Nova Scotia Legal Aid

08/25/2026

Unity in Law: Shaping the Future of 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights

This summer members of our team attended the Prisme Conference in Halifax thanks to the generous support of the Canadian Association of LGBTQ2S+ Lawyers/Association canadienne des avocat.e.s LGBTQ2S+.

It was an outstanding conference that brought together judges, lawyers, activists, and students from across the country to build networks and support increased representation and equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ legal professionals in Canada as well as advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights.

Morgan Manzer, a Lawyer and Communications Strategist in our Executive Office, was a panelist on the Domestic Legal Issues Panel where he discussed recent child protection and prison law cases centered on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues.

Morgan was also the recipient of the conference's Recognition for Local Leadership in 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights Advocacy. Congratulations, Morgan! We're so proud of the work you championing justice and protecting rights.

We're fully committed to the journey of being a great place to work for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and all diverse communities. We believe diversity is our strength and helps us provide the highest quality legal services to all Nova Scotians.

Read our DEI Strategic Plan:https://www.nslegalaid.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DEI-Strategic-Plan-2021-2027-June-2024.pdf

08/17/2026

On Saturday, July 18, we proudly took to the streets for the 2026 Halifax Pride Parade, with an incredible group of staff and supporters coming together to celebrate Pride, community, and our commitment to inclusion!🌈

We sure think lawyer Joshua Nodelman of our Halifax Criminal Office is looking pretty snazzy in his hand sewn rainbow tabs. A talented man in-and-out of the courtroom.

Read our DEI Strategic Plan:https://www.nslegalaid.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DEI-Strategic-Plan-2021-2027-June-2024.pdf

Here are some of favourite snaps 📷 from the event⬇️

08/14/2026

Are you ready to shape the future of access to justice in Nova Scotia?

At Nova Scotia Legal Aid we play a critical role in ensuring eligible Nova Scotians have access to high-quality legal services when they need them most.

We are seeking our next Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership, strengthen partnerships across the justice system, and guide a dedicated province-wide team.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected public institution whose work has a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities across Nova Scotia.

If you're an accomplished leader with experience in the legal profession, legal aid, the justice sector, or another complex public-service environment, our friends at Royer Thompson love to hear from you.

Learn more: https://www.royerthompson.com/opportunities/chief-executive-officer-nova-scotia-legal-aid

**This search is being led by Royer Thompson and interested candidates should reach out to them directly.

08/04/2026

At Nova Scotia Legal Aid we have Nationally Recognized Leaders.👩🏼‍💼🗣️

Last month at the National Criminal Law Program on Prince Edward Island, Karen Endres, KC, was announced as the incoming Co-Chair of the Program. The Federation of Law Societies of Canada's National Criminal Law Program is Canada’s pre-eminent continuing legal education program for criminal law.

Karen, Managing Lawyer of our Dartmouth Criminal Office, has been an active member of the Program's faculty for several years now. During this year's conference she chaired two panels and was a panelist on another.

Congratulations, Karen!

07/28/2026

The Board of Directors of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission have appointed of D. Peter Mancini, KC, as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective August 4, 2026.

Mr. Mancini’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the appointment of former CEO Charlene Moore, KC, to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division) earlier this month.

Mr. Mancini is a widely respected Nova Scotia lawyer with more than four decades of experience in criminal and family law, including 25 years with Nova Scotia Legal Aid.

Read the full announcement here: https://www.nslegalaid.ca/nsla-interim-ceo-appointed/

07/06/2026

Congratulations to NSLA CEO Charlene Moore, K.C., on her appointment to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division).

Nova Scotia Legal Aid is incredibly grateful for Justice Moore’s significant contributions over her 27-year career. She was a true ‘Legal Aider’ driven by a sense of purpose: finding people-centered solutions to the most significant legal problems facing Nova Scotians.

“Justice Moore’s appointment reflects the respect she has earned across the legal community and her longstanding commitment to access to justice, public service, and the rule of law,” said George Ash, Chair of Nova Scotia Legal Aid.

Read the full announcement here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-justice/news/2026/07/minister-of-justice-and-attorney-general-of-canada-announces-a-judicial-appointment-in-the-province-of-nova-scotia.html

07/03/2026

Join us for this incredible event on July 17th.

It is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-and-sparkle-an-indigenous-and-pride-crafting-circle-tickets-1992648524377?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

06/18/2026

Yesterday we were in Sydney Mines - with candy 🍭🍬- at Community CARES Youth Outreach for the Community Wellness Fair!

Our Social Justice Worker Nicole Hill was on hand to share about how we can help individuals dealing with income security or housing issues, and much more.

At Nova Scotia Legal Aid we strive to provide legal services that help improve legal, social, economic and health outcomes for Nova Scotians. We focus on criminal, family, and social justice matters.

If you need help, apply today: nslegalaid.ca

06/17/2026

Nova Scotia Legal Aid is seeking a Payroll Officer to join our Executive Office in Halifax.

If you are talented, hardworking and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, please click the link below for details on applying:

The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission offers a uniquely friendly and professional work environment and we are proud to support equity in employment.

06/11/2026

Recently our CEO, Charlene Moore, KC, was a panelist at the inaugural conference of the Action Committee on Access to Justice in Ottawa.

The session titled, “Nothing About Us Without Us: Rethinking Participation and Power in Justice,” explored how justice systems can better include people — especially those traditionally excluded or disempowered — as active participants in shaping, interpreting, and experiencing justice.

Charlene spoke about lessons learned from the Restorative Inquiry and our own initiatives here at Nova Scotia Legal Aid. Charlene's ability to share our passion and commitment for advancing human-centered justice strongly resonated with attendees.

[Pictured L to R: Anne Levesque, Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa (French Common Law Program); Charlene Moore, KC, CEO of Nova Scotia Legal Aid; Lee N. Nevens, Senior Counsel at the Department of Justice Canada; Adeline Audrerie, PhD, Professor at the University of Quebec (Outaouais); and, Mary-Anne Popescu AccFM, AccEM, CPMed, ED of the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM]