the SOCIETY RECORD - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

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important to her. While she’s busy practising commercial litigation and practising her clarinet, she finds that both complement her lifestyle. Photo provided by Neptune Theatre her combination of expertise in corporate governance and her love of art make her a valued board member for Symphony Nova Scotia, where she works on the governance committee and Film Nova Scotia, where she chairs the board. “I love anything creative,” says Hodder, a partner at McInnes Cooper in business and corporate governance. “Volunteering in the arts helps expand how you see the world. You problem solve in a different way. It makes this vibrant city the very best.” Funding is a major issue for arts organizations. Hodder believes that increased funding, coupled with increased accountability measures for arts organizations, could help give a boost to artists. “Litigation is the closest relative to performance,” says Hiltz. “When standing in an auditorium with 10,000 people, you have to know your material. You have to know it on the most fundamental level. In litigation, you also have to know your material. You have to have an understanding what you’re doing. It’s all part of the fabric that’s me.” Perhaps the greatest impact made by lawyers is on new, emerging organizations. Andrew Sowerby, a litigation associate at Cox & Palmer, volunteers for the Nocturne: Art at Night Society board of directors. Unlike established organizations, Nocturne has no paid staff so all administrative work is left to the board. Andrew focuses on governance, human resources and spotting legal issues. “With Nocturne, that idea of enjoying art on a big scale is out of the ordinary,” says Sowerby. “For one evening, you have all the little experiences from the North End to downtown. Usually you’re exposed to little things on a smaller scale. With this event, there’s a whole bunch of that. Art brightens your day.” For lawyers, volunteering in an organization can involve much more than serving on a board. Patrick Lamey grew up in Fredericton, with the oral tradition of Gaelic music. Surrounded by musicians within his own family, Lamey’s passions for the guitar have followed him into his legal career. He’s volunteered with the East Coast Music Awards, worked as an emcee for the Highland Games and served as one of the founding members of the Celtic Colours International Festival. “Arts funding has decreased significantly and it’s unfortunate,” says Hodder. “Because of the funding challenge, organizations have thin budgets so they need to have greater collaboration, be accountable and be transparent. They need the rigor and process of organization and policy.” One way to begin volunteering in the arts is through a single event within an organization. “Many organizations have volunteer groups that lead to people participating, and then you get invited to the board,” says Hodder. “I recommend that any acceptance should be about something that you’re passionate about. Lawyers are extremely good at giving back to communities, with the skills that they bring to these roles.” Rebecca LeBlanc Hiltz started off as a volunteer for Neptune Theatre before joining the board. She helped plan the Black and White fundraiser and was asked to join. “There’s something fundamental to our human nature about art,” says Hiltz, a partner at BOYNECLARKE LLP, with a focus in business litigation. “Whether we’re visually pleased or moved by an incredible performance, it’s something we all experience. It’s an integral part of our society. One way or another, art has been a means of communication from prehistoric times to now. It shapes our society. We go because we can and we always need to be able to.” Photo courtesy of the Nocturne Board of Directors, 2012 Lawyers like Hiltz gravitate towards the arts because of their own backgrounds. She’s an opera singer and a band member of the 36th Canadian Brigade Group (Nova Scotia) Band, so the arts are very “Capture” by artist Gerald Beaulieu from Nocturne, Art at Night, 2012 28 The Society Record
“Volunteering allows for a break in the day,” says Lamey, an associate at Evans MacIssac MacMillan in Port Hawkesbury, Cape Breton. “I’m a strong believer in communal music and what it does for a person’s soul. My objective is that even the most timid person can get involved with music.” “Litigation is the closest relative to performance” After being admitted to the Bar in 1993, Lamey quickly incorporated entertainment law into his commercial and real estate practice, after receiving phone calls from fellow artists seeking legal advice. “I have a passion for grassroots efforts by musicians,” says Lamey. “I want new artists to be educated about their rights and know about different issues like cross-border permits.” Peter J. MacKeigan, Q.C. Chartered Mediator Chartered Arbitrator Barrister & Solicitor Peter is a full time commercial and labour mediator and arbitrator serving Atlantic Canada. He is a Chartered Mediator and Chartered Arbitrator as designated by the ADR Institute of Canada, a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators and has received an AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbel. Culture will continue to thrive in Nova Scotia, based on the commitment and drive of volunteers. Lamey believes that lawyers should take the opportunity to volunteer as a way to find work/life balance. He recently recorded an album with his family band, The Lamey Brothers. “Don’t be disappointed if you don’t figure out the balance right away,” he says. “Step back and ask yourself what do you like and take a risk to pursue it. Being a lawyer can be all-consuming. Balance is good.” 2013 NSBS ANNUAL MEETING Saturday, June 15, 2013 | 8:30 am to 12 noon Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University 6061 University Avenue, Halifax ALL LAWYERS AND NON-PRACTISING MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE 2013 NSBS ANNUAL MEETING. It begins at 8:30 am with the Annual General Meeting, followed by a two-hour educational component. Watch InForum and nsbs.org for further details, to be announced shortly. Spring 2013 29
Page 1 and 2: the SOCIETY RECORD VOLUME 31 | NO.1
Page 3 and 4: Contents VOLUME 31 | NO 1 | Spring
Page 5 and 6: the president’s view As I travel
Page 7 and 8: BRIEFS Nova Scotia lawyers honoured
Page 9 and 10: BRIEFS Annual networking events for
Page 11 and 12: society news Council updates Societ
Page 13 and 14: society news For more details on th
Page 15 and 16: Madonna was an active participant i
Page 17 and 18: Illegal downloading of music, film
Page 19 and 20: Society’s successful initiative t
Page 21 and 22: say the public policy reasons are n
Page 23 and 24: “These dwindling numbers [of lawy
Page 25 and 26: Small rural and close communities -
Page 27: Photo by Eliot Wright/Provided by N
Page 31 and 32: in police service delivery. They pr
Page 33 and 34: A desire to broaden and deepen her
Page 35 and 36: The students appreciate the opportu
Page 37 and 38: 7. Update! Make sure you have the l
Page 39 and 40: Spring 2013 39

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