She is managing lawyer at Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s HRM Duty Counsel Office
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society announced the election of Patricia Jones – managing lawyer at Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s (NSLA) Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Duty Counsel Office – as second vice president for 2025–26 after a 15-day election period.
“I fully understand the challenges we, as lawyers, face due to rapidly changing technology and regulatory reform,” Jones said in her election statement. “I am ready to bring energy, experience, and a commitment to equity and transparency to the role of Second Vice President.”
“We wish her all the best in her new role,” the society said in a news release.
The society shared that Jones received 441 votes, representing 53 percent of all votes. Stacey Gerrard, the runner-up, garnered 395 votes, accounting for 47 percent of the total votes.
The society noted that 836 of the 3,722 total eligible voters submitted electronic ballots, indicating a voter turnout of 22.45 percent for the election.
“Thank you to all those who took the time to vote and do their part to contribute to the future governance of the Society,” the society said in its news release.
“I am committed to continuing the Society’s renewed efforts to engage with stakeholders and members, including through the recently launched NSBS Discuss,” Jones said in her election statement. “My experience and leadership qualities equip me to effectively lead implementation of the Society’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.”
More on Jones
Her candidate biography accompanying her election statement provided more information regarding her professional experience.
She has devoted her whole career to NSLA, where she articled and joined its Dartmouth Criminal Office. She transferred to the HRM Duty Counsel Office in 2015 and became its managing lawyer in 2022.
Within NSLA, Jones is a co-chair of the Gender Equity Committee and the Articling Committee, a contributor to the Criminal Law Committee and AGM Planning Committee, and a member of the Bar Council, the Provincial Court Liaison Committee, the Fitness to Practice Committee, and the Ruck Report Implementation Task Force.
“For nearly two decades as a Legal Aid lawyer, I have worked on the front lines of our justice system, advocating for vulnerable clients and helping them navigate complex processes,” she said in her election statement. “This experience has strengthened my ability to identify structural inequities and promote inclusive policies, aligning with the Society’s goals and the Ruck Report recommendations.”
Jones has represented NSLA on the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Governance Committee. She has also volunteered with the Schulich School of Law’s mooting program.
She graduated from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law in 2006.
