October InForum - Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

October InForum: New Disability Equity Committee Seeking Members, NSBS/LIANS Solo & Small Firm Conference and more

Society News

Submit Your Expression of Interest: 2022-2023 Second Vice-President

Connect with colleagues across the Province and contribute to your profession on the Society’s Council

The Society’s Nominating Committee will nominate a candidate for Second Vice-President by the end of January 2022.

Pursuant to s. 8(1) of the Legal Professional Act at least one of the Officers must reside outside the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). The Committee invites practising lawyers from outside of HRM to submit an expression of interest for the 2022-2023 Second Vice-President opportunity. All members are invited to provide recommendations.

As the Second Vice-President, you’ll help lead the Society and lend your voice and unique insights to decisions that impact Nova Scotia’s legal profession. Review the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan to learn more about our current goals and objectives.

The Second Vice-President has unquestionable integrity, respect for others, leadership and communication skills, strategic thinking, consensus building, and is committed to the Society’s purpose and strategic direction.

Review the position description to learn more.

The 2022-2023 Second Vice-President will be elected in March 2022 and will take office at the June 2022 Annual Meeting. The successful candidate will become First Vice-President in June 2023 and President in June 2024.

Do you want to recommend someone for consideration? Are you interested in being considered? Please complete our online expression of interest form by 4:00 PM on Friday, November 12, 2021.

2022-2023 Second Vice-President Expression of Interest Form

Your submission will be directed to the Nominating Committee Chair, Mark Scott QC.

We value diversity on Council and welcome applications from all employment equity groups. We also have the technology required for volunteers to attend meetings online via video conferencing. All names put forward will be considered and treated confidentially.

Questions? Please contact the Society’s Acting Executive Director, Jacqueline Mullenger, at [email protected].

Submit your Expression of Interest for the New Disability Equity Committee

Council recently established the Disability Equity Committee (DEC) at the September 2021 meeting.

The DEC supports Council in the governance of the Society and in advancing the strategic plan by promoting, monitoring, and providing advice about programs and policies that address issues of accessibility and discrimination – as experienced by members of disability communities – in the legal profession and with regard to the administration of justice.

Review the DEC’s draft Terms of Reference (PDF)

The Nominating Committee is populating the DEC and is looking for members and public representatives with lived experience from the disability community.

The DEC will meet approximately six times per year on average. Committee members are not required to attend meetings in person at this time and can participate via video conference.

Are you interested in being considered for this appointment?

To be considered, please complete our online expression of interest form which includes an area to upload your brief resume (1 or 2 pages). In your expression of interest, please outline your lived experience and describe why you’re interested in this committee and what skills, attributes you could bring to that committee’s work.

Disability Equity Committee Expression of Interest Form

Submit the expression of interest form by 4:00 PM Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

We value diversity on all our committees and welcome applications from all equity deserving groups.

Questions or assistance? Contact Katie Lister, Governance, Policy & Planning Advisor, at [email protected].

Nominating Committee Seeking Central or Cape Breton District Members

The Nominating Committee supports Council in the governance of the Society by assisting with the recruitment of members of Council, Officers, Committees, working groups and Society’s representatives.

The Nominating Committee is passionate about ensuring the Committee’s composition represents Nova Scotia’s legal profession and reflects the public we serve. The Committee meets approximately six times per year and members are not required to attend meetings in person at this time and can participate via video conference.

Are you a member from the Central or Cape Breton district? Consider submitting an expression of interest to be considered for an appointment to the Nominating Committee. Recruitment and/or interviewing experience is considered an asset.

Please note that your district corresponds to your current mailing address on file at the Society. Review the Society’s district map.

To be considered, please complete our online expression of interest form which includes a field to upload your brief resume (1-2 pages) and our skills & attributes matrix.

Submit your expression of interest by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

We value diversity on all our committees and welcome applications from all equity deserving groups.

Questions or assistance? Connect with the Society’s Governance, Policy & Planning Advisor, Katie Lister, at [email protected].

Nominating Committee Expression of Interest Form:

Save the Date for the NSBS/LIANS Solo and Small Firm Virtual Conference

Join the Society and LIANS on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, for the 13^th annual Solo and Small Firm Conference.

This virtual conference includes sessions that may be eligible to count towards your annual CPD requirements. Mark your calendar for this event and stay tuned for conference session details and registration information!

The Society’s Office is now a Mandatory Vaccination Facility

Effective November 1, 2021, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society’s office will be a mandatory vaccination facility which means that anyone entering the office (800–2000 Barrington Street, Halifax NS) must be fully vaccinated in accordance with public health guidelines (currently two weeks post your second dose) and must provide proof of vaccination status.

The Society made the decision to implement a mandatory vaccination policy to promote the health and safety of the Society’s staff and any others who might access the building from time to time.

Proof of vaccination status can be printed or downloaded from the Government of Nova Scotia website (https://novascotia.flow.canimmunize.ca/en/portal) and provided in advance or prior to entry. Once your status is confirmed, any record provided will be deleted/destroyed. If you prefer to control that process, you can bring a printout and destroy it yourself after your status has been noted or display it on your smartphone/other electronic devices.

To connect with us:

Call our main switchboard at 902-422-1491
Email our staff – review our staff directory

Drop mail/parcels in our designated drop boxes outside of our office
Visit our office in person – to ensure we’re accessible to the public that we serve, our reception is open Tuesdays and Fridays starting Tuesday, November 2, 2021. If you choose to visit our office in person, please have your proof of vaccination status prepared.

NSBS Library

The Society’s Library will be opening soon with details to follow. In the meantime, Library staff continue to be available for research and reference assistance by emailing [email protected] or calling 1 866-219-1202 (toll-free). “Curbside” pick-up and drop-off is still available.

Please note that we do not require paper copies of applications:

Email your scanned articling application to [email protected]
Email your scanned transfer application to [email protected].
Email your scanned changes in category application to [email protected].

Note that you can scan documents using most smartphones.

Additional questions? Connect with us at [email protected] or review our contact information.

External Independent Review

Call for Participation

The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has acknowledged the existence of systemic discrimination in the justice system and within the Society. In its acknowledgement the Society stated, in part:

We not only acknowledge and regret the existence of systemic discrimination within the justice system and the Society but also recognize the need for action and education to address it. The Society is committed to reducing barriers created by racism, unconscious bias, and discrimination. We are committed to continuing our efforts to learn, to adapt, to improve our processes and to lead Nova Scotia’s legal profession by example. In collaboration with our members, the legal entities we regulate, stakeholders, and justice system partners, we will work diligently towards eliminating all forms of discrimination in the justice system and in the Society.

As part of its commitment to eliminate systemic discrimination, I have been retained by the society, as set out in the Terms of Reference to undertake a comprehensive external, independent review of the Society’s policies and processes to identify and address any areas of systemic discrimination that exist within the Society.

I am writing to request the assistance and input of members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the general public to share your experiences, views and opinions with me in relation to this review as outlined in the Terms of Reference.

If you wish to speak with me or provide your views in writing I may be contacted at the dedicated email address set up by the Society at [email protected].

The review is being conducted on a confidential basis. Any conversations, interviews, or thoughts and opinions submitted in writing will be entirely confidential and any comments will be anonymized to remove any indicators of identity.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated assistance in the review.

Douglas G. Ruck, Q.C.

Equity & Access

Mi’kmaq History Month

October is Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia, as proclaimed in 1993 by then Premier John Savage and Kji-Saqmaw Ben Sylliboy of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, or the Sante’ Mawio’mi. The 2021 Mi’Kmaq History Month theme is Exploring Treaties and Treaty Relationships. Mi’kmaq History Month is recognized in October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

We encourage our members to continue their learning during Mi’kmaq History Month and on an ongoing basis.

Review the related resources we’ve compiled members including:

Mi’kmaq History Month Reading list
Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall Jr. Prosecution
(Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall, Jr., Prosecution. – 1989)
Kisa’muemkewey
(written by NSBS President Tuma Young QC)
Ko’wey Net “Biodiversity
(written by NSBS President Tuma Young QC)
Reconciliation is Hard Work
(written by NSBS President Tuma Young QC)

Equity in Action: Treating Your Clients and Colleagues the Way They Want to be Treated

This Equity in Action blog post was written by Asha Pelly, NSBS Summer Law Student

Do you ask your clients how they would like to be treated?

Our Equity in Action blog series is moving on to the fifth step in our Six Steps to Make Your Legal Workplace more Equitable – asking your clients and colleagues how they would like to be treated. The best way to assess your client or colleague’s needs is to ask directly, rather than making assumptions based on stereotypes.

You’re encouraged to provide your thoughts by commenting on the blog!

Read the latest Equity in Action blog

Your Practice

Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia

FRAUD ALERT: Large Construction Machine Purchase/Transaction Scam

NSLAP WELLNESS: International Stress Awareness Week (Nov 1-5) & National Stress Awareness Day (Nov 3)

NSLAP WELLNESS: Intimate Partner Violence

Request for Input on Revised Real Estate Standards

Save the Date: LIANS and NSBS Solo and Small Firm Virtual Conference, November 24th, 2021

Changes in Category: September 30, 2021- October 27, 2021

In every issue of our newsletter InForum, we provide updates on category changes.

Welcome to our new articled clerks:

Matthew Ray Fancey

William Johnston Hatfield

These members have changed to Practising status:

Jane Elise Bates

Tim Linwood Cranston

Gregg William Knudsen

Suzanne L. Pelham Belliveau

These members have changed to Non-Practising status:

Alison Jane Bird

Vanessa Grace Nicholson

Chantal Claire Veinotte

Jennifer Star Weston

Elizabeth Anne Whelton, QC

Daphne Clara Mary Ann Williamson

Professional Responsibility

For Your Information

CABL National 2021 Annual Conference: Resilience, Perseverance & Growth.

The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers is hosting its first two-day virtual conference from November 4-5, 2021. Learn more.

“But I Look Like a Lawyer” Documentary

The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC (FACL BC) is premiering its mini-documentary, “But I Look Like a Lawyer”, on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm at a virtual Zoom event. The mini-documentary highlights the discrimination, stereotyping and bias experienced by members of the pan-Asian legal community. Learn more.

The Halifax office of Cox & Palmer will be relocating to Nova Centre this November

Located in the heart of downtown, Nova Centre is an impressive building designed with a focus on optimizing access to natural light and integrating innovative, sustainable solutions into the workplace. We look forward to welcoming our clients into this new space.

Kindly update your files with our new civic address:

Civic address as November 15, 2021

Nova Centre | South Tower
Suite 1500
1625 Grafton Street
Halifax NS B3J 0E8

Our mailing address, email and phone numbers remain the same:

PO Box 2380 Central
Halifax, NS B3J 3E5

Mellen Financial Services: Financial and valuation services for NS lawyers & firms

Roger Mellen Sr. is a First Nation from Cape Breton, pursuing the prestigious “Chartered Business Valuator” designation. He hopes to become the first Mi’kmaq “CBV”. In doing so, he will add to his already impressive designations of “MBA, BBA, DBAD, CPA, and CMA”.

Mr. Mellen is currently registered in the CBV Institute Program of Studies. He will be offering financial and valuation services to Nova Scotia lawyers and law firms.

Review his proposal letter and connect with him for more information at [email protected].

High Response Rate to National Well-Being Study

A team of researchers at the Université de Sherbrooke is analyzing data collected from the national well-being survey of legal professionals from across Canada conducted this summer. Learn more.

Volunteer Opportunities: Nova Scotia Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs)

Grow your career. Serve your community. Serving on an agency, board, or commission can help you grow personally and professionally while making a real impact in your community. The deadline for some applications is Tuesday, November 16, 2021. It’s easy to apply with our new online application. To learn more and apply visit: https://novascotia.ca/abc or call 1-866-206-6844 (toll-free).

The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy. We welcome applications from Aboriginal people, African Nova Scotians, other racially visible people, persons with disabilities, women, and other employment equity groups. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify.

Missing Wills

Name on will: Christina Marie Fuller
Last known residence: Halifax, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact Cydney Kane at [email protected] or (902) 422-3583.

Name on will: Dorothy MacIsaac
Last known residence: Pictou, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact Aleasa Tasker at [email protected] or (780) 832-8146.

Name on will: Mary Keddy-Boyd
Last known residence: Kingston, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact Trinda Ernst at [email protected] or (902) 678-3257.

Name on will: Frances McKenzie
Last known residence: Glace Bay, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact [email protected] or (902) 577-5617

Name on will: Allison Willis
Last known residence: North Preston, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact Kimberley Sweeney [email protected] or (902) 420-8845

Name on will: Kenneth Lewis Crossman
Last known residence: Sydney, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact Natalie Crossman at [email protected] or (506) 852-0156

Name on will: Kathryn Traynor
Last known residence: Lunenburg, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact Brent Silver at [email protected] or (902) 543-0068

Name on will: Elsie Jean Fraser
Last known residence: New Glasgow, NS
Any lawyers with information please contact Ronda Fraser at [email protected] or (519) 716-1155

News from the NS Courts

The current COVID-19 restrictions for the NS Courts will remain in place in Phase 5 of the Province’s reopening

Career Opportunities

Upcoming Events

These events include NSBS events as well as professional development opportunities and related events posted to the events page on our website.

Why Indigenous Cultural Competency is Important (November 3)
CABL 2021 Annual Conference: Resilience, Perseverance, and Growth (November 4)
Key Financial Issues in Family Law (November 4)
FACL BC presents “But I Look Like a Lawyer” Documentary (November 5)
2021 Prosecution of Animal Abuse Conference (November 6)
Crossing the Line?: Distinguishing between legitimate management, harassment, and borderline behaviours (November 9)
Online LRA Qualification Assessment (November 10)
National Pensions Conference (November 17 & 18)
Serving Clients as They Age: What All Lawyers Need to Know https://nsbs.org/events/advising-the-aging-client-what-all-lawyers-need-to-know/ (November 18)
APTLA’s 20th Anniversary Conference – What I Wish I Knew Before… (November 19)
LIANS and NSBS Solo and Small Firm Conference (November 24)
Conducting Effective Virtual Examinations (November 25)
Investigating with Integrity: Professionalism in conducting workplace investigations (November 25)
Limited Scope Lawyering in Family Law Cases (December 2)
RELANS 2021 Conference (December 6)
Using Joint Ownership in Estate Planning (December 8)
2021 in Employment Law: Critical decisions that will affect your practice (December 9)
Overcoming Procrastination: How to Kick the Habit (December 16)
Executor Insurance – Mitigating Risk on Estate Files (December 16)
Online LRA Qualification Assessment (January 12)
Tax Planning for Lawyers (January 20)