The Canadian Bar Association Nova Scotia Branch is pleased to recognize our valued members and volunteers, and wish to congratulate our most recent award winners for their outstanding achievements.
The following awards were presented at the CBA-NS Bench & Bar Reception and Dinner on Thursday, June 8th, 2023.
J. Michael MacDonald Access to Justice Award
Presented by: Terry Sheppard, KC (CBA-NS Immediate Past President); J. Michael MacDonald
The J. Michael MacDonald Access to Justice Award celebrates individuals and organizations that make outstanding contributions to improving access to justice for Nova Scotians who face social, economic, and systemic barriers. This annual award specifically recognizes those who advocate for legislation and policy that will reduce constraints, who provide pro-bono or cost-reduced services, and who empower the public with knowledge about the justice system to improve the efficiency and equity of the system.
CBA NS was pleased to present the J. Michael MacDonald Access to Justice Award to the Halifax Refugee Clinic, accepted by Josh Judah, KC.
Founded in 2000 by lawyer Lee Cohen, KC, the Halifax Refugee Clinic ensures that some of the world's most vulnerable and persecuted people receive support and representation while they navigate the refugee protection process. Support is provided on a pro-bono basis for those claiming refugee status in Nova Scotia, ensuring that comprehensive legal support and settlement services are available to those coming from conflict zones. The Clinic is also an advocacy hub, working tirelessly to advance local and national refugee advocacy efforts and providing significant training to law students, practicing lawyers, and members of the community working in refugee and human rights law.
Excellence in Equity & Diversity Award
Presented by: Hanaa Al Sharief (CBA-NS Equity Committee Chair)
The Excellence in Equity and Diversity Award was established by CBA Nova Scotia's Equity Committee and is meant to celebrate legal workplaces that are striving to advance equity and diversity within the legal profession and the general community. This award recognizes advancements in equity and diversity through employee hiring and promotion practices, offerings of equity and diversity training, and the quality of a workplace environment that supports lawyers from diverse backgrounds through policies and practices.
This year, this prestigious award was presented to Patterson Law, accepted by Jane Gourley-Davis, Chair of Patterson's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Patterson Law set a strategic goal to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in 2020, leading to the establishment of their Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. They have since worked tirelessly to provide meaningful training and resources to their staff and lawyers, and to improve their workplace culture. Patterson Law has also developed a bursary and internship program with Dalhousie Law School, providing a monetary award, a 1-L internship, and a mentor to a first-year student from an equity-deserving group. Through this program, Patterson Law has emerged as a leader in this space and directly contributes to the education and development of law students from equity deserving groups, which goes towards ensuring our legal workforce is diverse and representative of the communities that we serve.
Constance R. Glube Spirit Award
Presented by: Kathleen McManus, KC (CBA-NS President)
The Constance R. Glube Spirit Award was created to celebrate members who demonstrate strong CBA Spirit, through their willingness to volunteer and promote the work of the Association, and who make outstanding contributions to the advancement of women in the law. This award recognizes an outstanding dedication to advancing changes in practice of law for women lawyers, both through leadership in planning CBA conferences and events, and in their community-based or professional work.
The CBA Nova Scotia Branch was delighted to present this year’s Constance R. Glube Spirit Award to Agnes MacNeil, KC.
Agnes is a Managing Lawyer with the Legal Services Division of the NS Department of Justice and a tireless CBA volunteer. Agnes has been a dedicated CBA member for decades, having served in numerous roles, most notably President of the Nova Scotia Branch, a longstanding member of the Professional Development Committee, and Chair of the Women Lawyers' Forum. Agnes is a leader and mentor to lawyers on her team in Legal Services, where she champions everyone to reach their potential and has been known to take younger litigators, especially female litigators, under her wing. Agnes has made notable contributions to improving the profession, including having co-founded the Crown Law Symposium and been involved with Civil Procedure Rules development in both Ontario and Nova Scotia.
The CBA Nova Scotia Branch wishes to congratulate all of the above noted prestigious award recipients and commend them on their individual qualifications, exemplary inclusion and community efforts, furtherment of access to justice in the province, and continued involvement with CBA.
Further information regarding the various CBA Nova Scotia Branch awards, click here.