Copy
October 2021                                                                                                      View this email in your browser
Woman on NSBS Website. Text over image: InForum Newsletter - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

Follow us on social media for the latest Society news:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Access the website version of InForum

Society News

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

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.

To submit your expression of interest, please complete our online form by 4:00 PM on Friday, November 12, 2021.

NS Courts News

Learn more

Submit your Expression of Interest for the New Disability Equity Committee

The Disability Equity Committee 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.  

The Nominating Committee is populating this new Committee and is looking for members and public representatives with lived experience from the disability community. Are you interested in being considered for this appointment? 

To be considered, please complete our online expression of interest form by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. 

Learn more

Nominating Committee Seeking Central or Cape Breton District Members

Are you a member from the Central or Cape Breton districtConsider submitting an expression of interest to be considered for an appointment to the Nominating Committee. 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.

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

Learn more

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

Join the Society and LIANS on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, for the 13th 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.

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.
Learn more

External Independent Review

Call for Participation in External Independent Review of Systemic Discrimination in the NSBS


Douglas Ruck QC was 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. He is calling on members and the public to participate in this external independent review. 

Read the call for participation.

Equity & Access

The 2021 Mi’kmaq History Month poster: Exploring Treaties and Treaty Relationships
Ekina’masimkl Ankukamkewe’l aqq Tela’matultimk Wejiaq

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.

Together we can help increase our understanding of the province’s rich Mi’kmaq culture and fundamental contribution to this country. We encourage our members to continue their learning during Mi’kmaq History Month and on an ongoing basis. 

Review resources for members

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

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 Equity in Action blog

Your Practice

Changes in Category

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.
     
  • 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. Learn more.
     
  • 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”. Mr. Mellen is currently registered in the CBV Institute Program of Studies.  He will offer financial and valuation services to NS lawyers and law firms. Review his proposal letter and connect with him for more information at info@mellenfinancial.com.
     
  • 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: Serving on an agency, board, or commission can help you grow personally & professionally while making a real impact in your community. Learn more.
     
  • Missing Wills: Christina Marie Fuller, Dorothy MacIssac, Mary Keddy-Boyd, Frances McKenzie, Alison Willis, Kenneth Lewis Crossman, Kathryn Traynor, Elise Jean Fraser. 
Do you have a volunteer or pro bono opportunity to share? Please contact our Communications Advisor at cdeschenes@nsbs.org

Careers

Upcoming Events

Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward
The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society upholds and protects the public interest in the practice of law.

Copyright © 2021 Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, All rights reserved.



Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.