Patterson Law Celebrates Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers in Canada
News
29
Aug
Assistant
Biography
Janice has been advising and advocating on behalf of clients since 1989, primarily in the area of family law. A skilled negotiator and trial lawyer, Janice is committed to helping her clients resolve difficult issues by providing candid, practical advice and representation. Janice has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada since 2018 in the field of Family Law.
Janice also has experience in guiding executors and administrators through the probate and estate administration process.
Janice enjoys being a mentor to junior lawyers. She has served as Chair of the Supreme Court Family Liaison Committee and as a member of the Professional Standards (Family) Committee. She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, the Nova Scotia Association of Collaborative Professionals, and Alliance Française (Halifax).
She has served as an elected representative on Bar Council and has been an active volunteer with many community and professional groups including Alice Housing and the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission.
Areas of Law
In the area of family law, Janice advises clients on issues including separation agreements, marriage and cohabitation contracts, child custody and access, spousal and child support, divorce, division of assets, and adoptions. Janice has conducted trials and hearings at all levels of Court in Nova Scotia. She is also trained in collaborative family law.
- Appointed King’s Counsel, 2010
- Best Lawyers in Canada: recognized in Family Law since 2018
- Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
- Canadian Bar Association
- Bar Council, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (2009-2011)
- Nova Scotia Association of Collaborative Professionals
- Chair, Supreme Court Family Liaison Committee, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (2009-2014)
- Professional Standards (Family) Committee, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (2009-2015)
- Alliance Francaise (Halifax)
- Alice Housing, Board of Directors (1988-1989)
- Girl Guides of Canada, Leader (2003-2005)
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, Director (1997-2000)
- Numerous presentations to continuing legal education conferences, community groups, government organizations; Dalhousie Law School; Canadian Bar Association; Career Women Interaction Conference; and at the symposium Honouring the Honourable Constance R. Glube, 2005.
- “Safely on Your Way”, contributing editor, Justice Advisory Committee, Family Law Information for Abused Women Project, 2007-2009
- “Understanding the Law: A Guide for Women in Nova Scotia”, contributing editor.
- Bar Admission: Nova Scotia, 1989
- LL.B. (Dalhousie University, 1988)
- B.A., Honours (Saint Mary’s University, 1985)