News release

New Queen's Counsel Appointments

Justice

Twelve Nova Scotia lawyers were appointed today, Dec. 19, as Queen's counsel. Justice Minister Michael Baker made personal phone calls to each lawyer to congratulate them for being recognized for their contributions to the practice of law.

"These individuals have earned the respect of their colleagues and clients, and have demonstrated leadership in their profession," said Mr. Baker. "They have also been keen supporters of legal scholarship, teaching and continuing legal education. We appreciate their efforts."

The appointees, their firms and the year they were called to the bar, include:

  • Gerald MacDonald, LeBlanc MacDonald, Port Hawkesbury, 1973;
  • Michael King, Cooper and MacDonald, Halifax, 1973;
  • Ross Haynes, The Haynes Group of Lawyers, Halifax, 1975;
  • Louise Poirier, Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Halifax, 1975;
  • Patrick Burke, Burke and MacDonald, Lunenburg, 1978;
  • Michael Donovan, Department of Justice (Canada), Halifax, 1978;
  • Harvey Morrison, McInnes Cooper, Halifax, 1979;
  • Peter Lederman, Archibald and Lederman, Truro, 1980;
  • Mark David, Baxter Harris Heonakis, Halifax, 1982;
  • Jan McKenzie, Cox Hanson O'Reilly Matheson, Halifax, 1984;
  • Geoffrey Machum, Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, Halifax, 1985;
  • Robert Fetterly, Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, Halifax, 1984.

The criteria for Queen's counsel appointments include:

  • a minimum of 15 years as a member of the bar of Nova Scotia;
  • demonstrated professional integrity, good character and outstanding contributions to the practice of law;
  • consideration of regional, gender and minority representation.

Recommendations were made to cabinet by a nine-member advisory committee chaired by Justice Walter Goodfellow of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. Members of the committee are Robert Belliveau, Q.C., Jamie Campbell, Q.C., D.A. (Sandy) Fairbanks, Q.C., Craig Garson, Q.C., Guy LaFosse, Q.C., Carman McCormick, Q.C., Valerie Miller, Q.C., Karen Ralph and David Wallace, Q.C.