Patterson Law Celebrates Lawyers Recognized in 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers in Canada
Published September 4, 2025
We are proud to share that several lawyers here at Patterson Law have been recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™. This prestigious recognition is based entirely on peer review, reflecting the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues.
Recognized Lawyers
Halifax, NS
- Janice E. Beaton, K.C. – Family Law
- Ryan P. Brennan – Real Estate Law
- Kate D. Harris, K.C., TEP – Corporate Law; Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
- Michael M. Kennedy – Commercial Leasing Law; Real Estate Law
- Robert M. Purdy, K.C. – Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation
- Jared B. Schwartz – Corporate Law; Real Estate Law
- Michael P. Scott – Class Action Litigation; Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defence
Truro, NS
- Ellen R. Burke – Family Law
- Jane M. Gourley-Davis – Real Estate Law
- Jennifer Hamilton Upham – Corporate Law; Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
- Dennis J. James, K.C. – Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Labour and Employment Law; Municipal Law
- Karen J. Killawee – Family Law
- George L. White, K.C. – Corporate Law; Trusts and Estates
New Glasgow, NS
- Julie MacPhee – Labour and Employment Law
- Mary Jane Saunders – Trusts and Estates
- Joel Sellers – Real Estate Law
Bridgewater, NS
- R. Andrew Kimball – Corporate Law
2026 Lawyer of the Year Awards
Each year, Best Lawyers selects only one lawyer per practice area and geographic region as Lawyer of the Year. This honour is reserved for those who have received the highest overall feedback from peers in their practice area.
We are especially proud to share that two of our colleagues have received this distinction in 2026:
Jennifer Hamilton Upham – Corporate Law (Truro)
Jennifer’s recognition underscores her exceptional track record advising clients on complex corporate structures, governance matters, and high-value transactions. Her reputation among peers for both technical precision and practical guidance makes this honour especially well deserved.
Kate D. Harris, K.C., TEP – Tax Law (Halifax)
Kate’s selection as Lawyer of the Year highlights her longstanding leadership in tax planning and strategy, as well as her trusted role in guiding families, businesses, and institutions through sophisticated tax, trust, and estate matters. This award further reflects her standing as one of the province’s leading voices in her field.
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ (2026 Edition)
The Ones to Watch awards recognize lawyers earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice. These awards highlight rising talent and the next generation of leaders in the legal profession.
Kristin Pike – Real Estate Law (Halifax)
Kristin’s recognition reflects her growing reputation for excellence in real estate transactions and development matters. She has quickly established herself as a trusted advisor for clients navigating both residential and commercial property issues, and this award speaks to her strong future in the field.
Commitment to Excellence
Recognition by Best Lawyers is a testament to the high regard in which our lawyers are held by their peers and underscores Patterson Law’s collective commitment to excellence in the legal profession.
Congratulations to all on this well-deserved honour!