Start of Articling - A

I'm articling at the NS Department of Justice, the same place just down the road where I worked last summer.  In addition to articling I have some courses to do for the NSBS (NS Barrister's Society, our bar association here) as well as the dreaded bar exam.  It'll be a busy year (June to June) but most of the time, evenings and weekends will be my own.  Also, no more buying textbooks, selecting courses, or trying to stay awake during Labour law anymore!

Articling means that us "clerks" have to get rotated through civil and criminal law.  Most kids went corporate, so they have a more business-focused experience, but I can only talk about my placement.  I'm going to be with the legal services division of the DOJ for the year, doing a few months in Solicitor Services (where I was last summer), then leaving the office to prosecute with the PPS, then back to the office for Civil Litigation and Family law.  So far it looks like I'll be doing Solicitor Services through to mid-September, PPS to early November, then a bar course, then one last round of Solicitor Services in December.  Come the New Year I'll be in Litigation, and in May I'll be doing Family law, which at DOJ means Child Protection.

I'm told that the bar course is boring and a lot of work (law school over again?), and that litigation is fast-paced and stressful.  Solicitor services involves meeting with clients occasionally, and more often doing research and writing memos for real lawyers who don't have the time to fully explore an issue.  The DOJ works for the NS government, which means it's very likely I'll be helping on a file that makes news headlines now and then - we play with live ammo here, apparently!

Civil litigation involves preparing for, researching, and helping run civil trials in which the government is suing or being sued.  This can involve property forfeiture or expropriation, negligence, or commercial contract disputes.  Although the cases don't move that fast through the courtroom, there's a LOT of behind-the-scenes preparation to be done and other clerks have told me time there will fly by since it's so busy.

Child Protection can be very emotional, and can also intersect with criminal law if there's domestic violence involved.  These are court cases involving, on their best day, adoption, or on most other days, taking children into care (not breaking up families, since the family is usually toxic, dysfunctional, or outright broken already) from dangerous home environments.  Like prosecution, it's certainly not for everyone, and while Child Protection doesn't always involve hard-fought divorces, it can involve separated parents who don't much like each other, and can't properly care for the children.  People like to complain about the government coming in and arbitrarily taking children away from well-meaning parents, but I'm told the situation has to be pretty bad to go to court, and that the government (or Child Protection division) is the last line of defence for children.  I'm honestly not sure if I'm looking forward to this placement, but I suppose if I can handle criminal law then this should be similar.

It's time to start thinking about preparing for the bar exam, I guess.  2 full days of exams, 12 questions at 45 minutes per question, with a passing mark of 75%.  No pressure!

I'll see you all again sometime after the bar exam, I guess.
A.

A Whole New Life - R

Now that June has come, it is an entirely different routine to get into. Aaron is working 9am-5pm Monday through Friday and it is just Jonathan and I at home during the days. We try to get out during the weekends as a family and take in some of the events and sights around the province.

Aaron and Jonathan at the Apple Blossom Festival in Kentville

Jonathan and I at Greek Festival

Taking a break for some food while exploring York Redoubt

During the week, I like to get out to the library and borrow/return books, connect with other friends who are home with little ones, we have appointments and such to attend as well as the occasional movie to go to. Unfortunately, I tend to forget the camera . . .

All dressed up and on our way out to meet some friends

But at home, I take lots of photos trying to capture Jonathan's daily routine and give you a peek into my new life of motherhood which I am so thankful for!

Jonathan loves his swing, and I do to - it gives me time to get stuff done!

He's not too sure about the exersaucer yet . . . but I think he'll like it more when he can interact with it better

He really does spend a lot of time on his changer, as it make a good spot for pictures in addition to all the diaper duty

Jonathan is a great sleeper, and will do so just about anywhere . . . including on the couch while Mom and Dad watch the television!

We save bath time for evenings so Daddy can join in the fun!

Hope that gives you a little glimpse into our daily routine, it is such a joy to be able to spend this time with him I am so grateful for a job that allows me to take a full year of maternity leave . . . and am blessed beyond belief that they are actually paying me to stay home with my beautiful baby boy!

Cheers,

Racheal

My First Father's Day - A

The title says it all, really.  Forget having the boy wash the car or cut the grass, this was a better way to do Father's Day.  I could really get used to this!

A.

Baby Shower - R

On the 10th of June, the wonderful staff of 4.1 (the Vascular and General Surgery floor at the Halifax Infirmary where I work) held a baby shower for Jonathan and I. It was wonderful to see everyone, and we came home blessed with many beautiful gifts and offers of help. Jonathan was spoiled getting passed around for cuddle time with everyone, and behaved perfectly. It was great to get out and interact with other moms and moms-to-be as well as the floor has recently had a number of births and pregnancy announcements!

Thanks again to a lovely bunch of coworkers and friends, I couldn't ask for a better work family!

Racheal