2020 Annual Report
Who We Are
Our Mission
We regulate the legal profession in the public interest in a manner that is proactive, inclusive and supportive so our members deliver competent and ethical legal services.
Our Vision
Acting in the public interest, we provide leadership, value and support to a competent, ethical, inclusive and engaged legal profession.
Our Values
Excellence
We operate fairly and impartially. We are proactive, principled and proportionate.
Fairness
We operate fairly and impartially. We are proactive, principled and proportionate.
Respect
We treat all persons with dignity and respect. We listen, consider and seek to understand other points of view.
Visionary Leadership
We actively seek out and assess what is happening provincially, nationally and globally that affects the regulation of the legal profession. We anticipate and respond to a rapidly changing environment and have the courage to initiate change.
Accountability
We are open, transparent, objective and fiscally responsible in our independent governance and regulation of the profession.
Integrity
We approach our work in an ethical, honest and principled fashion.
Diversity
We promote substantive equality and encourage the profession to embrace the value of diversity. We are inclusive and supportive of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, practice environments and life experiences.
2019-2020 NSBS Council
As the Society’s governing body, Council ensures we carry out our purpose to uphold and protect the public interest in the practice of law.
Carrie Ricker
President
Jillian Barrington
Cape Breton District
Josie McKinney
Halifax District
Andrew S. Nickerson QC
Southwestern District
Melanie Petrunia
Member at Large
Michelle Ward
Public Representative
Jim Rossiter QC
First Vice-President
Shane Russell
Cape Breton District
Sheree L. Conlon QC
Halifax District
David Hirtle
Southwestern District
Bryan Darrell
Public Representative
Dr. Rod Wilson
Public Representative
Tuma Young QC
Second-Vice President
Ellen R. Burke
Central District
Deanna Frappier
Halifax District
Jack Townsend
Member at Large
Natalie Borden
Public Representative
Tilly Pillay QC
Executive Director
J. Patrick Young
Central District
Michelle Kelly
Halifax District
Cheryl A. Canning QC
Member at Large
Peggy Gates-Hammond
Public Representative
Society Staff
Equity & Access
Angela Simmonds – Equity & Access Manager
Morgan Manzer – Equity Officer (until May 2020)
Human Resources & Communications
Sharon Cox – Human Resources & Operations Manager
Collette Deschenes – Communications Advisor
Cindy Mullenger – Receptionist
Professional Responsibility
Andrew Taillon - Director of Professional Responsibility
Victoria Rees - Director of Professional Responsibility (until March 2020)Shannon Downey - Executive Assistant to Professional Responsibility Director
Elaine Cumming - Professional Responsibility Counsel
Catherine Turcotte-Roy - Staff Lawyer, Complaints & Investigations
Robyn Schleihauf - Staff Lawyer, Early Resolution
NSBS Library
Jennifer Haimes – Library Technician
Lisa Woo Shue – Library Technician
Trust Assurance
Jocelyn MacNeill –Trust Assurance Auditor
Mhairi McInnis –Trust Assurance Administrator
Executive Director's Office
Tilly Pillay QC – Executive Director
Anne Broughm – Executive Assistant
Jane Willwerth – Governance Officer
Bernadine MacAulay – General Counsel
Colleen Crowther – Paralegal
Education & Credentials
Jacqueline Mullenger – Education & Credentials Director
Erica Green – Education & Credentials Officer
Pam Connor – Executive Assistant to Education & Credentials Director
Caron Ferguson-Eagan – Education & Credentials Officer
Alana O’Connor – Education & Credentials Administrator
Jennifer Pink – Legal Services Support Manager
Rob McCleave – Legal Support Services Officer
Finance & Administration
Kate Shewan – Finance & Administration Director
Kerry Foss – Executive Assistant to Finance & Administration Director
Finance & Accounting
Darlene Trenholm – Controller
Erika Hosking – Accounting Administrator
Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia
Lawrence Rubin – Director
Emma Pink – Executive Assistant
Alex Greencorn – Administrative Assistant
Patricia Neild – Claims Counsel
Lisa Wight – Claims Counsel
Cynthia Nield – Database and Information Officer