IN THIS ISSUE: AI and the Legal Profession, King’s Counsel 2025, NSBS Leadership Transition, Annual Report, Articling Survey, Council Opportunities, and Missing Wills June and July.
Articles and News
AI Guide for Legal Practices in Nova Scotia
AI is not coming—it is already here. Many Nova Scotian lawyers and law firms are experimenting with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and legal-specific AI platforms. These tools offer the promise of greater speed and efficiency but also raise questions about how they intersect with existing professional obligations.
The goal of this Guide is to help lawyers in Nova Scotia navigate this evolving landscape in a manner that is consistent with their ethical, professional, and regulatory responsibilities.
King’s Counsel 2025 Applications and Nominations Open
The Advisory Committee on King’s Counsel Appointments for 2025, chaired by the Honourable Justice James L. Chipman, will convene in the fall to consider candidates for the next King’s Counsel appointments.
Further information about application criteria, along with the fillable PDF application forms, can be found on the King’s Counsel Appointment Process page.
Leadership Transition Announcement
Cheryl Hodder KC, CEO of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, has informed Council of her decision to conclude her tenure with the Society in December 2025. After thoughtful reflection, Cheryl has chosen to pursue her long-standing passion for governance and will be taking on Board Director roles, along with additional opportunities in the governance and business advisory space. Click here to learn more.
Society Reports
Annual Report 2024 in Review
We are pleased to provide our Annual Report covering May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025.
Access the full report here: NSBS Annual Report 2024 in Review
Articling Survey 2024 Results
We recently conducted a survey to better understand the articling experience and the training of new lawyers.
The information gathered from the survey, along with other information and data collected from various sources, will inform next steps in addressing findings relating to lawyer competence and DEIA.
Learn more and access the full report here: Articling Program Assessment.
Opportunities and Calls for Interest
NSBS Second VP for 2025-2026 Term
The Society’s Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for Second Vice-President. Members from all regions across Nova Scotia are invited to provide recommendations or to volunteer to be considered. If you wish to recommend someone for consideration, or if you’re interested in being considered, please review and submit the following materials in the link below by Friday, September 5th, 2025.
Public Representatives for NSBS Council
We’re looking for three members of the public, with a keen interest in contributing to Nova Scotia’s legal profession and to their community, to fill vacant Public Representative seats on Council. If you wish to recommend someone for consideration, or if you’re interested in being considered, please review and submit the following materials in the link below by Friday, September 5th, 2025.
CEED Board of Directors
The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development is seeking value-aligned leaders who bring a collaborative mindset, strong ethical judgment, and a desire to contribute to the growth of Nova Scotia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for their Board of Directors: experience in corporate law, not-for-profit governance, or regulatory compliance desired.
Missing Wills (June and July)
We offer an online form whereby members of the public may provide details relating to a family member’s Will, should they be unable to locate it.
We have been advised of the following missing Wills for the 30-day periods ending June 15 and July 15, 2025.
We want to ensure this brief is helpful. Please feel free to reach out to discuss what types of information you want to receive, and how you want to receive it.
Contact us at communications@nsbs.org