• 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Events

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