Presiding Justice of the Peace - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society : Job Details

Presiding Justice of the Peace RecruitmentDeadline: August 29, 2025

The Province of Nova Scotia is seeking to appoint additional Presiding Justices of the Peace.Presiding Justices of the Peace may, subject to the Justice of the Peace Act and Regulations, dealwith matters prescribed to a justice' in the Criminal Code and the Summary Proceedings Act, and asset out in the Justice of the Peace Act and Regulations.Presiding Justices of the Peace preside over trials relating to summary offences under the MotorVehicle Act and other summary offence ticket matters, and peace bond applications and hearings atNight Court on Monday to Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Halifax ProvincialCourt and on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Sydney ProvincialCourt, and in daytime sittings in Provincial Courts at the Court locations including Amherst,Annapolis Royal, Antigonish, Bridgewater, Dartmouth, Digby, Kentville, Pictou, Shubenacadie, andTruro.

Presiding Justices of the Peace also preside at the Justice of the Peace Centre in Dartmouth, wherethey hear matters under the Criminal Code, Summary Proceedings Act and the Domestic ViolenceIntervention Act (Emergency Protection Order applications), grant Warrants, and address release ofpersons in custody.

Presiding Justice of the Peace are assigned shifts through the Justice of the Peace Centre;• In person from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.• In person from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week.• In person from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.• On call from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., 7 days a week, for emergency matters.• As required to assist should there be a backlog of work at the JP Centre.

EligibilityTo apply to be a Presiding Justice of the Peace, you must be a lawyer in good standing with theNova Scotia Barrister's Society with at least 5 years of practice.Lawyers practicing criminal law and/or family law are eligible to apply. However, if hired as apresiding justice of the peace, they must immediately cease practicing criminal and/or family law.Candidates must be in good standing with the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. Applicants mustconsent to have the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society release information about their status,discipline record and any outstanding complaintsCandidates will be required to submit to a criminal record check.

Applicants cannot be involved in serious, unresolved professional complaints, civil actions, oroutstanding financial claims, such as unpaid taxes or insolvency proceedings.

Selection criteriaThe selection committee will review applications for the following criteria and suitable candidateswill be shortlisted and interviewed.

Essential characteristics include:• Respect for the essential dignity of all persons regardless of their circumstances.• A reputation for integrity and fairness.• Strong Intellectual ability and excellent judgment, including the ability to be fair andopen-minded, patient, and able to make decisions promptly.• Professional excellence, including a high level of professional achievement in area(s) of legalwork in which the candidate has been engaged and good writing and communication skills.• Community awareness and understanding, including a commitment to public service (volunteerrecord), awareness of and interest in knowing more about the social problems which give rise tocases coming before the courts and sensitivity to changes in social values relating to criminal andfamily matters.

DiversityWe encourage applications from Indigenous people, African Nova Scotians, other racially visiblepeople, persons with disabilities, women and other employment equity groups. Candidates areencouraged to self-identify if bilingual in French and English.

How to applyTo apply to be considered for appointment as a Presiding Justice of the Peace, please send one copyof the following to [email protected] :• Your resume• A covering letter stating why you are interested, your credentials and certifications• 2 reference letters (including at least 1 professional reference) from persons with whom youhave had recent involvement, and• A completed Nova Scotia Barristers Society check form Shortlisted candidates will be contactedto schedule an interview.The application deadline is August 29, 2025.