Articling at Blois Nickerson & Bryson
Letter From The Chair Of The Articling Committee Dear Law Student: As Chair of the Articling Committee at Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP, I wish to take this opportunity to say a few words about the firm and the integral part that Articled Clerks play in the practices of our lawyers. Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP is an established, mid-sized firm. Together, we practice in nearly every area of law indeed, many of our lawyers are regarded as experts in their field. Our size allows us to work together and contribute to the practices of our colleagues. Our lawyers know one another. Articled Clerks play an important role in all of our practice areas. We look to our clerks to assist us with, among other things, legal research, document preparation, file management, and client communication. Through their articling year, our Clerks gain exposure to all aspects of legal practice from the conference room to the courtroom. In short, we rely on our Clerks to help us deliver top quality legal services to our clients. I welcome any inquiries you may have about Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP and wish you all the best as you begin your legal career. Sincerely, Richard Melanson Chair, Articling Committee
ARTICLING AT BLOIS, NICKERSON & BRYSON LLP The firm participates in the placement interviews held in January for students at Dalhousie in their second year of law school, and interviews students from other law schools at mutually convenient times, generally at the same stage of the student s law school career. The firm has not traditionally hired summer students. The firm hires clerks to article during the period from June 1st to May 31st each year. Articled clerks are involved in all aspects of the practice of law, and have opportunities to meet with clients, attend discoveries, draft documents and correspondence, attend Chambers and Court for hearings and trials, and attend before administrative tribunals, in addition to undertaking traditional legal research and writing. The firm acts as principal with a supervising lawyer, and has an education plan and individual articling plans as prescribed by the Nova Scotia Barristers Society. Articled clerks have the opportunity to work with all of the partners and associates of the firm. We are committed to ensuring that our clerks receive a good grounding in the practice of law during their articling year, and the firm encourages continuing legal education activities. Information on details of salary and benefits can be obtained from materials on file with your Placement Office/Articling Committee. - 2 -
Administrative S. Bruce Outhouse, Q.C. Gordon R. Kelly Thomas M. Macdonald Colin D. Bryson, Q.C. Richard J. Melanson* R. Lester Jesudason Adrienne Bowers Shaun Mac Millan Family/Matrimonial Gordon R. Kelly N. Kent Clarke Angela J. Swantee Adrienne Bowers Stacey O Neill Noémi Westergard*** Collaborative Family Law Gordon R. Kelly Real Estate Colin D. Bryson, Q.C. Richard J. Melanson* N. Kent Clarke Emad Al-Sharief** Moneesha Sinha Labour Colin D. Bryson, Q.C. AREAS OF PRACTICE Civil Litigation S. Bruce Outhouse, Q.C. Gordon R. Kelly Thomas M. Macdonald Colin D. Bryson, Q.C. Richard J. Melanson* N. Kent Clarke Adrienne Bowers Emad Al-Sharief** Moneesha Sinha Justin E. Adams Shaun Mac Millan Noémi Westergard*** Employment S. Bruce Outhouse, Q.C. Thomas M. Macdonald Colin D. Bryson, Q.C. R. Lester Jesudason Shaun Mac Millan Landlord/Tenancy Justin E. Adams Shaun Mac Millan Corporate/Commercial/Insolvency Willard Strug, Q.C. Richard J. Melanson* Emad Al-Sharief** Justin E. Adams Tax Willard Strug, Q.C. Personal Injury S. Bruce Outhouse, Q.C. Gordon R. Kelly Thomas M. Macdonald Colin D. Bryson, Q.C. N. Kent Clarke R. Lester Jesudason Emad Al-Sharief** Shaun Mac Millan Wills, Estates & Trusts N. Kent Clarke Adrienne Bowers Moneesha Sinha Justin E. Adams Intellectual/Property Law Trademark/Patent Willard Strug, Q.C. Richard J. Melanson* Noémi Westergard*** Criminal N. Kent Clarke Noémi Westergard*** Environmental Richard J. Melanson Child Protection Gordon R. Kelly Immigration Noémi Westergard*** Media & Entertainment Noémi Westergard*** * denotes Bilingual (English/French) ** denotes Bilingual (English/Arabic) ***denotes Trilingual (English/French/Spanish) - 3 -
LAWYERS OF BLOIS, NICKERSON & BRYSON LLP Willard Strug, Q.C. Education: Dalhousie University (B. Comm., 1964; LL.B., 1967); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 1967; Queen's Counsel appointment, 1983. Willard specializes in corporate and commercial law, with a strong background in tax law. He has taught tax-related courses and writes articles on tax topics; his comments have often appeared in Canadian Tax Highlights, a publication of the Canadian Tax Foundation. S. Bruce Outhouse, Q.C. Education: Dalhousie University (B.A., 1969; LL.B., 1971); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 1971; Queen's Counsel appointment, 1986. Mr. Outhouse practices administrative law, civil litigation and is an experienced arbitrator and mediator. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators. He has served as Chairman of the Qualifications Committee and the Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. Gordon R. Kelly Education: Kent State University (B.Sc., 1975); Pennsylvania State University (M.Sc., 1976); Dalhousie University (LL.B., 1981); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 1981. Gordon is the senior lawyer in the Family Law Practice Group. He specializes in mediation, negotiation, and collaborative law, a process during which the parties and their lawyers commit to resolving the dispute outside the litigation process. His goal is to help families resolve marital and custodial disputes in a fair and equitable manner, whenever possible. He is a passionate and tireless advocate for the rights of children. - 4 -
Gordon is a practicing member of the Association of Collaborative Family Law Lawyers of Nova Scotia and serves as a parent education facilitator for Nova Scotia s Parent Information Program, a mandated program for families involved in custody, access or child maintenance proceedings. He has appeared before all levels of courts in Nova Scotia, the Federal Court of Canada, and the Supreme Court of Canada. Throughout his lengthy career, Gordon has researched and written many articles, columns and papers on various aspects of custody proceedings, foster parenting, and child welfare. He has given talks, presented papers and lectured on the problems facing families within the legal system. Because of his focused interests and expertise on issues related to children s rights and protection, he is much sought after as a lecturer, speaker, facilitator and resource person. He also prepares papers and speaks to other members of the legal community on issues of advancing technology. Colin D. Bryson, Q.C. Education: Dalhousie University (B.A. [Hons.], 1979; M.B.A., 1983; LL.B., 1983); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 1984; Queen s Counsel appointment, 2010. Colin s strength can be seen both inside and outside of the courtroom as he represents clients dealing with insurance, labour, commercial and property disputes or personal injury claims. He was appointed Queen s Counsel in 2010. Colin has a heart for the city s youth. You will often find him on the soccer field. He is president of the Halifax City Soccer Club and has volunteered as a coach and manager of club teams. Colin has also served as a director and Chair of the Phoenix Youth Programs and St. Paul s Home. Thomas M. Macdonald Education: Dalhousie University (B.A., 1973; M.Ed., 1980; LL.B., 1983); Saint Mary's University (B.Ed., 1978); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 1984. Tom practices primarily in the area of civil litigation, providing litigation advice and representation to major clients in Canada, the United States and Europe. He has accepted referrals from major national firms in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, - 5 -
the United States and Europe. As well, he provides defence litigation representation for the Indian Residential Schools. He serves his community by volunteering his services to the Family Service Association of HRM, and within the legal community has served in a number of chair and member positions within the Canadian Bar Association and the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. Richard J. Melanson Education: Université Sainte-Anne (B.A., 1981; B.Ed., 1983); Dalhousie University (LL.B., 1988, Gold Medalist); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 1989. Richard believes collaboration is the best path to a solution. He has many years of experience guiding clients through the complex negotiations of corporate and commercial law, helping involved parties work together for successful resolutions. He is a member of the Board of Examiners of the Nova Scotia Social Workers Association, chair of the Discipline Committee, as well as a member of the Agreement on Internal Trade Working Group and currently sits as the Commissioner of the Law Reform Commission of Nova Scotia. Richard practices in both English and French and is a Gold Medalist from Dalhousie University School of Law. N. Kent Clarke Education: University of Kings College (B.Sc., 1985); Dalhousie University (B.A., 1987; LL.B., 1990); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 1991. Kent Clarke is a senior member of the Wills and Estate Practice Group and acts as the firm s IT and technology partner. He has appeared at all levels of court and served as successful co counsel in defending one of the most complex criminal prosecutions in Nova Scotia. He enjoys the challenges of a litigation practice but also finds time to be solicitor for Philae Shriners of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Kent s commitment to his community can be seen through his active involvement in politics and with several fraternal organizations including his Directorship with the SRCF Learning Centre for Halifax, which offers free tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia. When not involved in court proceedings or his community, Kent finds - 6 -
time to work towards a black belt in Taekwon-do. You might also find him on the football field where he helps coach the Halifax Argos Bantam Football Team. R. Les Jesudason Education: Acadia University (B.Sc. Hons, 1993); Dalhousie University (LL.B., 1996); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 1997. Les focuses his extensive expertise in civil litigation/administrative law in areas such as personal injury law, insurance law, employment law and regulatory matters. He represents a wide variety of clients from individuals to institutions. He is also the Chair of the Nova Scotia Police Review Board and has conducted numerous hearings across the Province. Les holds a Certificate in Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution. He has a keen interest in fostering equity-promoting initiatives and has served on the CBA-NS Equity Committee, the Nova Scotia Barristers Society Gender Equity Committee, is a volunteer with reachability and was appointed to sit on the Selection Panel for the current CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Les is a strong advocate for his clients and has been involved in proceedings at all levels of Court including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has been a guest speaker at numerous events including the 2009 national CACOLE Conference in Ottawa and the 2011 Minister s Reception. Adrienne Bowers Education: Saint Mary s University (B.A. 2002); Dalhousie University (LL.B. 2005); Admitted to Nova Scotia Bar, 2006. Adrienne specializes in Family Law, with a focus on family and civil litigation proceedings. In her personal life, she has served as the vice president of Football Nova Scotia since 2007, volunteers as treasurer of Halifax Football and a coach for the Mites Tackle Football Club. She also is a founding board member, coach and player with the Nova Scotia Women s Flag Football League. - 7 -
Emad Al-Sharief Education: American University in Cairo (B.Sc., 1996); University of Alberta (M. Eng., 1997); Dalhousie University (LL.B., 2005); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 2006. Emad Al-Sharief is experienced in matters dealing with new home construction and condominium development. He welcomes real estate agents, developers and contractors as clients and provides legal representation in English or Arabic. When not sitting behind the desk in a two-piece suit and tie, you ll most likely find Emad in his wetsuit and scuba tank exploring the undersea landscapes or traveling to interesting locales. Moneesha Sinha Education: Dalhousie University (B. Sc., 1996); Dalhousie University (M.B.A., 2003); Dalhousie University (LL.B., 2006); admitted to Nova Scotia Bar, 2007. Moneesha takes particular pleasure in guiding clients through the maze of real estate transactions, including purchase, sale and mortgages. Her enthusiasm, experience and accessibility throughout these complex processes provide a level of comfort for her clients. She volunteers with reachability by offering pro bono legal services for clients with disability-related problems and speaks to special groups or at conferences on the issues surrounding her areas of specialization. Justin E. Adams Education: Dalhousie University (B.Sc. 2003); Dalhousie University (LL.B. 2007); admitted to Nova Scotia Bar, 2008. Justin is available to assist clients with civil litigation matters and insolvency proceedings. He is also busily expanding his practice for clients seeking help with wills and estates and those requiring legal advice on business matters. He strives to build long- - 8 -
term relationships with his clients, which enables him to better tailor his services to their respective needs. Education: Dalhousie University (B.A. Hons. 2004); Dalhousie University (LL.B. 2007); Admitted to Nova Scotia Bar, 2008. Ian enjoys the challenges of a litigation practice and has experience with both criminal and civil litigation. You may recognize Ian s name from print media as he is a guest legal columnist for several local weeklies. Ian volunteers with reachability and delivers community workshops on residential tenancy matters. He has served as counsel to Golden Key International Honour Society, as Director of Youth, Sackville-Cobequid Liberal Association and as Minister of the Word, Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish. In 2005, he received the Golden Key International Honour Society Community Service Award, and in 2007, the Dalhousie University Governors Award. Shaun Mac Millan Education: Dalhousie University (B.A. Hons. 2000); Dalhousie University (M.A. 2001); Dalhousie University (LL.B. 2009); admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 2010. Shaun is one of the newest additions to the Blois, Nickerson & Bryson team having articled with the firm in 2009-2010. He was the winner of the Smith Shield mooting competition in Law School. He has continued to further successfully hone his advocacy and litigation skills for our clients. Stacey O Neill Education: McGill University (B. Comm. 2004, Major in Psychology); Dalhousie University (LL.B. 2009); admitted to the Ontario Bar, 2010; admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 2010. After articling and admittance to the Ontario Bar, Stacey brings her financial and psychology background to our Family Law, Matrimonial Law and - 9 -
Civil Litigation Sections. Stacey has experience working in a variety of legal settings, including at a legal aid clinic, a national law firm, and with in-house legal counsel. She looks forward to working with clients find meaningful resolutions for the issues they are facing, whether it is within or outside of the court process. Stacey s work has been published in the National Banking Law Review (Brost, L. and O Neill, S., Justice Demands, National Banking Law Review, Volume 20, No. 3). She also volunteers with reachability and is an avid fitness instructor. Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP is pleased to add her talent to our legal team. Noémi Westergard Education: University of King s College: B.Sc., 2005; University of King s College: B.Journ., 2006; Dalhousie University, Schulich School of Law: J.D., 2011; admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, 2012 Perhaps Noémi s most noticeable aspect is the freshness of perspective and the energy she brings both within her law practice and the world in general. Prior to completing her law degree in 2011, Noémi was a recipient of a Schulich scholarship and worked for a term at Dalhousie Legal Aid. With a background in photography, film and journalism, one of Noémi s strongest assets is her creativity and ability to seek novel solutions to disputes. Noémi speaks English, French and Spanish and is happy to meet with clients in any of these languages. She is passionate about traveling and sailing. - 10 -
LAWYERS PREVIOUSLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE FIRM INCLUDE Justice Thomas H. Coffin Nova Scotia Supreme Court, Appeal Division (deceased) Robert H.N. Blois, Q.C. Chairman of the Nova Scotia Municipal Board (former; deceased) Bruce M. Nickerson, Q.C. Commissioner of the Nova Scotia Public Utilities Board (retired) Justice Ian H.M. Palmeter Associate Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court (deceased) Terence R.B. Donahoe, Q.C. Former Leader of the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party and former Attorney General for Nova Scotia (deceased) Justice Elizabeth A. Roscoe Nova Scotia Court of Appeal (retired) Justice R. James Williams Nova Scotia Supreme Court (Family Division) Judge Michael B. Sherar Nova Scotia Provincial Court - 11 -
HISTORY OF THE FIRM Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP provides a full range of legal services for individual, corporate, institutional, and government clients. The firm traces its origin to the formation of the partnership of James W. Johnston and John Y. Payzant, in 1864, when Mr. Johnston's previous partner, his father, was appointed a Judge in Equity and Senior Assistant Justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. In 1874, James Johnston was appointed a Judge of the County Court and later received a honourary Doctor of Civil Laws degree from Acadia University. John Payzant was joined by his son, William L. Payzant, in 1891 and practiced under the name of John Y. Payzant & Son. John Payzant served as the President of the Bank of Nova Scotia for eighteen years, while William Payzant practiced law for over fifty years with the firm. Thomas H. Coffin joined William Payzant in 1931, and the firm became Payzant and Coffin. Robert H. N. Blois joined the firm in 1948 and practiced law until his appointment as Chairman of the Nova Scotia Municipal Board in 1982. He returned to the firm and served as counsel from 1987 to 1992. In 1953, the firm became Payzant, Coffin and Blois. The firm was known as Coffin, Blois & Hicks from 1956 to 1961, with the addition of Douglas G. Hicks. In 1961, Mr. Coffin was appointed a Justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, Trial Division, and later elevated to the Appeal Division. Bruce M. Nickerson joined the firm in 1961, and the firm became Blois & Nickerson. Mr. Nickerson practiced law with the firm until being appointed a Commissioner of the Nova Scotia Public Utilities Board in 1983. S. David Bryson was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1959 and served as counsel to the firm until 2009. In 1968, Ian H. M. Palmeter joined the firm, which then became Blois, Nickerson, Palmeter & Bryson. Mr. Palmeter became the Chief Judge of the County Court in 1985 and was later elevated to Associate Chief Justice Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. The firm changed its name to Blois, Nickerson & Bryson in 1993 and to Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP in 2010. Currently, Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP has sixteen lawyers, one articled clerk, and a network of support staff. The firm occupies the 11 th floor of the Centennial Building on Granville Street and boasts an impressive collection of original Nova Scotia art and antique maps of the province. Many of our lawyers are actively involved in an array of pro bono work with a number of charity organizations. Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP takes great pride in its history, its commitment to the profession, to employment equity, and to the community. - 12 -
NOTES AND QUESTIONS - 13 -