That program is the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society’s (NSBS) Indigenous, Black & Mi’kmaq (IB&M) Internship Pathway — a “new program that introduced high school students from across the province to the legal profession,” states an April 28 news release.
The program provides eligible Black and Indigenous students the opportunity to “connect directly” with some of those working in the legal profession, including lawyers, judges, court staff, sheriffs and IB&M students currently studying at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law.
“Students explored how to apply to law school, what it’s like to study law through the IB&M Initiative, the range of legal careers available, and the path to becoming a judge,” states the release.
It points to positive feedback from high school participants; one unnamed student described their experience with the program as “perfect.”
“I learned so much and hearing judges share their stories really inspired me,” they said. “I even met a corporate lawyer who gave me his card to stay in touch. I hope to return as a chaperone one day — when I’m a first-year law student.”
The release notes that the program was created “through the vision” of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) and “brought to life by a dedicated group of steering committee members and supporting organizations.”
It “has left a lasting impact on students and strengthened pathways into the legal profession for historically underrepresented communities,” it states.
A request to the NSBS for additional information on the program was not by granted press time.
According to at least one news outlet, it is a free, one-week program that takes place during the March break and provides participants with a half credit to their high school education; participants must be Indigenous or Black students from Nova Scotia and be interested in law as a potential profession.
In its news release, the NSBS extended its thanks to various groups, including CABL, the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute and the Mi’kmaq Legal Support Network, as well as court staff, student chaperones and various volunteer speakers and donors “from across the legal community.”
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