Presiding Justice of the Peace

Presiding Justice of the Peace Recruitment Deadline: 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, deal with matters prescribed to a justice’ in the Criminal Code and the Summary Proceedings Act, and as set out in the Justice of the Peace Act and Regulations. Presiding Justices of the Peace preside over trials relating to summary offences under the Motor Vehicle Act and other summary offence ticket matters, and peace bond applications and hearings at Night Court on Monday to Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Halifax Provincial Court and on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Sydney Provincial Court, and in daytime sittings in Provincial Courts at the Court locations including Amherst, Annapolis Royal, Antigonish, Bridgewater, Dartmouth, Digby, Kentville, Pictou, Shubenacadie, and Truro. Presiding Justices of the Peace also preside at the Justice of the Peace Centre in Dartmouth, where they hear matters under the Criminal Code, Summary Proceedings Act and the Domestic Violence Intervention Act (Emergency Protection Order applications), grant Warrants, and address release of persons 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. Eligibility To apply to be a Presiding Justice of the Peace, you must be a lawyer in good standing with the Nova 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 a presiding 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 must consent to have the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society release information about their status, discipline record and any outstanding complaints Candidates will be required to submit to a criminal record check. Applicants cannot be involved in serious, unresolved professional complaints, civil actions, or outstanding financial claims, such as unpaid taxes or insolvency proceedings. Selection criteria The selection committee will review applications for the following criteria and suitable candidates will 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 and open-minded, patient, and able to make decisions promptly. • Professional excellence, including a high level of professional achievement in area(s) of legal work in which the candidate has been engaged and good writing and communication skills. • Community awareness and understanding, including a commitment to public service (volunteer record), awareness of and interest in knowing more about the social problems which give rise to cases coming before the courts and sensitivity to changes in social values relating to criminal and family matters. Diversity We encourage applications from Indigenous people, African Nova Scotians, other racially visible people, persons with disabilities, women and other employment equity groups. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify if bilingual in French and English. How to apply To apply to be considered for appointment as a Presiding Justice of the Peace, please send one copy of the following to PJP-applications@novascotia.ca : • 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 you have had recent involvement, and • A completed Nova Scotia Barristers Society check form Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. The application deadline is August 29, 2025.

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