- Subseries
- 1830-1987, predominant 1830-1902
Sub-series forms part of Case files series and consists of documents presented before the Prothonotary of the Supreme Court at Halifax to demonstrate qualification for admission to the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society and thus eligibility to practice law in Nova Scotia. The years from 1830 to 1902 are well represented as it appears the documents were maintained as a unit separate from the general civil case files. With the exception of a few files from 1946, grouped together in the general civil case files, subsequent admissions were not stored separately and are found scattered among the general civil case files. In 1986 the practice of separating the files resumed. Early files contain articles of clerkship in which a prospective barrister was in effect apprenticed to a member of the bar, certificates of good character, certifications of competency and legal knowledge and admission documents. Modern files contain a brief document indicating the applicant's qualifications, including information on where they have articled and their legal education, and an indication that fees have been paid and certificates of moral character have been filed with the Society. Most files also contain a brief biography used to introduce the applicant at the Bar Admission ceremony. Records related to disciplinary matters, such as complaints or even disbarment, were filed with the Bar Admission case file.