We ensure lawyers serve all Nova Scotians with trust, integrity, and professionalism
We regulate
the legal profession in the public interest
- Establishing and upholding ethical standards
- Accrediting articling clerks and lawyers
- Receiving and investigating complaints concerning lawyers
- Setting lawyers’ practice standards and competency requirements
- Supporting access to justice
We value
Transparency
Being open, honest, and transparent in our processes, and timely in our decision making
Respect
Acknowledging the humanity and worth of all individuals and treating them accordingly
Accountability
Being ethical, responsive, independent, and objective
This place and people
Mi’kmaq Land Acknowledgement
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) People first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
African Nova Scotian Acknowledgement
We recognize that African Nova Scotians are a distinct people who form part of over 52 historical land based communities, whose histories, legacies, and contributions have enriched that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia for over 400 years.
We all succeed when lawyers deliver competent, ethical, legal services to all Nova Scotians according to the highest professional standards
For Nova Scotia Lawyers, NSBS provides guidance at every step.
Starting
Starting can mean re-starting, too. Whether you’re studying, articling, relocating, or finding a new path, we have the tools you need.
Practising
Practising at the highest standards means you’re fully in practice, and want to ensure you’re delivering at the top of your profession.
Retiring Well
Retiring means more than succession planning. Leave your practice in the best shape possible for clients, colleagues, and community.
Missing Wills: March 16, 2026
March 2026 – We have been advised of the following missing Wills during the last 30 days.
Professional Standards Updated: Record Retention and Maintenance of Electronic Data
On February 27, 2026, Council approved the amalgamation and update of two Law Office Management Practice Standards.
Equity in Action Scenario: Hiring a New Lawyer (Answers)
Review the NSBS answers from our last Equity in Action Scenario: Hiring a New Lawyer. Learn more about how to support diverse hiring practices.
Expressions of Interest: HRM District Council
The Society is seeking to fill a vacancy on Council for a lawyer representing the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) District.
International Women’s Day – March 8, 2026
International Women’s Day reminds us that progress toward gender equality is real, but far from complete.
Society nominates Rob Kennedy as 2026/2027 Second Vice-President
The NSBS Nominating Committee nominates lawyer Rob Kennedy KC as the Society’s Second Vice-President for the 2026/2027 Council year.
