The law clerks provide legal assistance to the Court of Appeal. Under the supervision of the judges, the clerks work individually on appeals and other matters. They also work collaboratively on special and larger-scale projects.

The clerks’ responsibilities at the Court involve them in many areas of the law. Since the clerks actively participate in the assignment of their cases, there are opportunities for them to focus on areas of interest and to explore previously unfamiliar areas of the law. The clerks are asked to prepare research memoranda, often on challenging, emerging and unsettled points of law.

They generally attend the hearings of the cases to which they have been assigned. As well, when assisting the Chambers judge, the clerks often attend Court of Appeal Chambers. This allows the clerks to observe counsel arguing matters on which the clerks have reviewed the written submissions and may have conducted detailed research.

Period of Employment

The period of employment is for one year. Start dates are generally in July and August, although there may be some flexibility.





Qualifications

All applicants must have graduated from a recognized law school. Preference will be given to candidates who are admitted as a member of the Bar of a province or territory of Canada; however, all interested graduates are encouraged to apply. The ability to read and work in French is not essential but considered an asset.

Salaries and Benefits

In 2026, a candidate who was admitted as a member of the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada made $70,627.86 per annum, while a law graduate not yet admitted to the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada made $51,451.00. Except as provided by agreement or by the Labour Standards Code of Nova Scotia or other applicable legislation, law clerks are not entitled to any perks and do not come within the Civil Service Act or other legislation relating to persons in the public service. Law clerks will receive 15 vacation days per annum.

📌 Law Clerk – Nova Scotia Court of Appeal (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality