Canadian Lawyer

January 2010

The most widely read magazine for Canadian lawyers

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regional wrap-up ATLANTIC The unsinkable McInnes Cooper I f history is the foundation of the future, McInnes Cooper is on very solid footing — for a successful second century. The Atlantic region law firm is celebrat- ing its 150th anniversary. The firm is looking back with pride — and panache. "[McInnes Cooper] has had a long history and has been involved in a number of interesting historical events," notes managing partner Bernie Miller, who is based in Moncton, N.B. That history includes acting for the White Star Line after the Titanic sank in 1912. Five years later, when the French munitions ship Mont Blanc exploded in Halifax harbour, the already well- established firm was retained to represent its owners. Another catastrophe — decades "The firm's recent history," says Miller, "is regional with signifi- cant growth and involvement in the economy and social fabric of all four Atlantic provinces. Our longevity is due in part to our ability to adapt and change with the times." It also never hurts to have a lit- later — thrust McInnes Cooper once again into the legal limelight. In 1982, the firm represented Mitsubishi, the builder of the Ocean Ranger oil rig when it capsized off the coast of Newfoundland. In 1989, the firm acted for the province of Nova Scotia in the Royal Commission on the McInnes Cooper's founders (l to r) Justice Jonathan McCully, Hector McInnes, Gordon Cooper, Donald McInnes. Donald Marshall Jr. Prosecution. Four years later, when Nova Scotia Power Inc. was privatized, McInnes Cooper handled part of the legal work for what was then the largest IPO in Canadian history. tle fun. In celebration of its historic milestone — the firm actually pre- dates Confederation and one of its founding fathers, Jonathan McCully, appears in the famous "Fathers of Confederation" photo — McInnes Cooper recently took a festive step back in time. It held a 150th celebra- tion that brought together, at least virtually, all of its seven offices across Atlantic Canada. Revellers munched on festive treats popular in 1859, and some staff members even dressed in period costume. "150 years really is an extraordi- narily long time," says Sandra Avolese, director of client service and develop- ment in the firm's Halifax office. "And many of our staff members feel very much a part of history." — DONALEE MOULTON donalee@quantumcommunications.ca BARRISTERS' SOCIETY WANTS LOCAL MAYOR TO SHOW SOME RESPECT J ohn Morgan may be about to get his mouth washed out with metaphor- ical soap. The Nova Scotia lawyer recently appeared before the provincial barristers' society on charges he was disrespectful to the judiciary. Morgan did say unflattering things in the wake of a decision from the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. However, he con- tends, those comments were made in his position as mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society says, "So what?" Morgan claims the charges — which include that he "failed in his duty to encourage public respect for justice and to uphold and try to improve the admin- istration of justice" — are both extraor- 6 J A NU A R Y 2010 www. C ANADIAN Law ye rmag.com dinary and dangerous. First, Morgan notes, there is no precedent. He has not practised since 2001 when he became mayor and says he cannot find any case in which a law society sought to wrap the knuckles of a member who was also a politician for speaking out about the judiciary. "I don't know why the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society is pursuing

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