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BRIEFS
2014 RECOGNITION RECEPTION
Heather McNeill QC: 2014 Distinguished Service Award
Nova Scotia’s legal profession – and the public – benefit from
the varied perspectives of a diverse membership, says Heather
McNeill QC of the Dalhousie Legal Aid Service.
“We each have skills and experience that can make a difference
to those in need,” says McNeill, who received the 2014
Distinguished Service Award on September 19 for significant
contributions to her community, the profession and the Society.
A practising lawyer for almost 20 years, McNeill draws on her
previous career as a registered nurse to involve healing and
compassion in her approaches to legal disputes. She also
combines traditional Aboriginal concepts of respect and sharing
with her legal talents, advocating for marginalized individuals
and communities in Nova Scotia.
Her long history of public service includes work with
the Indigenous Blacks & Mi’kmaq Initiative Advisory Council,
pro bono services to immigrants, leadership in the Mi’kmaq First
Nation and much more. At the Society, she currently volunteers
as a member of the Fitness to Practise Committee and the Racial
Equity Committee (REC).
“One aspect of the many things we are involved in (with the
REC) is going into diverse communities – for me, the Mi’kmaq
Recognition of long-term service in the legal profession
community – and delivering legal information sessions.
Attendees are empowered in terms of knowing the law, the
process and where to go for help. It’s clear that being informed
makes a huge difference,” she says.
Visit the Society’s blog at nsbs.org/public-interest to read
“Distinguished lawyer, legal healer,” featuring a Q&A with
McNeill and more details about the Distinguished Service
Award. The date for next year’s nominations is April 15, 2015;
they may be submitted by both lawyers and the public.
Also at the September 19 event, the Society
honoured four lawyers with long-term service
certificates. Charlie MacIntosh QC (seated), one
of the province’s best-known real estate lawyers,
and Edwin LeBlanc QC (standing, far left), in-house
counsel with Nova Scotia Power for much of his
career, were recognized for 60 years of service
in the legal profession. President Tilly Pillay QC
also presented 50-year certificates to David F.
Curtis QC of Truro (second from left), a highly
regarded lawyer who assisted in the development
of the Land Registration Act, and David Grant
of Dartmouth (at right), a true generalist who
practised in all areas of law.
The Recognition Reception is an annual
opportunity for the Society to honour lawyers and
law students for contributions that demonstrate
the profession’s commitment to excellence and
public service.
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