, at 9:00 AM in person and via Zoom.
Recognizing Emancipation Day
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.
All Nova Scotians are encouraged 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.
The Society will be posting a list of resources on August 1 to acknowledge Emancipation Day.
Pride Reception
On July 16th, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society co-hosted the 18th Annual Pride Reception with the Canadian Bar Association Nova Scotia Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community. Special thanks to Rhiannon Makohoniuk the Executive Director of the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia – RRANS who spoke about RRANS work with LGBTQI+ refugees.
Your Practice
Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia
FRAUD ALERT: Copyright Infringement Scam Emails
NSLAP WELLNESS: Navigating Transphobia
Amendments to Power of Attorney Act Now in Effect
On July 5, the amendments to the Power of Attorney Act took effect. According to a press release from the Government of Nova Scotia, amendments now in effect include:
- a list of the donor’s rights and protections, including additional safeguards such as being able to choose to appoint a monitor to whom the attorney must also report periodically and upon request
- new requirements for the valid execution of a power of attorney, including that it be in writing, dated and witnessed by two people;
- modern concepts of capacity, including an outline of the required approach to decision-making
The explanatory notes of Bill No. 131 Powers of Attorney Act (amended) is a resource for lawyers to become oriented with the changes.
The Society advises all lawyers to review the amendments and adapt their procedures accordingly.
Practical suggestions from Legal Services Support:
- make sure your precedents are updated;
- set aside old precedents to prevent accidental use;
- discuss with your colleagues – make sure everyone is aware;
- discuss with your staff, so they know to always use updated precedents;
- be careful when relying on a POA dated on or after July 5th 2022.
If you have questions, contact the Society’s Legal Services Support at lss@nsbs.org.
Changes in Category
In every issue of our newsletter InForum, we provide updates on category changes. These are the Changes in Category from June 29, 2022 to July 26, 2022
Welcome to our new articled clerks:
| Cassandra Pauline Cavanagh |
| Melvin Mulo Farenkia |
| Ian Pham |
These members have changed to Practising status:
| Sarah Jacqueline Dobson |
| Kim Thien Duong |
| Benjamin Jay Fairbanks |
| John Walter Morgan |
These members have changed to Non-Practising status:
| Cheryl Elaine (Gibson) Byard |
| David J. Almon |
| Jennifer Molloy Anderson |
| Roy Gordon Argand |
| Mallory Erna Barbara Arnott |
| Pamela Lynn Blaikie |
| Niall Patrick Burke |
| Hercules Chiu Chee Chung |
| J. Gregory Clooney |
| Gina Maria Connor |
| Rebecca (Becky) Druhan |
| Sarah Jean Smith Emery |
| Margo Christine Fulmer |
| Colette Michelle Goodyear |
| Emma Rose Goulden |
| James Alfred John Gumpert, QC |
| Peter W. Gurnham, QC |
| Kristy Jacqueline Hall |
| Katherine Janine Kerr |
| Todd Maarten Kramers |
| Holly Lee Lake |
| Darlene Marie Lamey, LLB, HSC, MAeD |
| Nora Jane MacIntosh |
| Shirley-Anne Mailman |
| Marian F. Mancini |
| Marcus Arthur Lee Marsman |
| Janet Louise McIntosh |
| Roy Alex Alan Mills |
| M. Coleen Morrison |
| Sarah Anne Perrone-Panneton |
| David Alan Proudfoot |
| Michael Thompson Pugsley, QC |
| Liam James Queripel |
| Karen A. Quigley |
| Beatrice Marie Renton |
| Jordan Marie Richard |
| Michael Yvon Robichaud |
| Dana Lynne Scholz |
| Andrew James Scott |
| Rheanne Nicole Alisch Sherman |
| Angela Eva Hope Simmonds |
| Roland Marko Simmonds |
| Jeffery Joseph Slivocka |
| Avram David Spatz |
| Elizabeth-Joy Kellee Taylor |
| George Arthur Theuerkauf, QC |
| Nicole Marie Thimot |
| Sophia Margaret Trinacty |
| Brian Victor Vardigans |
| Lori Katelyn Wareham |
| Jennifer Star Weston |
| Chung Yuan Wu |
| Rachel Alexandra Zuliniak |
These members have changed to Retired status:
| Corinne Ruth Corbett, QC |
| Robert Keith Dickson, QC |
| Charles Arthur Ellis |
| Katherine Sara Filbee |
| Andrea Darlene Gillis |
| Kirby Eileen Grant |
| Jeffrey Ernest Gunter |
| Daniele Hart |
| Fiona M. Imrie, QC |
| Keith Davies Lehwald |
| Kevin Charles MacDonald |
| Bruce William MacGregor, QC |
| Matthew Warren Napier, QC |
| Robert Francis Purcell |
| Mark Bennett Purdy |
| Genna Danielle Squires |
| Paula Rae Taylor |
| Jean A. Wiseman |
In Memoriam
Our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of:
Bruce MacLeod Thomson, who passed away on July 18, 2022. He practiced primarily in Ontario with Stephenson Black, Legal Aid Ontario, and at his own practice.
John Davison Moore, QC, who passed away on July 18, 2022. He was a retired partner at Stewart McKelvey and a past President of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
For Your Information
One-Year Term Receptionist Posting—Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
Employer: NOVA SCOTIA BARRISTERS’ SOCIETY (NSBS)
Position: Receptionist
Position Type: Full-time (On-site), One-year Term (approx. September 2022 – August 2023)
Job Location: Halifax, NS
About Us
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.
About the Receptionist
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society seeks a Receptionist who will provide exceptional service to staff, members and the public as first point of contact with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. Primarily, the Receptionist maintains the switchboard and reception area for the Society. The effective Receptionist accurately routes external clients to the right people, saving time and providing expeditious service. The Receptionist also provides general administrative support for various functions in the Society as needed.
Key Responsibilities
• Operates main switchboard, greets, and directs visitors and volunteers as required
• Responds to inquiries (via telephone or in person) from the public and members of the legal profession by providing access to the correct information or redirecting the inquiry to the appropriate person or agency
• Coordinates distribution of correspondence, outgoing and incoming facsimiles, emails, and packages
• Opens, date stamps and distributes mail
• Processes debit/credit card payments in person, over the phone or by email/fax.
• Administrates petty cash.
• Processes payments received in accordance with established procedures including making batches, scanning cheques.
• Issues Law Stamps in accordance with established procedures
• Monitors postage and printer/copier meters
• Files accounts payable and supporting documentation, as required
• Maintains primary record of all debit/credit/cheques/cash/direct deposits for entry to iMIS database.
• Organize courier pick-ups with departments
• Assists members and public with file searches (e.g., Wills, Real Estate files, etc.)
• Assists members with Account login issues (e.g., passwords, unlocking accounts, etc.)
• Assists Database Manager with basic data entry changes (e.g., email, phone, fax) and data entry related to various processes (e.g., Law Corp Renewals)
• Provides general administrative support to departments as required
• Contacts Building Maintenance (dispatch) regarding cleaning and repairs
• Maintains office and kitchen supplies and ensures cleanliness of staff lunchroom
• Assists with meeting preparation including catering and clean-up as needed
Requirements, Skills and Assets
This position exercises extensive external communication and a significant level of internal communication skills as well as mature judgement; resourcefulness; and the ability to work mainly in an unsupervised environment. Specifically, the position requirements, skills and assets are:
Requirements:
• Three or more years of relevant experience
• Grade 12 and Secretarial or Office Administration Diploma from a recognized academic institution
Skills:
• Exceptional team member and public service focus
• Ability to efficiently handle a multi-line switchboard
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) with a pleasant telephone manner
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Intermediate keyboarding and data entry skills with a broad knowledge of office software applications (MS Office)
• Experience with administrative procedures and file management
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and adept in dealing with the public
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Assets:
• Office administration/management experience
• Experience working in a legal environment
Salary: $39,339 – $46,832
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 and a full health and dental benefit package.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 08/12/2022
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
Missing Wills
Name on will: Larry Upham
Last known residence: 124 Mosher Road, Head of Chezzetcook
Any lawyers with information please contact Matthew Upham at matthewupham123@gmail.com or 902-293-1508
Name on will: Frederick Briand
Last known residence: 31 Smith Way, Antigonish
Any lawyers with information please contact Daniel MacIsaac at djmi@ns.sympatico or 902-863-5398
Name on will: Douglas Melvin David French
Last known residence: 84 Whynachts Point Rd, Tantallon
Any lawyers with information please contact Anne French at annefrench3@gmail.com or 506-847-7620
Name on will: Vincent James Hubley
Last known residence: 179 Camelot Drive, Seabright
Any lawyers with information please contact Hazel MacRae at Hazel.MacRae@msvu.ca or 902-457-0772
Name on will: Margaret Gillen
Last known residence: 24 Lynn Road, Halifax
Any lawyers with information please contact Lore Algee at loriparuch@hotmail.com or 902-489-1395
News from the NS Courts
- Masking in courthouses will continue until at least Sept. 1
- Provincial Court updates its process for applying for peace bonds
- Civil Procedure Rule amendments
Career Opportunities
Receptionist—Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
Legal Assistant / Paralegal – Landry, McGillivray
Agent for the Director of Public Prosecutions
Resource Assistant – Patterson Law, New Glasgow
Property Paralegal – Patterson Law, Bridgewater
Legal Assistant – Patterson Law, Bridgewater
Associate Lawyer, Property, Probate & Estate Planning – Patterson Law, Bridgewater
Legal Counsel (Litigation) I-V
Immigration Assistant / Paralegal
Commercial Business Development Manager
Agent for the Director of Public Prosecutions
Legal Assistant – Business Law
Professional Conduct Consultant
Property Assistant – Patterson Law, New Glasgow
Board Member – Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education
Upcoming Events
- Attendance Management Essentials: Upholding rights, enforcing obligations (August 9, 2022)
- Predicaments in Privacy: An update on privacy and surveillance technology in the workplace (August 23, 2022)
These events include NSBS events as well as professional development opportunities and related events posted to the events page on our website.