News release

Employment Equity Policy Announced For Law Firms

Justice

Justice Minister Michael Baker today outlined the process for promoting employment equity in law firms. The plan is designed to address the historical under-representation of indigenous black and Mi'kmaq lawyers in Nova Scotia's legal profession.

"As the individual responsible for the administration of justice, I have an obligation to work for change," said Mr. Baker. "I have been meeting with the students and the profession and I firmly believe I have the commitment of the key players to help create a climate of opportunity, and of equity."

A committee of government representatives, the profession, the faculty and the Barristers' Society is working on several fronts. Firms will be provided with information and training on fair hiring practices. Professional development opportunities for students will be examined and improved. The mentorship program will be revived, with active participation from the province.

The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society has committed to hiring an employment equity officer and creating a new race-relations committee. In preparation for Super Saturday (when law students are interviewed by prospective employers) the society has offered to assist potential candidates with resumes and has reminded firms of the interview guidelines that must be followed.

The experience of those participating in Super Saturday will be tracked, as will the experience of those not wishing to take part.

The plan also includes an employment-equity policy for Crown law agents. Firms doing business with government will be required to sign a commitment to employment equity and to the planned program initiatives. The commitment must be prominently displayed and clearly communicated to current and prospective staff.

Firms with 12 or more lawyers must collect and record information on the representation and employment status of designated group members and the steps taken by the firm to achieve employment- equity goals. Larger firms must also designate a senior partner to oversee compliance.

Firms with 11 lawyers or less must report on the representation of designated group members within their firms on June 1 of each year. All firms must comply with the terms and conditions of the Human Rights Act.

Without this commitment, no firm will be engaged to perform legal work for government.

In order to ensure that accurate and reliable information is available regarding the program, its students and graduates, a database will be complied with the assistance of the profession and the law school.

The committee will submit a progress report in six months to its stakeholders. Program reports from the hiring database will be provided on an annual basis.

"While the uninformed statements that began this debate were extremely unfortunate, the ensuing spotlight has brought with it awareness and understanding," said Mr. Baker. "By simply bringing the key players together, we have opened the lines of communication and made some real progress."