Legal Assistant
- Kristine Porter (She/her)
- Phone:(902) 491-6843
- Fax:(902) 421-3130
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BIO
Cox & Palmer is proud to announce that Michelle M. Kelly, K.C., in the Halifax office, has been appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.
The Government of Canada announced the judicial appointment in the following press release:
December 16, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
The Honourable Bryna D. Hatt, a Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia in Pictou, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in Pictou. Justice Hatt replaces Justice P.P. Rosinski (Halifax), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective October 14, 2025. The Chief Justice will transfer Justice F. Hoskins (Pictou) into this vacancy. The vacancy is therefore located in Pictou.
Michelle M. Kelly, K.C., Partner at Cox & Palmer in Halifax, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in Bridgewater. Justice Kelly replaces Justice D.A. Jamieson (Halifax), who was appointed Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia effective November 5, 2025. The Chief Justice will transfer Justice D. Rowe (Bridgewater) into this vacancy. The vacancy is therefore located in Bridgewater.
Quote:
“I wish Justices Hatt and Kelly every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of Nova Scotia well as members of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.”
— The Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
BACKGROUND
King's Counsel
- 2021
Bar Admission
- Nova Scotia (2004)
Law School
- University of New Brunswick
Education
- Queen’s University (BA, 2000)
- University of New Brunswick (LLB, 2003)
Professional Activities & Affiliations
- First Vice President, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (2024 – )
- Co-Chair, Gender Equity Committee, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (2019 – )
Activities Within Firm
- Co-Chair, Regional Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee (2022 – )
- Halifax Executive Committee Member (2021 – 2023)
- Halifax Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Partner (2021 – 2023)
- Halifax Executive Committee Member (2014 – 2016)
- Halifax Finance Partner (2015 – 2016)
Community & Volunteer Activities
- Chair, The Coalition of Provincial and Territorial Advisory Councils on the Status of Women (2017 – 2020)
- Chair, NS Advisory Council on the Status of Women (2017 – 2020)
- Past Chair, Alice House Board of Directors
- Volunteer Lawyer, reachAbility
Law Society Memberships
- Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
- Canadian Bar Association
Languages
- English