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As the regulator of the legal profession, the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society protects the public interest in the practice of law.
The Society sets and maintains standards for the credentialing and admission of those who seek to practise law in Nova Scotia. (At left: Bar Admission Ceremony 2011, Pier 21) Through its regulation, the Society ensures the professional responsibility and continuing competence of lawyers, with ethical rules and professional development requirements.
Improving the administration of justice is another key aspect of the Society’s public mandate, with initiatives to increase equity and diversity within the legal profession, and to enhance access to justice for all Nova Scotians.
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A new Code of Professional Conduct for lawyers in Nova Scotia
Law societies across Canada are adopting a national set of ethical rules for lawyers, with minor provincial variations. Nova Scotia’s Code of Professional Conduct came into effect January 1, 2012, replacing the Legal Ethics Handbook that has guided lawyers in the province since 1990.
All practising lawyers and articled clerks must complete a mandatory online Code assessment by April 30, 2012. Find the fully searchable Code in the Regulation section – the Executive Summary offers FAQs and details about the major changes.
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Society governance for 2011-2012
The Council of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society is responsible for governance of the legal profession. Executive officers for 2011-2012 are President Daniel M. Campbell QC (centre), First Vice-President Timothy G.J. Daley QC (at right) and Second Vice-President René Gallant (at left). Joining them on Council are 13 lawyers elected across the province and five appointed members, including three public representatives.
Council manages the Society’s strategic planning process; current priorities are excellence in regulation and governance, enhancing competence of lawyers, and working to improve the administration of justice. For ongoing updates, see Council materials.
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NSBS publications are available online
The Society produces a number of informative publications on a regular basis. Our print magazine, the Society Record, is mailed to subscribers but is also available online.
Other Society publications are the InForum newsletter, published online every two weeks, the quarterly Nova Scotia Law News and the NSBS Annual Report.
News
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Code of Professional Conduct – Proposed Rule on Conflicts of Interest
The new Code of Professional Conduct came into force in Nova Scotia on January 1, 2012.Read More > -
Halifax District Byelection results
Of 1,648 eligible voters, 517 (31.4%) cast electronic ballots. The results are as follows: (* indicates successful candidate) NSBS 2012 Council Byelection – Halifax DistrictRead More > -
New Queen's Counsel appointments
The Society congratulates the following 12 Nova Scotia lawyers on their new Queen's Counsel designations, announced December 22 by the Hon. Ross Landry, Justice Minister and Attorney General:Read More >
Events
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Jan
30Interpreting Legislation (CBA-NS)
The Canadian Bar Association - Nova Scotia's January Online CLE Interpreting LegislationRead More > -
Feb
01Family Dynamics: The Effects of Power Imbalances and Abuse on the Family
This three-day course will assist you in learning how to utilize intake screening tools to assess whether mediation is appropriate, safe and fair for the respective individuals prior to the mediation and throughout the entire mediation process.Read More > -
Feb
01Mini Law School: Understanding the Law of Negligence
Public Lecture Series Ever wanted to know what it's like to go to law school? Curious about current issues in the law? Enjoy attending free lectures? Then join us for the next Mini Law School lecture!Read More >
NSBS statistics
Find current statistics for Nova Scotia’s legal profession in the Society's Statistical Snapshot, updated annually.
Search for a lawyer
Use the Society’s member directory to look up lawyers by name, firm or location. It’s also available with this mobile search tool.
New CPD requirement
Practising lawyers will be required to complete at least 12 hours of continuing professional development each year, starting in 2012. See the NSBS CPD Requirement.
