NSBS Professional Responsibility Opportunities for Racialized Lawyers and Members of the Public

The objective of the Society’s professional responsibility processes is to protect the public and preserve the integrity of the legal profession.

Recognizing the importance of reflecting the diversity of our membership and the public we serve in our work and governance, the Society is recruiting individuals from Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, and racialized communities for various professional responsibility roles.

Some of the roles provide compensation, as described below, and training is provided.

Committee Members

We are seeking both racialized NS lawyers and members of the public to participate in the following committees:

1. Complaints Investigation Committee (CIC) – Investigates complaints against lawyers.
2. Hearing Committee – Hears charges of professional misconduct. Honouraria dependent upon the length of the respective hearing.
3. Code of Professional Conduct Committee – Reviews and updates the Code of Professional Conduct.
4. Professional Responsibility Policies and Procedures Committee – Reviews and updates policies, procedures, and regulations related to the professional responsibility process.
5. Lawyers’ Fund for Client Compensation Committee – Reviews claims of lawyer misappropriation of client funds.
6. Fitness to Practise Committee – Diversionary program from the discipline process for lawyers experiencing health-related capacity concerns.
7. Complaints Review Committee – Reviews complaints dismissed at the staff level on request of the complainant.

Please note that committee positions are on a volunteer basis for lawyers. Public representatives are entitled to a $200 honourarium per day for attendance at committee meetings (in person or virtual).

Practice Reviewer

Racialized NSBS lawyers are sought to review the practices of members, pursuant to an order of the CIC under s.36 of the Legal Profession Act.

1. Training is provided.
2. Compensation is provided in accordance with the Society’s Professional Fees Policy.
3. This role is for seasoned lawyers who have experience in private practice and understand the day-to-day requirements of running a law firm.  
4. Some expectations of this role include writing reports and presenting them to the CIC.

Custodian and Receiver

Racialized NSBS lawyers are sought to manage and/or wind up law practices. A Receiver is appointed by the CIC or Hearing panel following a suspension or disbarment, while custodians are appointed by Court Order, Receivers and custodians do not assume carriage of a lawyer’s client files but make sure that client files, property, or any trust funds are transferred to new counsel or returned to the client.

1. Training is provided.
2. Compensation is provided in accordance with the Society’s Professional Fees Policy.
3. Some expectations of this role include writing reports and presenting them to the CIC, liaising with the Courts, opposing counsel, and management and closure of bank accounts, including trust accounts.

 Practice Supervisor 

Racialized NSBS lawyers are sought to act as practice supervisors, providing mentorship and support to lawyers in the discipline process addressing practice-related concerns. Practice supervisors meet with lawyers monthly to discuss file work, file load, and assist them with organizational systems, including bring forward, accounting, client communications, and file documentation.

1. This role is appropriate for a senior lawyer with law office management experience.
2. Compensation is provided in accordance with the Society’s Professional Fees Policy.
3. Some expectations of this role include writing reports and presenting them to the CIC.

How to Apply

 If you are interested in any of these roles, or if you would like to recommend someone, please contact us via email at equity@nsbs.org.

Applications must include:

• A brief expression of interest (max. 1 page) – please describe why you’re interested in joining the committee, and the attributes and experience you could bring to this committee’s work
• A brief resume (1-2 pages)
• A completed Skills Matrix

The Society asks for a skills matrix to better understand the skills and backgrounds of applicants. We accommodate committee members who prefer to attend meetings via video.  

If you require an accommodation or assistance with preparing an application, please contact our Equity and Access office at equity@nsbs.org.