SR Vol 27 No 3, July 2009 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

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Gus Richardson is pleased to offer his services as an arbitrator, mediator and appellate lawyer in his new practice, Ad+Rem ADR Services. With over 20 years litigation experience at all levels of courts in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Gus is also a Small Claims Court adjudicator. Gus brings those skills to his practice as an arbitrator and mediator in labour, insurance, personal injury, commercial and condominium disputes. phone 902.422.6729 email gus@gusrichardson.com www.gusrichardson.com This special edition scratches the surface of youth justice issues. We hope it piques your interest to learn more, as the Society increasingly engages with young people across the province. If lawyers, judges and public servants better understand their needs and concerns in this era of rapid change, it can only strengthen the administration of justice, fix gaps and improve opportunities for the next generation. The Nunn Commission’s recommendations are taking root, with new prosecutors dedicated solely to youth court matters and the Nova Scotia Child and Youth Strategy picking up steam in its second year (read “Our Kids are Worth It,” the progress report at gov.ns.ca/coms). Renowned local experts Stan Kutcher, Michael Ungar and others are leading the way in youth research. Including young voices in the conversation is vital – “if it’s about us, don’t do it without us,” says it all. Marla Cranston Editor, Society Record, Communications Officer 4 The Society Record
the president’s view This is my first chance to communicate with you as president of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. I am humbled by the opportunity and look forward to an interesting year ahead. A bit of my background: I was admitted to the Bar in 1974 and joined Patterson, Smith, Matthews & Grant (predecessor to Patterson Law) in Truro. I started out in litigation but within two years, made the shift to our real estate group and my practice has had a focus in real estate ever since. My wife Valerie is from Sydney and we have four children: Ian, 26, Tracey, who would be 24 (she passed away a number of years ago), Erin, 20, and John, 16. We live in the beautiful community of Tatamagouche. The thought of running for president was the farthest thing from my mind when I was approached by the three previous presidents, Phil Star, Cathy Walker and Joel Pink. The pitch: it takes a lot of time but it is very rewarding working with a great group of fellow Council and committee members and an exceptional staff to improve our profession. Their statements could not have been more accurate. This being an election year, I want to thank those Council members who completed their terms for giving so unselfishly of their time. I also welcome the returning and newly elected members and look forward to working with you, as we tackle together the issues facing the regulation of the legal profession. Over the past three years, Council made a considerable effort to develop a governance framework that improves the way it functions in regulating the practice of law in the public interest. We have established our vision, values, strategic directions, 12-month activity plan and governance policies that define how we operate as a Society. Last year, a task force looked at Council’s composition and subject to government approval of changes to the Legal Profession Act, in the 2011 election year, Council will reduce from 35 to 21 members. This year, a new task force will review our committee structure. While the list of other priorities is long, here are a few initiatives under our approved Strategic Directions: (1) Enhancing lawyer competence: The Society will determine its proper role in assessing lawyers’ continuing competence and ensuring they understand their own requirements. (2) Access to justice: Through continuing and improved dialogue with government, there is a process to address broad issues of access to justice for Nova Scotians. (3) Effective governance: The Society ensures effective communications and liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as the CBA, AJEFNE, LIANS and other organizations and communities relating to the administration of justice and governance of the legal profession. (4) Impact on the administration of justice: The Society enhances member and public communications and ensures its role with government is appropriate to the Society’s purpose. This edition of the Society Record focuses on “youth.” We held our May Council meeting at Auburn Drive High School, in a tremendous opportunity to meet with students and hear their concerns related to the legal profession and justice system. The ability and interest of these young people was an inspiration to Council. The Society also offers “UnCommon Law,” which brings together youth, judges, police officers, social workers and lawyers in an annual forum for dialogue and exchanging ideas. These opportunities to connect with the leaders of tomorrow are invaluable to the Society as we shape the future direction of the regulation of the legal profession. In closing, I want to encourage two-way communication with our members, whether through meetings with County Bar Associations, larger firms or questions raised by you. I encourage anyone to contact me through the Society office. I will do my best to react appropriately to your concerns. Ron Creighton QC President July 2009 5
Page 1 and 2: the SOCIETY RECORD VOLUME 27 | NO.
Page 3: Contents VOLUME 27 | NO.3 | July 20
Page 7 and 8: BRIEFS Annual Meeting 2009 - June 1
Page 9 and 10: BRIEFS Cocktails & Conversations wi
Page 11 and 12: BRIEFS Steeves’ ensuing critical
Page 13 and 14: society news Library & Information
Page 15 and 16: ACCOLADES Brenda Pate, Janet Steven
Page 17 and 18: Children: Our future leaders and ed
Page 19 and 20: “Young people need an avenue to f
Page 21 and 22: LIANS Tips from the RISk & Practice
Page 23 and 24: eyond a reasonable doubt or beyond
Page 25 and 26: A meeting of minds Students and law
Page 27 and 28: Total Practice Solutions Succeed wi
Page 29 and 30: Youth Work that works Including you
Page 31 and 32: schools and other community organiz
Page 33 and 34: You be the judge A :Youth crime in
Page 35 and 36: to subject youth to an adult senten
Page 37 and 38: Restorative practices at work in th
Page 39 and 40: July 2009 39

SR Vol 27 No 3, July 2009 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

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