The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has amended its Model Code of Conduct relating to discrimination, harassment and ex parte communication. These amendments are in line with amendments made by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to its Model Code of Conduct. This is part of a wider move to harmonise, as much as possible,…
Watch the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society’s webinar on anti-money laundering and client ID and verification
On the 9th of June, the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society (NSBS) hosted a webinar entitled ‘Anti-Money Laundering/Client ID and Verification.’ This webinar was hosted by Caron Ferguson Eagan (NSBS Staff Lawyer, Education & Credentials) and presented by Jillian Barrington (in practice with Sheldon Nathanson Law), Bernadine MacAulay (NSBS General Counsel), and Elaine Cumming (NSBS Professional…
Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society acknowledges systemic discrimination and makes future commitments to address diversity issues
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (NSBS) has released a statement saying that it acknowledges and regrets the existence of systemic discrimination in the Nova Scotia justice system and within the NSBS. They have released the statement as they feel that acknowledgement of the systemic discrimination which exists within the Society is a step towards improving…
Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society introduces new succession planning professional standard
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (NSBS) has introduced a new Succession Planning Professional Standard, effective from the 2nd February 2021. The standard comes as the result of a working group launched in 2017 appointed to consider the implications for the profession if lawyers and firms do not have effective plans in place for practice interruption….
Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan to launch new skills course with CPLED
A new skills course designed by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) will be launched for articling clerks in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan. The course, known as The Practice Readiness Education Program or PREP is designed to equip students with the necessary practical skills to pursue a career in law in the future. The…
FLSC launches anti-money laundering and terrorist financing risk advisory for the legal profession
The Federation of Law Societies of Canda (FLSC) has launched a series of risk advisories and risk assessment case studies, designed to help legal professionals adapt to the new anti-money laundering rules. The rule changes are based on an FLSC model rule and have been adopted by Nova Scotia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. The…
ICLR 2019: Regulating in Uncomfortable Spaces
The following content has been provided by the panel presenting on this topic during the afternoon on Day 1 of ICLR 2019. Synopsis As recent events have shown, regulating the conduct of lawyers who serve as elected politicians or in public office, as well as those who provide legal services to others in public office,…
Legal Services Regulation at the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society: a progress update
The journey to Legal Services Regulation (LSR) has taken a major step with the November 17, 2017 approval by Council of several regulatory amendments to advance the Society’s initiatives. The result is a model of regulating legal services that is risk focused, proactive, principled and proportionate. Key components of the regime and the impacts on…
Profile of a regulator: Victoria Rees
Victoria Rees – Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Role: Director of Professional Responsibility Background: Employed in various management positions with the NSBS for 29 years Tell us a little bit about yourself… Mother of three wonderful young men; 3rd degree brown belt in karate; love to travel; voracious reader; lover of all sports, especially American football (go…
ICLR 2017 – Panel: “Risk Based Approach to Regulation”
A synopsis of panel session 8, which takes place on 6 October at ICLR Singapore, kindly provided by the session’s moderator, Victoria Rees. Conference materials will be made available to ICLR.net members after the conference. Moderator: Victoria Rees, Director of Professional Responsibility, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, Canada Panelists: Scott MacLean, Acting Executive Director, Investigations, Office…