Judge Jennifer MacLellan
-by Rankin MacDonald
On Friday, February 13th, Nova Scotia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice announced the appointment of three new judges to the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia.
Included is Judge Jennifer MacLellan who originates from Inverness.
There is much pride in the community on her achievement.
The Provincial Court of Nova Scotia is pleased to welcome these three new, well-qualified judges to our Bench,” said the Hon. Perry Borden, Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia. “Each one has had an exceptional legal career. I know they will be tremendous assets to the Court and serve the people of Nova Scotia well in their new positions.”
Judge MacKinnon will preside in Sydney and Judge MacKeen will preside in Pictou. Judge MacLellan will initially preside in Sydney before moving to a rotation between courthouses in Truro, Shubenacadie, and Pictou.
These appointments fill vacancies created by the retirements of Judge James Burrill and Judge Ann Marie Simmons, and the appointment of Justice Bryna Hatt to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.
The Honourable Judge Jennifer MacLellan was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1995.
She has most recently worked as Chief of Appeals for the Nova Scotia Prosecution Service in Halifax.
She is an International Fellow of the National Attorneys-General Training and Research Institute and co-author of Qualifying and Challenging Expert Evidence.
Judge MacLellan received her King’s Counsel designation in 2016.
Judge MacLellan is the daughter of the late Fred (Malcolm) and Marie MacLellan of Inverness.
Judges are selected by the government from a list of candidates recommended by an independent Advisory Committee on Provincial Judicial Appointments.
Appointments to the bench are based on merit and professional excellence.
Gender, language/bilingualism, racial and cultural diversity, geographical representation, and commitment to public service are among the criteria for the appointment of judges.