Articled Clerk to Immigration Lawyer

Elizabeth saw her future at McInnes Cooper. A trained lawyer in Nigeria, Elizabeth came to Canada to complete her Master of Laws. Determined to continue her legal career in Canada, she was introduced to our firm, where she shadowed lawyers for 3 months to gain exposure to the Canadian legal system. This gave Elizabeth a strong foundation as she prepared for her equivalency process through the National Committee on Accreditation. She then articled with the firm, which helped her decide to pursue an immigration practice. Elizabeth was called to the Nova Scotia bar and hired back as an Associate Lawyer in 2020. Within McInnes Cooper, Elizabeth has found a sense of community and guidance, thanks to the supportive environment and the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Summer Law Student to Partner

Jeffery has spent his entire career at McInnes Cooper. Hired as a Summer Law Student in 2008/2009, and then as an Articled Clerk, Jeffery got exposure to environmental and Indigenous law issues. That initial Indigenous law file propelled him to build his practice in this growing and important area. Receiving support from the firm to expand this niche law practice, Jeffery quickly became recognized as a leading Indigenous law practitioner in New Brunswick. He joined the Partnership in 2020. Jeffery reflects on the supportive team environment, and how his peers were always willing to lend an ear and offer advice when he had questions. Carrying this practice forward, Jeffery keeps his door open to younger colleagues. Also actively involved in recruitment, Jeffery is the Co-Chair of the Fredericton Recruitment Committee, always encouraging new talent to join our growing firm.

Legal Support Clerk to Process Improvement Coordinator

Even with no formal legal background, Maddi has thrived in her MC journey. Starting as a Legal Support Clerk in 2015, she quickly had the opportunity to cover a Legal Assistant’s leave and flourished. Shortly after that experience, she was offered a permanent Legal Assistant position. Maddi grew tremendously in her role, learning the nuts and bolts of legal administration. In 2019, she was included in a pilot project for new legal software, piquing her interest in process improvement and innovation. Maddi soon became the Software Project Lead, where she encountered many opportunities to stretch out of her comfort zone through presentations and training firm members. Now, Maddi supports the firm as Process Improvement Coordinator. Maddi’s unexpected career path has taken shape through the consistent support and value she has felt from the MC team.

Co-op Student to Marketing Specialist

Iara started her journey with McInnes Cooper as a Co-op Student, completing two consecutive work terms at the firm before returning to her university studies. Drawn to the firm’s work environment and values, including our robust Collective Social Responsibility program, Iara knew she wanted to return after graduation. She started as a Data Clerk, later earning the role of Business Development Assistant, where she learned about many of the firm’s systems. When Iara found her passion for design and creativity, the firm facilitated her transition to Marketing Coordinator, and later on Marketing Specialist, allowing her to pursue her interests in her career.

Paralegal to Internationally Trained Associate Lawyer

An experienced lawyer in China, Shirley started her journey at McInnes Cooper after completing the International Trained Lawyer Program at UBC. First joining as a Paralegal, she supported both the real property and trusts and estates teams. Shirley then transitioned into her articles at the firm, as part of the process to qualify to practice in Canada. She was officially called the Nova Scotia bar in January 2024, and is now an Estates, Trusts and Tax Lawyer at our firm. Shirley is excited to embark on her new legal career in Canada!

Switchboard Operator to Corporate Paralegal

Rosiland began her journey as a Switchboard Operator in 1982. She quickly transitioned into the Word Processing team, where she stayed for 10 years. When an opportunity arose to become a Legal Assistant, Rosiland took on the challenge until 2012. She then became a Corporate Information Clerk, and thrived in the Corporate space. 4 years later, she was promoted to a Corporate Paralegal and remains in that role today. Beyond her day-to-day duties, Rosiland is actively involved in the firm’s DEI activities, having helped form the DEI working group in 2018 and the BIPOC committee in 2020. Rosiland never expected to be here for this long, but now feels like the McInnes Cooper team is family.

Summer Law Student to Partner & Immigration Group Leader

Meghan has spent her entire career at McInnes Cooper. Having started as a summer student in 2008, Meghan continued into her articles, and was ultimately hired back as an Associate. Early in her career and studies, Meghan had an interest in immigration law. She fondly recalls the support she received as a second and third year associate who saw immigration as an up-and-coming area in Atlantic Canada. Through mentorship and firm support, Meghan cultivated a strong immigration practice not only for herself but for others in the firm. As she mentored other lawyers, the immigration team grew to 15 lawyers and staff. Meghan’s leadership was formalized in 2023 as the firm-wide Immigration Group Leader.

Legal Assistant to Office Manager

Peggy started her MC journey as a Legal Assistant in 2000. After maternity leave in 2001, she was offered a Property Paralegal role. Less than two years later, Peggy took over the Office Manager position in Moncton. Her role continued to expand until she was overseeing all offices in New Brunswick. Backed by the support of an incredible team, Peggy embraces the challenges and opportunities of her day-to-day role. She’s thankful for the training opportunities and resources provided by the firm, enabling her to continuously improve. Peggy especially appreciates the work-life harmony she can maintain while working with MC.

Summer “Float” to Board & Management Coordinator

Angela started at the firm as a Summer “Float” in 1995, filling in for vacations. A great fit with the firm, she was hired on full time. After about a year, she became a Legal Assistant. She later left the firm for a little over four years, but returned in 2006, again as a Legal Assistant. Angela continued in this role until the lawyer she supported became Managing Partner. This exposed Angela to various new aspects of the business, including mentorship by the former Secretary to the Board. When the opportunity arose to step in after the Secretary’s retirement, Angela took on this new challenge in her career. She loves her role as Board & Management Coordinator, and is honoured to represent MC as a proud member and woman of colour.

Co-op Student to Managing Director of Technology & Information Services

Scott began his journey at the firm on a 2-month co-op term, which led to being hired into a full time support position. There he gained exposure to various aspects of the IT department. After a short interval working abroad, Scott returned to a Systems Administration role. He then transitioned into managing a small team as Technical Architect. His leadership responsibilities continued to grow, and he eventually became manager for the entire department. With a strong team, Scott built his confidence in a leadership role and thrived. When the Director position became available in 2015, the firm trusted that Scott’s experience and talent would be the right fit. His role continues to evolve, and he enjoys the challenges and opportunities presented every day.

Professional Development Coordinator to Manager of People and Culture – Legal

Melissa came to McInnes Cooper to pursue growth opportunities in her human resources career. Starting as Professional Development Coordinator, she oversaw education programs for students, clerks and lawyers. Her role continued to expand, and she moved into an advisor role, taking on additional tasks, including recruitment. Melissa continued growing in this role, and was eventually promoted to Manager of Professional Resources – Legal before her maternity leave. Feeling supported in her career advancement, Melissa took on more responsibility and has continued to gain confidence and trust in her role.

Summer Law Student to Office Lead Partner & Construction Group Lead

Jeff has been a McInnes Cooper member since the beginning of his career. Having started as a summer law student in 2002, he continued with the firm until he was hired back as an Associate in 2005. Reflecting on his early career, Jeff recalls work-life balance being a constant and important part of his success. The firm has always enabled him to focus on both his practice and his growing family. With a flourishing construction law practice, Jeff became a partner in 2014. His respected practice and mentorship led to him being named an Office Lead Partner and Construction Group Lead in 2023.

Articled Clerk to Manager of Corporate Services

Gina began her legal career as an Articled Clerk with Clark Drummie, one of McInnes Cooper’s predecessor firms. After practicing there for several years, she moved to Halifax to another firm, and eventually transitioned into a Corporate Services role, managing a small team. When she was ready to pursue further growth in her career, Gina successfully applied to become McInnes Cooper’s Manager of Corporate Services in 2019, managing a team 4 times larger than in her previous role. Since joining, her department has grown even more. The firm’s flexibility and willingness to try new processes and technologies enable Gina to tackle the challenge of leading and mentoring an expanding team.

Summer Office Assistant to Litigation Partner

Michelle’s journey at MC began well before her legal practice started. Her first role was as a Summer Office Assistant in 1988, and it gave her exposure to the firm’s operations at its “new” offices in Summit Place. Michelle was hired as a Law Student the following two summers, and was an Articled Clerk in 1991/1992. She first thought that corporate law was her destiny, but changed focus in 1989 to a future in labour law. During her articles, Michelle became involved in a trial that continued for 6 months – she skipped her labour rotation altogether. She’s been a litigator ever since – and has never looked back!  Seven years after being hired as an Associate, Michelle became the second female litigator to make Partner. She recalls how the support she received early in her career from both male and female colleagues “gave her wings”. In return, Michelle has made significant contributions to the firm, including 10 years as the head of the Recruitment Committee and 6 years on the Board of Directors. Michelle is a leading litigator in Atlantic Canada and has received many accolades, including her 2018 induction into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.

Co-op Student to Content Specialist 

Arielle started at the firm on a 4-month co-op term. More than 8 years later, she’s still here! Always invigorated by creative work and the written word, Arielle found a great fit within the firm’s Marketing & Business Development department after her co-op term. She wrote proposals for almost 5 years, and when she was ready to explore new career opportunities, the firm supported her transition into the Communications & Content Specialist role – which she enjoys everyday!