The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society[1] is the statutory body charged with the regulation of the legal profession in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. The Legislature of Nova Scotia has enacted the Legal Profession Act,[2] which gives lawyers in Nova Scotia the powers of self-regulation, through the Barristers' Society. In exercising its powers under the Act, the Barristers' Society is required "... to uphold and protect the public interest in the practice of law".[3]
The Barristers' Society has four main functions: (1) regulate standards necessary for admission to the privilege of practising law in the Province; (2) establish standards for the professional responsibility and competence of lawyers in the Province; (3) regulate the practice of law in the Province; and (4) seek to improve the administration of justice in the Province by regular consultations with members of the public who have a particular interest in the purpose of the Society.[4]
In addition to setting the requirements for call to the Bar[5][6] and guidelines for law practice in the Province,[7][8] the Society investigates and adjudicates potential professional misconduct amongst members.[9][10][11][12] An appeal lies to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal from the decision of the Society, on any question of law raised in disciplinary proceedings.[13]
The Barristers' Society is a member of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, an association of the fourteen provincial and territorial bodies governing the legal profession across Canada.
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