A Trusted Advocate
With over a decade of experience, I have successfully represented numerous clients in various criminal law cases. From minor offenses to complex matters, I have dedicated my career to being a strong advocate in the courtroom.
Since 2009 I have represented 100s of clients facing a wide range of criminal law matters. I have spent my career as a strong advocate in the courtroom and have appeared before all levels of Court in Nova Scotia. Much of my practise has focused on the unique needs of youth in conflict with the law, as well as Indigenous and African Nova Scotian accused.
Legal Career
From 2009-2022, I worked as a very busy criminal defence lawyer with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, in Cape Breton as well as Halifax. In 2022, I decided to try a change of pace. I left legal aid and joined Hutchison Law where I worked part-time and focused primarily on legal research and writing. This was a fabulous transition from legal aid prior to opening my own law practise.
Background
My educational background includes earning a Bachelor of Science, with a double advanced major in Psychology and Sociology (Dal’01), a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Criminology (SMU’03), and Bachelor of Laws (Dal’06). I routinely rely on my social science background, along with my law degree, to ‘think outside the box’ and develop creative arguments on behalf of my clients.
Law Experience
I have experience working on most types of criminal law cases, including common and serious assaults, home invasion, attempted murder, murder, drug charges, driving offences and impaired driving, child pornography and sex offences, financial crimes such as fraud and theft, as well as property offences like mischief and break enter.
Contribution
Over the years my work has contributed to the legal landscape in Nova Scotia. I am most proud of my work in R v “X,” 2014 NSPC 95, where I successfully introduced the use of an Impact of Race and Culture Assessment (IRCA) in a sentencing case involving an African Nova Scotian youth. Today IRCAs are routinely ordered by the Court in sentencing cases involving African Nova Scotian offenders.
Professional Highlights
· I am a member in good standing with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and am a former member of the Criminal Standard’s Committee.
· I am a member of the Nova Scotia Criminal Lawyers’ Association and formerly served as Vice President.
· I have completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Courses for both restricted and non-restricted firearms.
