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Letter to the Editor I was most pleased to see the work of Team Possibles recognised in the Fall 2012 issue. But hey, I’m sure the students and young adults would have liked to have been identified along with the judicial figures in the photo. And perhaps the detail of the Nautilus Mural of Truth too deserves a full-colour spread and an interpretation for those of us who may not ever get to the fifth floor of the downtown Law Courts. The juxtaposition of your frank interview with Kathryn Dumke and Barry Cahill’s biography of Eileen MacLean Yates was a fine example of the uneasy role women have played in the legal field in Nova Scotia in the past 56 years and the changes that are now upon the profession. When I came to Dalhousie as an M.Sc. graduate student in 1964, I was impressed that I knew two-thirds of the women in first year Law – there were only three. Now women often represent over 50% of the annual cohort. Yes, a large percentage, and they often are the class prize winners, but in Nova Scotia the increased women’s numbers and expertise are not yet reflected in legal firms’ highest echelons, in the partnership, or in the QCs handed out. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose? Regards, Alan Ruffman President, Geomarine Associates Ltd. Lecturer, Planning Law, Schulich School of Law Honorary Research Associate, Department of Earth Sciences, Dalhousie University Many aspects of community come through in this edition. Art and culture help define and enrich our communities – lawyers are doing their part to support the creative economy in Nova Scotia, volunteering for arts organizations and assisting artists in navigating the legal issues that affect them. Art is an active channel for young people in the Spryfield community to express their perspectives on truth and justice, in thought-provoking murals for courthouses and other public venues. Other voices explore strength in leadership, and why it can still be elusive for the community of women in the legal profession. We also examine the unique ethical challenges of working in small or close-knit communities, and reflect upon the commonalities and differences in regulation of the legal profession throughout the global community. Marla Cranston Editor, Society Record, Communications Officer Dear Mr. Ruffman, Many thanks for your input. You make an excellent point about identifying the young artists in the photo – they were Max Owen, Jessica Hanko, Allison Murphy, William Brewer, Daniel Slade, Marie Webb, Karla Graves-Smith and Andrew Bryant. See page 35 for more details on the mural. Regarding women in leadership in Nova Scotia’s legal profession, please turn to page 32-33 for our coverage of a new annual event designed to examine that very issue! Regards, Marla The Society Record welcomes your feedback! Please send your Letters to the Editor to: Marla Cranston, Communications Officer Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Cogswell Tower, 800-2000 Barrington Street Halifax, NS B3J 3K1 Or via email to communications@nsbs.org Helping lawyers reach their full potential. Call in confidence. Anytime. 1 866 299 1299 1 866 398 9505 (en français) 1 888 384 1152 (TTY) Remember that your company name is NSLAP. www.nslap.ca Log on to our website to access online wellness resources. 4 The Society Record
the president’s view As I travel around the province to speak to lawyers about the work of the Society, I have also discussed a serious problem for lawyers by telling the story of my own struggle with depression. I began with my speech at the Annual General Meeting last June. I do this to highlight the challenges many of us face in the practice of law and to offer a story of hope to those who are struggling. Since I will not be able to speak to everyone in my year as President, I thought it may be helpful if I put my comments in this column. Years ago, I fell into a deep depression that consumed my life and practice. It lasted about three years and, like many in this situation, I did not truly understand what was happening to me. Unless you have experienced depression, it is impossible to explain just how deep the well of despair is and the sense of helplessness you feel. It can be paralyzing and yet invisible others. I reached the point of planning suicide. Finally my wife, along with my law partner, convinced me to see my GP and I also contacted the Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program. After treatment consisting of medication and therapy with a psychologist (who remains a dear friend), I was able to recover and find what I had lost to this disease – happiness and peace. My story is not unique. Lawyers suffer depression 3.6 times more frequently than any other profession. In one study, 25 per cent of lawyers surveyed had symptoms of depression. Lawyers commit suicide at a rate six times that of the general population. It is the third leading cause of death among lawyers, behind heart attack and cancer. Lawyers between 48 and 65 are at greatest risk of depression and suicide. Among those, sole practitioners are at the highest risk. After all, they have few around them to help identify the problem and to push them to seek help. Not to be ignored is the fact that we have twice the rate of alcoholism as compared to the general public, and ours is the highest among all professions. Drug abuse rates are higher as well. But there is hope and a way out. The Lawyers Assistance Program is a great way to start and was a key part of my recovery. It is free, available 24 hours every day and is completely confidential. It will provide help for the lawyer, his or her family and even staff, for a whole range of problems. This help can include referrals and payment for counselling. The LAP provides lifestyle coaching, financial planning and many other services, all free. For those suffering from depression, anxiety or any other form of mental challenge, it can be a lifeline and a first step to a new life. The program’s toll-free line is 1 866 299 1299; also see nslap.ca for a number of online health and wellness resources. Working with your GP and other care providers is also key. Medication and therapy can work separately but are most effective if used together. It can take awhile to get the balance right. But don’t let pride, embarrassment or a perception of stigma prevent you from seeking help. You can recover. I encourage anyone who thinks they may be suffering from depression, anxiety or any other issue to reach out for help. If you know someone who may be facing such problems, say or do something. Forget about any concern that the lawyer may not receive the message well – the stakes are simply too high to do nothing. I believe we owe each other that obligation as members of this profession. I am proof that there is always a way forward to recovery; you just need to ask. Timothy G.J. Daley QC President Spring 2013 5
Page 1 and 2: the SOCIETY RECORD VOLUME 31 | NO.1
Page 3: Contents VOLUME 31 | NO 1 | Spring
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 and 28: Photo by Eliot Wright/Provided by N
Page 29 and 30: “Volunteering allows for a break
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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