Julia Cornish, K.C.

Family Lawyer

T. (902) 700-7717
F. (902) 704-1540
E. julia.cornish@cdrlaw.ca

Julia is a member of our family law team. She was delighted to join Conrad Dillon Robinson Law in July 2020, along with the Sealy Cornish Coulthard (SCC) family law team. For more than 30 years, Julia has practiced family law and adoption, including more than 20 years as a founding partner of SCC.

Throughout her career, Julia has taught courses on family law at Mount Saint Vincent University and Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law, as well as Legal Status of Women at MSVU. Julia has given numerous presentations in Canada and the US on issues in family law and law practice and has assisted in the organization of many conferences.

Julia served on the Federal Advisory Committee on Family Law Issues, which assisted in the development of the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines. In addition, she has served on a number of committees with both CBA and NSBS.

Julia is listed in Canadian Legal Expert Directory (Family Law) and the Best Lawyers in Canada (Family Law). She is also a member of the invitation-only International Academy of Family Lawyers.

Julia’s volunteering has allowed her to explore many diverse parts of Canada and beyond, contributing to her love of travel. Whether in a new city or home in Halifax, Julia seeks out theatre, galleries, concerts and interesting places to walk. However, her favourite place to be is with her four grandchildren.

Qualifications:

  • Bar Admission, Nova Scotia (1984)

  • Appointed to Queen’s Counsel, 2006

  • Dalhousie University (LL.B., 1983)

  • Mount Allison University (B.A. Hons. 1979)

  • Collaborative Family Law Certification, 2002

Awards:

  • Canadian Bar Association (Nova Scotia Branch) Constance Glube Spirit Award, 2017

  • Canadian Bar Association (Nova Scotia Branch) Distinguished Service Award, 2010

““I find family law constantly compelling. It’s a privilege to be allowed into the lives of our clients as they cope with changes which run the gamut from the deeply distressing (an unexpected separation) to the joyful (adoption). Knowing I am helping people move through these transitions is what makes what I do so rewarding.””
— Julia Cornish, K.C.

Professional Activities and Affiliations:

  • Member, Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association

  • Past President, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

  • Past President, Canadian Bar Association NS

  • Past National Chair, Canadian Bar Association Family Law Section

  • Past President, Dalhousie Law Alumni Association

  • Past President, YWCA Halifax