Four new judges have been appointed to the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia, as of today, and will start hearing matters in the coming weeks.
Jillian Barrington practiced with Sheldon Nathanson Law Office in Sydney, where she focused on criminal and family law. She has also represented children and guardians as a court-appointed lawyer in matters with Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia. She was called to the bar in 2011.
Bronwyn Duffy was a partner with MacIsaac, Clarke & Duffy in Stellarton. Her practice included federal prosecutions as agent counsel for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, being a town solicitor, residential and commercial real estate, and municipal law. She is actively involved in her community, particularly with youth academic and sports initiatives. She was called to the bar in 2010.
Prior to her appointment, Jill Hartlen was Agent Supervisor, Atlantic Region of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. She has provided Charter of Rights and Freedoms training to agents and police, and she has been involved in more than 100 charter challenges. In 2018, she was designated a wiretap agent, prosecuting many complex wiretap cases. She was called to the bar in 2004.
Bryna Hatt was a lawyer and President of Fraser Hatt Law in Port Hawkesbury, where she practJillian Barrington practised with Sheldon Nathanson Law Office in Sydney, where she focused on criminal and family law. She has also represented children and guardians as a court-appointed lawyer in matters with Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia. She was called to the bar in 2011.
“These are smart, talented and hard-working individuals, and in speaking with each of them, I know they are eager to get started in their new roles,” said The Hon. Pamela S. Williams,Chief Judge of the Provincial Court. “The Provincial Court is a fast-paced and grueling work environment for any judge, but I am confident these four are ready for the challenge. Most importantly, Nova Scotians will be better served with more judges available to hear matters and help address the backlog of cases that has grown since the onset of the pandemic.”
Quick Facts:
— judges are selected by the government from a list of candidates recommended by the seven-member independent Advisory Committee on Provincial Judicial Appointments, which includes two members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, a sitting judge of the Provincial Court, three public representatives and a retired member of the judiciary as Chair, all appointed by the Minister of Justice
— the advisory committee’s recommendations are based on criteria in the Guidelines for Provincial Judicial Appointments
— appointments to the bench continue to be based on merit and professional excellence; gender, language/bilingualism, racial and cultural diversity, geographical representation and commitment to public service are among the criteria for the appointment of judges
— with these appointments, there are now 18 female and 12 male judges sitting full-time on the provincial court; 12 part-time judges also serve on the bench
Today’s appointments will fill vacancies created by retirements in Sydney, Pictou and Dartmouth. One judge remains on long-term leave and two more retirements are expected in Bridgewater and Kentville this spring.
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