New program aimed at Indigenous and Black high school students interested in law

Decades after the Marshall Inquiry recommended steps to increase the representation of Mi’kmaw and Black Nova Scotians working in the justice system, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has launched a new internship program for high school students interested in pursuing a legal career.

The week-long intensive program, which will take place during the March break, aims to provide participants with a valuable learning experience while also offering them a half credit toward their high school education. Vanessa Fells, the society’s adviser for equity and access, shared with CBC Radio’s Information Morning Nova Scotia that the program is specifically designed for Indigenous and Black students in grades 10 to 12 from Nova Scotia who have a passion for the law.

The Marshall Inquiry, which took place in 1989, was a pivotal investigation into the wrongful conviction of Donald Marshall Jr., a Mi’kmaq individual from Membertou, N.S., who was wrongly accused of murdering his friend, Sandy Seale, in Sydney’s Wentworth Park. The inquiry highlighted the need for increased representation of marginalized communities within the legal system.

One of the main highlights of the internship program is the opportunity for participants to interact with lawyers and judges from various backgrounds within the legal profession. The goal is to expose students to both traditional and non-traditional roles within the legal field, providing them with a comprehensive view of potential career paths.

Marissa Prosper, a Crown attorney from Pictou Landing First Nation and the project coordinator for the internship, emphasized the importance of connecting youth from underrepresented communities to the legal sector. Having personally benefited from a similar program during her time at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, Prosper believes that early exposure to the legal community can significantly impact a student’s career trajectory.

The internship program is currently a pilot project funded by a grant from the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia. Fells mentioned that the society is committed to closely monitoring the program’s impact and hopes to make it an annual opportunity for students from various equity-deserving groups.

For those interested in applying to the program, details and applications can be found on the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society website. The application deadline is set for December 20th, offering a unique opportunity for Indigenous and Black high school students in Nova Scotia to explore a potential career in law.