At the Canadian Bar Association – Nova Scotia (CBA-NS) Branch, we have the immense privilege of attracting exceptional members to our Board from throughout the Nova Scotia legal community.
Here we highlight our newest Board members who look forward to seeing you at our upcoming CBA-NS events.
Jason Cooke, KC
Jason Cooke, KC is our Vice-President. In his role, Jason provides key leadership in supporting initiatives that enhance member experience while aligning with the association’s mission and strategic objectives. Jason is currently a Partner at Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP in Halifax.
What do you enjoy most about practising law in Nova Scotia?
I think the best thing about practising in Nova Scotia is that we have an environment where fierce advocacy and collegiality are not at all mutually exclusive. It may be a product of the size of our legal community, but you get to know other lawyers in the Province not just as advocates (and sometimes on the opposing side of a file), but also as people.
What led you to join the CBA-NS Board?
My involvement in CBA-NS dates back to law school and I think that, like a lot of members, I became active in the Sections that related to my area of practice. I was fortunate to become Chair of the Aboriginal Law Section and that allowed me to get to know the CBA team even better.
Once my time as Chair of the Aboriginal Law section finished, I knew I wanted to remain involved with the CBA and it seemed that joining the Executive was the natural next step. I have now been involved with the CBA in various roles for 20 years.
What do you hope to bring to the Board/accomplish during your time on the Board?
I have the benefit of having experience in different roles at the CBA – I have been fortunate enough to Chair a couple Sections, serve on the Branch Executive in a number of roles, and spent a term on the National Board. Through my experience, I hope to provide a perspective that is informed by a variety of sources in the CBA.
Quote: “I look forward to continuing to support the amazing work of our CBA-NS Branch. The heart of CBA-NS is community. My goal is to continue to foster this in my current term on the Executive.”
Sydney Hull
Sydney Hull is our Young Lawyers Chair. In her role, Sydney represents and advocates for members called to bar within the past 10 years, overseeing initiatives that support their professional development and fostering engagement among this group. Sydney is currently practising at Patterson Law in Halifax.
What do you enjoy most about practising law in Nova Scotia?
Others before me have said it, but the collegiality! Practicing in my hometown of Halifax is a bonus, too.
What led you to join the CBA-NS Board?
Years of volunteering with the CBA-NS! I’ve been involved with the small sections since 2018 and have worked with the Sexual Harassment Work Group since 2019. I’m excited to volunteer in a new capacity as a Board member.
What do you hope to bring to the Board/accomplish during your time on the Board?
To share my perspective as a young lawyer and advocate for my counterparts.
Quote: “The CBA definition of a “young lawyer” is broad. If you are a law student, articling clerk, under 40 years of age, or have less than ten years’ experience at the bar of a Canadian province, you’re a young lawyer. Come check out our events!”
Katelyn Morton
Katelyn Morton is our Equity Committee Chair. In her role, Katelyn is responsible for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; fostering an inclusive culture; and ensuring the branch’s commitment to equity is upheld in all aspects of its operations. Katelyn currently practises at Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services.
What do you enjoy most about practising law in Nova Scotia?
I am from Berwick, Nova Scotia so I love getting to practice in my home province. I still live in the Valley. The geography of the province is small enough that I appear before most of the mainland Courts between Yarmouth and Antigonish so I get to know a lot of lawyers, court staff, and Justices. I have a “soft spot” for the regions (everywhere outside of HRM), as I am from the Valley, articled in Truro, worked private practice in the Valley, and I appear a lot in Shubenacadie, Bridgewater, Kentville, and Yarmouth right now – honestly that is probably one of my favourite parts of my job is that I don’t practise strictly within the HRM.
What led you to join the CBA-NS Board?
After attending the “Mental Health and Wellness Conference for Legal Professionals” CBA-NS event on April 8, 2024, I was motivated to find a way to make meaningful change by putting my skills and experiences to use in promoting awareness of equality issues in the legal profession.
In addition to being a gay woman, my career path (to date) has also enhanced my own awareness, learning, and un-learning of equality issues in the legal profession. This area is very important to me.
What do you hope to bring to the Board/accomplish during your time on the Board?
It is very important to me to look inward (at the Board) as much as it is looking outward (at the membership). It is also important to me that the CBA-NS Branch and Board uses an equity lens when carrying out its mandate, governance, activities, etc. I also hope to bring a sense of humour!
Quote: “I am a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and an ally to the Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotians. I love maritime craft beer, notwithstanding my favourite kind is a West Coast IPA.”