The Honourable Patrick J. Murray, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, is retiring after 15 years on the Bench.

“Throughout Justice Murray’s 44-year career as a lawyer and a judge, he has made significant positive impacts to the law and his home of Cape Breton Island,” said the Honourable Deborah K. Smith, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. “Justice Murray is recognized as a hard-working, thoughtful judge. On behalf of his colleagues on the Supreme Court, I thank Justice Murray for his significant contributions to our Court and wish him a fulfilling and happy retirement.”

While enrolled in the University of New Brunswick’s Bachelor of Arts program, Justice Murray was admitted to law school. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1981.

He began his legal career with Dalhousie Legal Aid in 1981 before moving into private practice the same year. As a lawyer, Justice Murray was a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, where he served on its discipline committee, the Cape Breton Barristers’ Society, where he served as president, as well as the Canadian Bar Association. He was also a past director of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission and an active member in numerous charitable and community organizations.

He was designated Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 1999.

Justice Murray was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia on August 6, 2010, and has presided in Sydney and Port Hawkesbury since his appointment. As a judge, he served as a member of the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Education Committee for 12 years.

As he prepares for retirement, Justice Murray wishes to thank those he has worked with in Sydney and Port Hawkesbury, including court staff, judicial assistants and Sheriff Services. He is most grateful for the support of his spouse through the demanding and consuming duties of being a judge.

Justice Murray’s retirement is effective August 6, 2025; exactly 15 years to the day of his appointment. Because Justice Murray is a full-time judge, his departure creates a vacancy on the Supreme Court. As of August 6, there will be three vacancies on the Supreme Court – two in the General Division and one in the Family Division.