CBA Nova Scotia is pleased to announce its 2026–27 President and Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2026.
Jason Cooke, K.C. Begins His Term as President
This year, CBA Nova Scotia welcomes Jason Cooke, K.C. as its new Branch President for the 2026–27 term. He succeeds Abha Romkey, with sincere thanks and appreciation for her dedicated leadership and valued contributions to the Branch.
Jason is a partner at Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP and chair of the firm's Litigation Group, and a member of its Administrative Law, Regulated Professions, and Indigenous Peoples practice groups. His practice spans judicial review, regulated professions, human rights, Aboriginal law litigation, professional liability, and commercial disputes. A member of the bar in both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, he has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada and the appeal courts of both provinces. He received his King's Counsel designation in 2023 and is recognized by his peers in Best Lawyers in Canada in several areas, including Administrative and Public Law, Aboriginal Law, and Legal Malpractice Law.
He has been involved with the CBA in many capacities over the years, at both the branch and national level, including as a member of the national Board of Directors, as Chair of the Civil Litigation Section, and as Vice-President of CBA Nova Scotia. In 2024, he received CBA Nova Scotia's President's Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions to the branch and to the wider legal community — among them his ongoing pro bono work, his mentorship of junior lawyers and clerks, and his teaching at the law school.
Introducing the 2026-27 Board of Directors
Ellen Burke joins the Board of Directors as Treasurer on September 1, 2026.
We're also pleased to continue working with the following members who will be serving the remainder of their terms in 2026–27:
- Abha T. Romkey, Immediate Past President
- Joshua Santimaw, Treasurer
- Jill Houlihan, Advocacy Committee Chair
- Sean MacDonald, Member Services Committee Chair
- Megan Ross, Communications Committee Chair
- Robbie Mason, Young Lawyers Chair
- Katelyn Morton, Equity Committee Chair
Thank You to Outgoing Board Member
The branch extends its heartfelt thanks to Michelle Axworthy, Immediate Past President, for her outstanding service and dedication to the Branch. Michelle’s many contributions have left a lasting impact, including her work to strengthen professional development programming for young lawyers, introduce French-language training opportunities, and building a strong Family Law Section. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and commitment she has given to CBA Nova Scotia.