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September 2026
IN THIS ISSUE: 2027-2029 Council Positions, Bar Admissions, Truth & Reconciliation Day, LIANS 2025 Report, New Competency Framework, Court Retirees, Supreme Court of Canada in Halifax, Governance Specialist, ABC Campaigns, Missing Wills, Equity in Action, Days of Significance, and Gown for Sale
Articles and News
NSBS Opens Expressions of Interest for 2027-2029 Committee Positions
The Society is seeking expressions of interest from members for various NSBS committees. The Nominating Committee will recommend individuals to Council to be appointed to regulatory and Council committees for two-year terms (2027-2029) starting January 1, 2027.
Nova Scotia Bar Admissions – September 11, 2026
In a ceremony held at the Halifax Law Courts on Sept. 11, 2026, seventeen individuals were admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar.
Truth and Reconciliation Day and Mi’kmaw History Month 2026
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to honour Survivors, their families and communities, and those who did not return home from residential schools.
NSBS Council Moves to Adopt Competencies for Entry to Legal Practice (CELP)
On September 18, 2026, the Council of the NSBS passed a motion to adopt CELP to replace its existing entry-to-practice competency framework.
LIANS Releases 2025 Annual Report
The Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia (LIANS) has released its 2025 Annual Report.
FLSC on International Day of Democracy 2026
Federation of Law Societies of Canada releases statement for International Day of Democracy – September 15th, 2026.
Deadlines
King’s Counsel 2027 Applications and Nominations Open
Deadline: October 2, 2026
The Advisory Committee on King’s Counsel Appointments for 2027 will convene in the fall to consider candidates for the next King’s Counsel appointments.
Dara Gordon Leadership Event
RSVP: October 5, 2026
The NSBS invites you to our Dara Gordon Leadership Event to celebrate the life of Dara Gordon QC and provide an opportunity for lawyers to discuss women’s leadership in the legal profession.
Across the Profession
Nova Scotia Courts
Justice Joel E. Fichaud Retires from the Court of Appeal
Justice J. Edward Scanlan Retires from the Court of Appeal
Supreme Court of Canada
Supreme Court of Canada to visit Halifax in September 2027
Opportunities and Calls for Interest
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society is seeking a Governance Specialist & Executive Assistant to the Executive Director to join our team.
Fall 2026 Provincial ABC Advertisement Campaign
The Government of Nova Scotia’s Fall 2026 ABC advertisement campaign begins September 12, 2026, applications due October 20, 2026.
Check out our new Volunteer Opportunities page for more board and pro bono opportunities.
Missing Wills – September 2026
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 period ending September 15, 2026.
Equity and Access Resources
Equity in Action Scenario: Truth and Reconciliation Day
Scenario: A mid-sized law firm has a diverse group of lawyers and staff, including several Indigenous employees sends an email reminding employees that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is approaching.
Equity in Action Scenario: When the Advocate Needs an Advocate (Answers)
Check out the NSBS answers to the Equity in Action Scenario: When the Advocate Needs an Advocate. Be sure to review the full scenario before reading the answers.