Burchells’ women lawyers, articled clerks, and law students gathered for lunch on October 18th, to celebrate both Persons Day and the anniversary of the first woman to be called to the Nova Scotia bar. Frances Lillian Fish, QC became a lawyer in September 1918, a time when women were not yet considered “persons” under the law. This change was not made until 1929, and is the milestone celebrated by Persons Day. Ms. Fish was also the first woman to graduate from law school in Nova Scotia and the first woman to run for office in the New Brunswick legislature.
During summer 1918, Ms. Fish was employed by the firm MacLean Paton Burchell & Ralston, which eventually became Burchells LLP. Burchells is proud of its connection to Ms. Fish and its continued dedication to supporting women in the legal profession.
