The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia welcomes Justice Darlene Jamieson as its new Associate Chief Justice.

The appointment was announced by the Prime Minister on November 8, 2025. It is effective immediately.

“Associate Chief Justice Jamieson is an exceptional, well-respected judge who has made innumerable contributions to the Supreme Court,” said the Honourable Deborah K. Smith, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. “I look forward to working closely with her in this new leadership role. I know her expertise and thoughtfulness will serve our Court well.”

The Hon. Associate Chief Justice Darlene Jamieson

Associate Chief Justice Jamieson graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude) in 1985 and Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law in 1988. She was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1989.

As a lawyer, Associate Chief Justice Jamieson worked in private practice, appearing before all levels of court. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 2006.

Appointed to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in 2018, Associate Chief Justice Jamieson is a member of numerous local and national committees, including the Courthouse Standards Committee, the Supreme Court Bench Bar Liaison Committee, the National Steering Committee on Bankruptcy and Insolvency and three National Judicial Institute planning committees.

Associate Chief Justice Jamieson’s appointment fills the vacancy created when former Associate Chief Justice Patrick Duncan elected supernumerary status in June 2025. As of November 10, there are four vacancies on the Supreme Court – three in the General Division and one in the Family Division.