Frequently Asked Questions

The Law Society of Nunavut (LSN) does not accredit CLE activities. However, CLE activities are recognized based on the principle of Recognized CLE Activities - See section E of of the CLE Policy: Inuktitut.

CLE hours approved by another Law Society, the Canadian Bar Association, a law firm, a university, a legal department, a government agency or department, or a practice group of any of those entities can also be applied to the Law Society of Nunavut CLE requirements.

To get the list of commissioners for oaths in Nunavut, you can contact the Law Society at this email support@lawsociety.nu.ca or call the toll-free number (844) 979-2330.

A commissioner for oaths can administer oaths and take affidavits for use in court or other legal proceedings. Unlike a notary public, a commissioner for oaths cannot certify true copies of documents, and is restricted to administering oaths within Nunavut or in jurisdictions in which any law or Act authorizes the commissioner for oaths.

Can a lawyer act as a commissioner for oaths?

• Within the Territory of Nunavut, lawyers can administer oaths, affidavits, affirmation and statutory declarations.
• Within the Territory of Nunavut, lawyers are not automatically notaries public and must be appointed.

The Law Society has a duty to protect the public interest and requires the lawyers in our territory to practice law ethically and competently.

A person with questions or concerns about a lawyer’s professional conduct can make a complaint to the LSN directly. You can contact the LSN directly at 867-979-2330 or toll free at 844-979-2330.

There is a complaint form available on our webpage which you can also complete.

The LSN is available to assist you with filling out the form or to answer questions you may have.

To download a copy of the complaint form, please click on the link.

All notices related to disciplinary hearings, whether conducted by a sole inquirer or a committee of inquiry, are posted under the "Notices" tab on the Law Society of Nunavut's (LSN) website. For further inquiries or details, please refer to the Notices section.

The Law Society does have a number of lawyers who are able to practice law in both English and French, however this may depend on whether or not a lawyer in the area of law you are seeking to obtain counsel is bilingual.

A few examples of how a lawyer may be able to benefit you are as follows:

• Appearing as counsel of advocate
• Drawing, revising or settling any; petition, memorandum, association, articles of association, application, settlement, affidavit, minute, resolution, by-law or other document relating to the incorporation, registration, organization, dissolution or windingup of a corporate body.
• Any pleading for use in any judicial proceeding
• Any will, deed of settlement, trust deed, power of attorney or document relating to any probate letters of administration or the estate of a deceased person/
• Any document relating to proceedings under an Act of Nunavut or an Act of Canada
• Any instrument relating to property that is intended, permitted or required to be registered, recorded or filed in any registry or other public office.
• Drawing any act or deed or negotiating in any way for the settlement of, or settling, any claim or demand for damages founded in tort,
• Agreeing to place at the disposal of any other person the services of a barrister and solicitor, and
• Giving legal advice.

There are many situations where seeing a lawyer may be helpful, the following is a list of just a few of those reasons:

• Buying or selling property (Real estate)
• Creating or amending a will.
• If you’ve been detained.
• If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence.
• If you have been unjustly fired from your job.
• If you are have been unjustly evicted.

No, the Law Society of Nunavut (LSN) does not provide legal services or legal advice to the public. As the governing body of the legal profession in Nunavut, its role is to regulate and oversee lawyers in the territory.

For assistance in finding a lawyer, please refer to the lawyer referral service.

To get the list of notary publics in Nunavut, you can contact the Law Society at this email support@lawsociety.nu.ca or call the toll-free number (844) 979-2330.
 
A notary public can perform all the duties of a commissioner for oaths by administering oaths and taking affidavits. In addition, a notary public can also certify true copies of documents and can administer oaths, affirmations, and statutory declarations for use outside of Nunavut.
 
The services of a notary public may be needed in many situations; for example, a document used for court cases and other legal proceedings must be sworn or affirmed in front of a commissioner for oaths or a notary public in order to be admitted as evidence.

Is a lawyer also a notary public? 

• Within the Territory of Nunavut, lawyers are not automatically notaries public and must be appointed.
• Within the Territory of Nunavut, lawyers can administer oaths, affidavits, affirmation and statutory declarations.

You can find the information through the online membership directory.

Yes, the Law Society of Nunavut (LSN) occasionally hires summer students. For more information, please contact info@lawsociety.nu.ca.

The Law Society of Nunavut (LSN) regularly receives requests from businesses, research organizations, and universities seeking to engage with its Members for interviews, studies, or surveys. While LSN does not guarantee participation, it may assist in promoting such requests.

For more information or to inquire about potential outreach, please contact info@lawsociety.nu.ca.