Professional Experience
Called to bar: July 27, 1984
Appointed Queen’s Counsel: December 21, 2000
Partner since 1992 at Waterbury Newton, Kentville, Nova Scotia (www.wnns.ca)
Preferred areas of practice: Wills and Estates, Elder Law, Corporate/Commercial and Real Estate
Previously worked at Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission in Amherst (criminal and family law) and articled with Department of Justice (Canada) in Halifax (criminal and civil litigation)
Post-Secondary Education
Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia: B.A. with distinction (1980); LL.B. (1983)
l’Université de Chicoutimi (1979) - six week immersion course in Lac St-Jean region, Quebec
University of Western Ontario (1978) - six week immersion course in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec
Professional Associations and Activities
Canadian Bar Association (member since 1980)
National level:
Women Lawyers Forum (currently, Vice-Chair; Secretary 2007-2008)
Elder Law Section Executive Committee (member at large 2007-present)
Standing Committee on Equity (member 2006-2008)
Resolutions, Constitution and By-laws Committee (2000-2006, two years as Chair)
Law Day Standing Committee (Chair 2002-2004)
Board of Directors (1999-2000)
Law for the Future Fund Board of Directors (1999-2000)
Nominating Sub-Committee (1999-2000)
Annual Meeting 2000 committee (CLE Liaison)
Nova Scotia Branch:
Law Day 2008 Committee (organized mock trial for high school students at Kentville Justice Centre)
Co-organizer/organizer of three day-long seminars for legal support staff (2007, 2006, 2003)
Representative on Nova Scotia Advisory Committee on Federal Judicial Appointments (2002-2004)
Law Day Co-Chair (2002-2004)
Elected Member of Council (1992-2004; 2007-present)
Branch President (1999-2000)
Past Branch Vice President, Treasurer, Communications Chair, member of Professional Development and Equality Committees and mandate review committee
Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (member since 1984)
Representative on Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (2006-present)
Continuing Competence Task Force (member 2005-2007)
Gender Equality Committee (member 1998-2002)
Bar Council (member 1998-2000)
Kings County Barristers Society (member since 1985; President 1999-2000)
Current Community Involvement
Rotary Club of New Minas Sunrise (Charter member since 2000; five years as Director)
Valley Regional Hospital Foundation (Board member since 1994; Past President 2004-2007)
Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce (member since 1987; Past President and Secretary)
Harmony, Incorporated (member since 1986 with Valley Voices chapter; Past International President 2004-2006; elected International Board member 1997-2006)
Sing Canada Harmony Scholarship Fund (Board member 2008-present)
Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada (member since 1969; currently Kings 1 Area Commissioner and member of Provincial Council)
