The Canadian Bar Association – Nova Scotia Branch has renamed its Distinguished Service Award to honour the legacy of Gordon F. Proudfoot, Q.C. Mr. Proudfoot, a 2000 recipient and Honourary Life Member of the Canadian Bar Association, exemplified the ideals of the award. He passed away on May 1, 2020.
The award was established in 1996 to recognize and honour distinguished or exceptional service made by a CBA member to the Nova Scotia Branch. As the Gordon Proudfoot Distinguished Service Award, it will continue to recognize members demonstrating accomplishment in the Nova Scotia Branch’s work in one or more of the following areas:
- Improvement in the law.
- Improvement in the administration of justice.
- Individual lawyer training.
- Advocacy in the public interest.Gordon Proudfoot was called to the Bar in Nova Scotia in 1979. He spent the entirety of his career at BOYNECLARKE LLP, where he became a partner in 1982. As a litigator, he skillfully represented clients at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Mr. Proudfoot is remembered for his determination to overcome obstacles and disprove naysayers as well as his eloquent oratory and quick wit.
“Gordon had a passion for the law and his community, and this tribute is truly a reflection of his exceptional service and accomplishments,” noted Jamie MacNeil, Managing Partner at BOYNECLARKE LLP. “Throughout his legal career he exemplified the criteria and intent of this award.”
During his long membership with the Canadian Bar Association, Mr. Proudfoot held many roles, from Chair of the Young Lawyers Section to President of CBA-NS, and culminating in his serving as CBA President in 1995-96. While President, his dedication to law and history resulted in his writing A Century of Service: The Canadian Bar Association 1896-1996, which was published during his presidency.
The Canadian Bar Association – Nova Scotia Branch is honoured to rename the Gordon Proudfoot Distinguished Service Award in celebration of Mr. Proudfoot’s memory.