The Hon. Justice D. Shane Russell, previously an Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia, has been appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.

The appointment, effective immediately, was announced earlier today in a news release from the Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada.

“The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia is pleased to welcome Justice Russell. He is a well-respected judge who has made tremendous contributions to Nova Scotia’s justice system throughout his career,” said the Hon. Deborah K. Smith, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. “I’m especially pleased to have someone appointed to Sydney who brings a wealth of local experience. Our court, and Nova Scotians, are fortunate to have Justice Russell join our bench.”

Today’s appointment fills one of two vacancies on the Supreme Court. Justice Russell will preside in Sydney, taking over from Justice Robin C.M. Gogan, who was appointed to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal on February 20, 2024.

The Hon. Justice D. Shane Russell

Justice Shane Russell was born and raised in North Sydney, N.S. He graduated from the University of Manitoba Robson Hall Law School in 2003 and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Dalhousie University.

He practiced law for 17 years and served as co-counsel for the Desmond Fatality Inquiry starting in 2019 until his appointment to the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia on December 10, 2021. On February 23, 2024, Justice Russell was appointed as Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court.

As a lawyer, Justice Russell served as President of the Cape Breton Barristers' Society. He was also a member of Bar Council, the governing body of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, as well as the Society’s Gender Equity Committee and the Provincial Court Liaison Committee.