| 9:00 am - 9:15 am |
Introductory Remarks |
Welcome from The Honourable Sean Fraser
We are pleased to have The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, providing a brief welcome address at our conference this year. The Minister will provide updates on initiatives in his office to the Nova Scotia Bar and introduce The Honourable Andromache Karakatsanis, our plenary speaker.
Speaker:
Hon. Sean Fraser
The Honourable Sean Fraser is the current Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He serves as a Member of Parliament for the Central Nova riding in Nova Scotia. To read more about Minister Fraser’s office and roles as a Parliamentarian, please visit his Member of Parliament page
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9:15 am – 10:15 am
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Plenary |
Reflections from the Supreme Court of Canada: Marking 150 Years of Justice
In recognition of the Supreme Court of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Honourable Justice Andromache Karakatsanis will share insights on the Court’s enduring role in upholding the rule of law, building public trust, and serving our communities—past, present, and future.
Speaker:
Hon. Justice Andromache Karakatsanis
Justice Karakatsanis was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2011. She has a distinguished career in public service and law, and is known for her contributions to administrative law and access to justice.
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| 10:15 am – 10:30 am |
BREAK 1 |
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10:30 am – 11:30 am
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1A |
Family Law |
Underused Civil Procedure Tools in Family Law
A practical discussion from both the bench and the bar on overlooked or underutilized provisions in the Civil Procedure Rules—and how they can support more efficient, fair, and effective outcomes in family law matters.
Speakers:
Matt Conrad
Matt Conrad is the President of Conrad Dillon Robinson Law, focusing on family law and litigation. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, he studied at Acadia University and earned his JD from Bond University in 2008. After working in civil litigation, he founded his own firm in 2020. Matt enjoys helping people in tough situations and values his role in the justice system. He lives in Dartmouth with his wife, four children, and dog, Buddy.
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Justice Daniel W. Ingersoll
Justice Daniel W. Ingersoll earned his Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University in 1986 and his Bachelor of Law from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1989, before being admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1990. He spent his 31-year legal career at the same firm, specializing in labour, employment, human rights, and administrative law. In 2022, he was appointed to the Bench and at the time held leadership roles including President of the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia, having also received his Queen’s Council designation in 2010.
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| 1B |
Wills, Estates & Trusts |
Blended Family Planning: Navigating Complexities in Modern Estate Design
This session explores the legal and practical considerations of estate planning for blended families—balancing fairness, clarity, and intent in an increasingly diverse family landscape.
Speakers:
Jessica Lyle
Jessica enjoys a practice focused on estate and trust planning, guardianship and representation applications, and probate administration. She works and lives in Dartmouth. She co-founded Touchstone Legal Inc. in 2019. Her dog Banjo gets more website traffic than any other member of the firm; her 2-year-old dog Chai is sad she doesn’t have her own page yet. Jessica is a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (“NSBS”), the Canadian Bar Association (“CBA”), the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (“STEP”), and the Halifax Estate Planning Council. Jessica is a Past President of the CBA-Nova Scotia Branch and of the Halifax Estate Planning Council, and Past Chair of the CBA National Elder Law Section. She is currently the Chair of the STEP Atlantic branch and the NSBS Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Personal Directives Standards Committee. She is ranked in Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory and Best Lawyers. Jessica is a frequent speaker on estate planning topics. She presents to varied audiences, including professional associations, financial advisors and their clients, and charities. Jessica is a repeat guest on CBC Maritime Noon (particularly for the call-in portion of the radio show) on estate planning topics.
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Jeff Blucher
Jeff Blucher is a partner at McInnes Cooper's Halifax Office, specializing in income tax, corporate law, and wills, estates, and trusts. Jeff has expertise in forming Nova Scotia unlimited liability companies and corporate structures. He completed the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants In-Depth Tax Course, speaks on related topics, and has held positions on various boards, including the Canadian Tax Foundation and the Canadian Bar Association’s National Wills, Estates and Trusts Section.
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| 1C |
Litigation |
Mastering Rule 55: Applying Civil Procedure with Precision
An in-depth look at Civil Procedure Rule 55—what it says, how it’s meant to work, and how to apply it effectively to avoid missteps, delays, and judicial frustration.
Speakers:
Glenn R. Anderson, K.C., LL.M.
Glenn is a civil litigator and administrative law practitioner based in Halifax. He serves as a part-time faculty member at Dalhousie University's Schulich School of Law and has published several editions of "Expert Evidence." Inducted into the Bertha Wilson Honour Society in 2020, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2004 and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Justice James L. Chipman
Justice Chipman was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in 2013 after a distinguished legal career with Stewart McKelvey in Halifax. A graduate of Acadia University and Dalhousie Law School, he was recognized as Queen’s Counsel (now King's Counsel) in 2008 and widely respected for his expertise in civil litigation, insurance, and health law. Justice Chipman has also contributed significantly to legal and community organizations, including the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission and the Provincial Autism Centre.
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| 1D |
Miscellaneous |
Immigration Law: A Crash Course for Non-Immigration Lawyers
Designed for practitioners in other fields, this session offers a practical overview of key immigration concepts, processes, and pitfalls to help you spot issues and support your clients with confidence.
Speaker:
Elizabeth Wozniak
Elizabeth is from Alberta, Canada, and holds an LL.B from Dalhousie (2001) and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta (1994). She founded North Star Immigration Law Inc. and has taught immigration and refugee law at Schulich School of Law. Elizabeth frequently presents on immigration policy and is a member of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society, as well as a licensed foreign worker recruiter in NS and BC. She lived and worked in Asia (China and South Korea) from 1994 to 1998 before law school.
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| 11:30 am – 11:45 am |
BREAK 2 |
| 11:45 am - 12:45 pm |
2A |
Family Law |
Latest News in Parenting Plans
Join us for a panel discussion on the latest updates in parenting plans in Nova Scotia, including recent updates to the parenting plan guidelines.
Speakers:
Shelley Hounsell
Shelley is a dedicated family lawyer and Senior Counsel at Pressé Mason, primarily focused on family law. Recently, she has also returned to civil law, assisting clients with workplace misconduct and personal injury cases. As an adjunct professor at the Schulich School of Law, she is committed to continuing education and frequently presents at various programs. Shelley collaborates with advisory groups on law reform and chairs the National Family Law Section for the CBA, promoting improvements in family law practices.
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Justice Aleta Cromwell
Justice Cromwell is a Justice of the Supreme Court - Family Division, sitting in Bridgewater. Prior to her appointment, Justice Cromwell practiced as a civil litigator, handling general litigation and child and adult protection matters, with the NS Department of Justice. She was appointed to the Provincial and Family Court of Nova Scotia in 2020, and to the Supreme Court - Family Division in 2022. Justice Cromwell is Mi'kmaw from Membertou, and African Nova Scotian, from Whitney Pier.
Andrea Manrique
Andrea Manrique is a legal and client relations professional with a growing focus on supporting family law professionals. She brings over ten years of paralegal experience, providing hands-on support and developing a strong foundation in legal processes. She currently serves as the Judicial Education Coordinator for OurFamilyWizard® in Austin, TX, where she educates judges, lawyers, mediators, and other family law practitioners on online tools designed to improve communication and reduce conflict in co-parenting situations. Andrea regularly represents the company at industry conferences and continuing legal education seminars. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin and is committed to fostering practical solutions that support families and the legal community.
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| 2B |
Wills, Estates & Trusts |
Probate Across the Province: Streamlining Your Application
This session offers practical guidance on navigating probate procedures in various jurisdictions across Nova Scotia—what to include, what to avoid, and how to ensure your application moves forward without delay.
Speakers:
Cora Jacquemin
Allison O'Neill
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| 2C |
Litigation |
Navigating Appeals: Process and Procedure Before the Court of Appeal
A practical overview of the appeals process, including cross appeals, notices of contest, and key motions—designed to help litigators effectively manage appellate procedure and avoid common pitfalls
Speakers:
Alison Campbell
Alison is a lawyer with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2006.
Chief Justice Michael J. Wood
The Honourable Michael J. Wood is the Chief Justice of Nova Scotia’s Court of Appeal and the 23rd Chief Justice of the province. Called to the Bar in 1982, he practiced civil litigation and administrative law for nearly 30 years before his appointment to the Bench. As a Judge, Chief Justice Wood was active in the administration of the Supreme Court through his involvement in many committees, including those related to the Civil Procedure Rules, court clerkship, and insolvency. Chief Justice Wood has also served as a mentor for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous lawyers interested in applying to become a Judge, an initiative launched by his predecessor, Chief Justice MacDonald, in partnership with the Indigenous Blacks & Mi’kmaq Initiative at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.
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Scott Campbell
Scott Campbell, KC is a partner with Stewart McKelvey in Halifax.
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| 2D |
Miscellaneous |
The Client from Hell: Managing Difficult Clients with Confidence and Clarity
From spotting red flags at intake to setting boundaries, managing expectations, issuing clear bills—and knowing when and how to end the relationship—this session offers practical strategies for navigating even the most challenging client dynamics.
Speakers:
Julia Cornish, K.C.
Julia has over 30 years of experience in family law and adoption. She has taught family law courses at Mount Saint Vincent University and Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law, and has presented on family law issues in Canada and the US. Julia contributed to the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines as a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Family Law Issues and has served on various committees with CBA and NSBS. She is recognized in the Canadian Legal Expert Directory and Best Lawyers in Canada and is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
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Jonathan Saumier
Jonathan joined the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society following more than a decade in private practice at a large Halifax law firm where he was a partner. As Legal Services Support counsel with the Society, Jonathan advises Society members on various aspects of the practice of law, including practice management and client relationships.
Augustus M. Richardson, K.C.
Gus Richardson has over thirty years of experience practicing civil litigation and more than fifteen years as an adjudicator, arbitrator, and mediator. He has represented clients at all levels of the court systems in Nova Scotia and Ontario, advocating for both plaintiffs and defendants. His areas of expertise include contractual interpretation, insurance coverage, and good faith/bad faith issues. Gus holds several qualifications, including being a Chartered Arbitrator and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is also a member of various legal organizations.
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| 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm |
LUNCH |
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1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
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3A |
Family Law |
Recent Developments in Family Law: Lots Happening!
Relocation. Child Support Changes. Spousal Support and the SSAG. A tort of family violence? Bill C-223. Useful appeal cases from other provinces. And more...
Speaker:
Rollie Thompson, K.C.
Professor Thompson is an authority in family law, particularly in child and spousal support, and has taught for nearly four decades at leading Canadian law schools. He co-authored the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines and is the Editor of Canadian Family Law Quarterly. Recognized with the 2024 Award of Excellence in Family Law by the Ontario Bar Association, he remains an influential figure in legal education and practice.
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| 3B |
Wills, Estates & Trusts |
Spotting Incapacity and Undue Influence
This session explores how to recognize signs of diminished capacity and undue influence, with practical guidance on documentation, risk management, and safeguarding client intentions in wills, estates, and trusts matters.
Speaker:
Marie-Claire Chartrand
Marie-Claire Chartrand is a licensed social worker with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers since 1997 and one of the first Designated Capacity Assessors under the Adult Capacity and Decision-Making Act (ACDMA) since 2019. She has completed over 80 capacity assessments and provided expert opinions on legal capacity issues. With over 30 years of experience in bio-psycho-social assessments across various settings, she is the Founder and Lead Senior Care Consultant at Greywave Senior Care Consulting Inc. in Halifax, where she leads a team offering assessments and support to families facing complex care decisions. Read More
Rebecca Hiltz-LeBlanc
Rebecca is a recognized litigation lawyer. She is a Partner at McInnes Cooper, specializing in commercial and estate litigation, including contract and shareholder disputes. She serves on the Governance Committee of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association. Rebecca is a former co-chair of the Atlantic Trial Advocacy College and has taught at the Schulich School of Law. In her community, she supports arts organizations and is on the Executive Board of Governors for Sacred Heart School of Halifax. Read More
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| 3C |
Litigation |
Inside Settlement Conferences: A Judge’s Perspective on Effective Negotiation
Gain valuable insights from the bench on what makes negotiation efforts succeed—or stall—during settlement conferences, with practical tips to enhance your advocacy and outcomes.
Speakers:
Justice Daniel W. Ingersoll
Justice Daniel W. Ingersoll earned his Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University in 1986 and his Bachelor of Law from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1989, before being admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1990. He spent his 31-year legal career at the same firm, specializing in labour, employment, human rights, and administrative law. In 2022, he was appointed to the Bench and at the time held leadership roles including President of the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia, having also received his Queen’s Council designation in 2010.
Jillian Houlihan
Passionate about social justice and human rights, Jill helps unions and individuals achieve their workplace goals. Jill’s practice includes labour and employment law, professional regulation, human rights and constitutional law. She regularly assists public and private-sector unions navigate legal disputes through grievance arbitrations, mediations, negotiations, and labour board matters.
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| 3D |
Miscellaneous |
AI in Legal: What’s Actually Happening Right Now?
This session offers a clear-eyed look at how AI is currently being used—from research and drafting to litigation support and regulation. We'll separate fact from fiction and explore what today’s lawyers need to know.
Speakers:
Paul Saunders
Paul is a Partner at Stewart McKelvey and the firm's first Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. He drives growth strategies through innovation, change management, AI, and business development. Additionally, he oversees Partner coaching, compensation, and knowledge transfer. With a background in IT, Paul specializes in process improvement and legal project management and has spent 10 years in corporate practice focused on M&A and large corporate transactions.
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Laura Kanaan
Laura is the CEO of MDW Law in Halifax. She is a family lawyer and mediator. She leads the team of innovative and client-focused practitioners at MDW, adapting to the evolving practice of law and continuously implementing innovative software to support the team. Laura is passionate about professional development and mentorship, constantly seeking ways to expediate training and development.
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Jane Bates
Jane Bates is Counsel at Cox & Palmer in Halifax, with extensive experience in the Business Law group. She provides legal advice and transactional support for commercial and technology deals, specializing in drafting various agreements, including software development and intellectual property licenses. Jane is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional, serves as the Practice Innovation Leader, and is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner. Before joining Cox & Palmer, she spent 15 years as a corporate in-house lawyer and was the Executive Director of the Canadian Bar Association - Nova Scotia Branch.
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| 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm |
BREAK 3 |
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3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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4A |
Family Law |
How to Speak So Judges Will Listen—And Listen So Judges Will Speak
An engaging fireside chat between Michelle Axworthy and Justice Jullian Barrington on effective advocacy, courtroom communication, and building mutual understanding between judges and counsel in family law proceedings.
Speakers:
Justice Jillian Barrington
Justice Barrington was appointed to the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia in 2023, and to the Supreme Court - Family Division in 2024. Prior to her appointment, she practiced at Sheldon Nathanson Law in criminal, family, employment and property law, and wills and estates.
Michelle Axworthy
Michelle is a Partner in the Halifax office of Cox & Palmer, where she brings compassion, practicality, and efficiency to her practice of family law. She is also the Past-President of the CBA-NS branch, and past Chair of the CBA-NS Family Law Section.
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| 4B |
Wills, Estates & Trusts |
Evidence in Estate Litigation
This session explores key evidentiary issues in estate litigation, including access to a solicitor’s file, the role of witness testimony, and the application of Section 45 of the Evidence Act. Practical insights for litigators and solicitors alike.
Speaker:
Peter Rumscheidt
Peter was admitted to the Nova Scotia bar in 1991 and joined Weldon McInnis in June 2015. He previously practiced with Goldberg Thompson (1991-2010) and Cox & Palmer (2010-2015). Specializing in Civil Litigation, Peter focuses on Personal Injury, Estate Litigation, and Family Law, and has appeared in all levels of court in Nova Scotia. Currently, he chairs the CBA-NS Elder Law section and has been a member of the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners since March 2015, along with being an active member of the Halifax Estate Planning Council. Additionally, Peter serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia.
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Justice Ann Smith
Justice Ann Smith sits on the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, presiding in Halifax. She was appointed in 2016, prior to which she practiced at Burchells LLP, where she was a partner. Justice Smith received her Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall at York University.
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| 4C |
Litigation |
Self-Represented Litigants - Views from All Sides
This engaging panel will provide views from the Bench, opposing counsel, and court staff on the growing reality of self-representation in the justice system. The discussion will consider the implications of access to justice, court administration, and professional responsibility in the context of self-representation, exploring the ethical and practical challenges of appearing opposite a self-represented litigant.
Speakers:
Judge Bronwyn Duffy
Judge Bronwyn Duffy was appointed to the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia in February 2023, and currently sits in Halifax Provincial Court and Youth Justice Court. Before her appointment, she was a partner with MacIsaac Clarke & Duffy in Stellarton, where she prosecuted all criminal and regulatory federal legislation in Pictou County, practiced residential and commercial real estate, and was a town solicitor for 13 years. Judge Duffy served on the Executive Committee of Council of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, and has a Master of Science in the field of auditory psychophysics. Bronwyn is dedicated to endurance sport as a runner and triathlete, her two sons are swimmers and she is involved in supporting competitive swimming provincially and nationally.
Caroline McInnes
Caroline McInnes is the Registrar, Nova Scotia Court of Appeal and Provincial Prothonotary, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. After graduating from Dalhousie Law School in 2008, Caroline clerked at the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, and was called to the Bar in 2010. In 2011, she was appointed Registrar of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal and Prothonotary for the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in Halifax, and has remained in these posts since. Caroline sits on numerous committees including the Bench Rules Committee and the Bench-Bar Rules Liaison Committee. She has presented on various aspects of civil procedure practice over the years.
Megan Roberts
Megan Roberts is a lawyer with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, where she practices primarily in child protection. She was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2009.
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| 4D |
Miscellaneous |
Meet the New Boards: Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board and the Nova Scotia Energy Board
This session provides an overview of the transition from the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, including the structure and function of the new Boards, which Board does what, what else is new, and what this all means for practitioners appearing before the new Boards.
Speakers:
Stephen McGrath, K.C.
Stephen McGrath is Chair at the Nova Scotia Energy Board and the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board.
Julia Clark.
Julia Clark was appointed as a full-time Board Member in 2022, and became Vice Chair in 2025. Prior to her appointment, she was a Managing Lawyer with the Legal Services Division of the Department of Justice.
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