Nova Scotia has a new provincial and family court judge.
Diane Lynn McGrath, a senior Crown counsel with Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service in Sydney, was appointed today, Sept. 19, by Attorney General and Justice Minister Mark Furey.
“Ms. McGrath is an experienced and highly regarded prosecutor who will be an excellent addition to the provincial and family courts,” said Mr. Furey.
Ms. McGrath has practiced law in Nova Scotia for 23 years and has experience in criminal and family law cases. She was called to the bar in 1993 and received her Queen’s counsel appointment in 2011.
She is a domestic violence educator and co-trainer with the Public Prosecution Service, and was involved in the development and implementation of the Domestic Violence Court in Sydney. Ms. McGrath has also served as a member of the Public Prosecution Service’s Sexual Assault Working Group.
Prior to joining the Public Prosecution Service in 2007, Ms. McGrath practiced at Nova Scotia Legal Aid in Sydney and in private practice with H.F. MacIntyre and Associates, Sydney.
She has also been involved in several community organizations including Canadian Parents for French, the Kiwanis Club of Sydney, Girl Guides of Canada, Scouts Canada and her local church.
The provincial court presides over most indictable offence charges under the Criminal Code. Family Court provides a forum to hear family issues, including maintenance, custody and access, and child protection matters.