Join us for CPHR Nova Scotia's

Cape Breton Law Symposium

Back by popular demand!
We are so thrilled to welcome you to a full day of fantastic learning and networking opportunities
in Sydney, NS.

Please note: This event will start at 8:45am, doors open at 8:30.

Tentative Speakers and Topics

Ian Parker, Lawyer, McInnes Cooper and Nakita Samson, Lawyer, McInnes Cooper

Topic: Are you Ready? 3 Top Labour & Employment Law Trends 

Ian Parker is an experienced Litigator and Employment Lawyer formerly based in Sydney and currently based in McInnes Cooper’s Halifax office. Ian regularly advises and represents employers respecting a range business issues, including employment, property, corporate, commercial and general litigation matters.

Nakita Samson is a Labour & Employment and Aboriginal Law Lawyer based in McInnes Cooper’s Sydney office. Taking a personalized approach, Nakita advises employers with respect to employment issues including workforce planning and workplace investigations.

Topic Description: Labour and employment law is constantly evolving to keep pace with and respond to new workplace demands. It’s key that you anticipate and prepare for the latest trends so you can take a proactive - and avoid a reactive – approach. Join McInnes Cooper Lawyers Ian Parker and Nakita Samson for a chat about AI at work, how the hammer’s coming down on occupational health & safety enforcement and the countdown to the four-day workweek. 

Jamie Taylor, Principal Lawyer, Navigate Canada Law

Topic: Immigration Law for Employers in 2024 - Updates and you need to know

Jamie is an experienced immigration lawyer. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Canadian Studies, graduating First-Class Honours from Mount Allison University. After working in non-profits with a focus on ethical leadership and peace studies, she returned to school and completed her law degree at the University of Calgary. In Jamie’s early career she gained experience in workplace law (employment, privacy, labour, human rights, and immigration); however, she began to focus exclusively on immigration matters in 2013, which has been the heart of her practice since.

Jamie is a proud Maritimer, with big-city experience. Having lived and worked across Canada, she has advised large transnational corporations in a variety of sectors on their workplace management and immigration issues and has likewise supported small businesses with immigration matters including, on-boarding foreign nationals, compliance audits, and succession planning in rural towns where population decline is a significant issue. She has also supported individuals with assessing their options to come to, or remain in Canada, including many couples through the spousal sponsorship process, students from study permits through to permanent residency, as well as a host of temporary and permanent residency applications. While past success does not indicate future success (and no immigration professional can guarantee positive results!), Jamie has a demonstrated history of guiding her clients through to their immigration goals in Canada. Jamie is a strong advocate for her clients; she attributes much of her grit and diplomacy to growing up in a large family of entrepreneurs. Jamie and her team look forward to guiding you through the complex world of Canadian immigration law.

Julie MacPhee, Patterson Law

Topic: Parting Ways: Recent cases and tips and tricks on dismissal, resignation and frustration of contract

A member of Labour and Employment team where she assists clients who find themselves in a dispute, Julie MacPhee is also a certified workplace investigator and conducts independent workplace investigations and workplace assessments. Whatever the area, Julie listens carefully to understand the client’s needs and develop tailor-made strategies for success. Julie’s background in science speaks to her detail-oriented approach and her analytical skills, both of which are important tools in helping clients identify the sometimes hidden issues driving the dispute.

Julie has represented clients at arbitrations, mediation-arbitrations, mediations, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal, Utility and Review Board, Nova Scotia Assessment Appeal Tribunal, Human Rights Board of Inquiry, and the Labour Board. She has also represented clients before the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Nova Scotia Supreme Court, Provincial Court, Family Court and Small Claims Court. She’s as comfortable getting results for clients in the Courtroom, as out.

Julie earned her law degree in 2004 from Dalhousie Law School, after first obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in 2001. She spent several years practicing litigation in a large Halifax firm before returning home to her Pictou County roots. Julie enjoys being an active member of her community and has a particular passion for supporting the United Way and YMCA.

Sean MacDonald, Manley Law

Topic: Tips on Conducting a Workplace Investigation That You Won't Dread

Sean MacDonald, Manley Law is an accomplished lawyer with extensive experience in employment law, civil litigation, real property, wills and estates, and commercial law. He has appeared before all levels of court in both Alberta and Nova Scotia, as well as administrative bodies such as the Alberta Land Compensation Board and the Nova Scotia Securities Commission. His legal expertise extends beyond employment law into various other areas, making him a valuable asset to his clients. 

In addition to his legal practice, Sean is actively involved in community initiatives. He has participated in events supporting local businesses, youth development, and charitable causes. Sean’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond the courtroom, and he continues to contribute to the legal landscape in Nova Scotia.

Kelly O'Brien, Sampson McPhee

Topic: Attendance Management in the Post-Pandemic World

Kelly is an associate lawyer with Sampson McPhee Lawyers in Sydney, where she has been practicing since 2019.  She received her law degree from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in 2018. Kelly has appeared before all levels of court in Nova Scotia, as well as the Nova Scotia Labour Board. Kelly regularly advises both employers and employees with respect to employment law matters. Outside work, Kelly enjoys baking, travelling and running. 

Pricing

Student Members: $50