Michelle Kelly, KC, Named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada 2023
Cox & Palmer is thrilled to announce that our Partner, Michelle Kelly, KC, has been named one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers 2023 by publication Canadian Lawyer. Michelle is recognized in the “Changemakers” category, which commends lawyers who have been leaders, innovators, or catalysts for positive change in any area of the legal profession.
Based in Halifax, NS, Michelle has long been a driving force for positive change within the firm and legal community. For a substantial portion of her career, she has dedicated her time to advancing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion, within both the firm as its first EDI Partner, and the legal industry as a whole. As Co Chair to the Gender Equity Committee for the Nova Scotia Barristers Society, Michelle was instrumental in their 2022 publication addressing gender-based discrimination and harassment in the legal profession. This guided significant changes to the code of conduct for practising lawyers in the province.
Michelle practices in the areas of complex commercial litigation and insurance defence. She has appeared at all levels of court in Nova Scotia and has been involved in many successful mediations and commercial arbitrations.
For the last two years, Michelle acted as Lead Counsel, Document Management for the Mass Casualty Commission where she also added value in applying a gender lens to the work of the Commission.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Michelle as part of our team and delighted to commend her on this achievement. This recognition is a testament to her dedication to the legal profession,” said Suzanne Rix, KC, managing partner of Cox & Palmer’s Halifax office.
George Cooper, CEO of Cox & Palmer noted the honour of the accomplishment and is “delighted to congratulate Michelle on this prestigious recognition.”
The list is determined through a survey conducted by Canadian Lawyer, calling on nominations from legal groups, readers, and a panel of writers and editors. The final list of 25 is based on votes.