They bring a wealth of diverse experiences to the bench
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani has announced three judicial appointments to the NS Supreme Court (Family Division) and Court of Appeal.
Robin Gogan, previously serving on the Supreme Court, has been appointed to the Court of Appeal in Halifax, filling the vacancy left by Justice D. Beveridge. Terrance G. Sheppard, a partner at BOYNECLARKE LLP in Dartmouth, steps into a role at the Supreme Court (Family Division) in Truro, taking over from Justice R.S. Morse. Christine Doucet, a partner at MDW Law in Halifax, will join the Supreme Court (Family Division) in Halifax, replacing Justice E. Jollimore.
Justice Gogan, appointed to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in 2013, brings a wealth of experience from her legal practice, focusing on civil litigation, family law, and mediation. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis Xavier University and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie Law School.
Before her appointment to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in 2013, Justice Gogan served as managing partner with The Breton Law Group. She also practised with Sampson McDougall, where she became a partner in 2002. She was also an associate with Anderson Nathanson.
With a distinguished career in family, criminal, and fertility law, Justice Sheppard has been an advocate and leader within the legal community. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of King's College and a Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University. He has served in numerous leadership roles within the Canadian Bar Association and the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society.
Justice Doucet, transitioning from a successful career in family law and mediation, has significantly contributed to legal education and professional development. Her background includes a Bachelor of Journalism with Honours in Law from Carleton University and a law degree from Dalhousie Law School.
She articled at Stikeman Elliott in Toronto and then practiced commercial litigation at Farris and Koffman Kalef in Vancouver. She worked as a legal recruiter in Halifax from 2006 to 2008 before joining McGinty Law as an associate. She then spent more than 15 years practicing family law at the same firm – now named MDW Law – becoming a partner in 2013 and serving as an integral part of its expansion and evolution.
Minister Virani expressed his confidence in the new appointees, stating, “I wish Justices Gogan, Sheppard, and Doucet every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of Nova Scotia well as members of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.”
