Carter Simpson News
Welcome Hayley Jakeman
May 3, 2024
We are excited to welcome Hayley Jakeman as our newest Summer Student! Hayley was born and raised in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia. She recently completed her first year at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law. Before law school, Hayley earned a BA in sociology with a minor in psychology from Saint Mary’s University.
While working on obtaining her undergraduate degree, starting in 2017, Hayley worked part-time in various legal support roles at a prominent firm in Halifax. After graduating with her BA, Hayley immersed herself in the legal field, working as a full-time paralegal in real property before being accepted into the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in 2023.
In her downtime, Hayley enjoys spending time with her dog, Remi, doing yoga, pilates, and spin classes and indulging in the horror genre through books and movies. We are thrilled to welcome Hayley to our team!
Congratulations to Bob Carter, K.C.
March 15, 2024
We are delighted to announce the annual Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory has recognized Bob Carter, K.C. as a leading lawyer in the practice of Personal Injury. Lexpert® has been published since 1997 and identifies leading lawyers across Canada.
Inclusion in The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory is an acknowledgement of excellence by a lawyer’s peers. The Directory rankings are based on a comprehensive national survey. This process identifies lawyers recognized as leaders in their fields, those who play prominent roles in professional organizations, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal field. We're so proud to have Bob on our team!
Exciting News: Carter Simpson's Bursary Program Returns for 2024!
February 9, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the return of the Carter Simpson Mi'kmaq Award for 2024! This $1,000 one-time bursary is available for 3 Mi'kmaw students entering any year of a full-time post-secondary education program.
Applications will be accepted from February 12, 2024, until April 30, 2024.
Please help us spread the word to potential applicants within your networks. We are deeply honoured and enthusiastic about the opportunity to extend this support to the Mi’kmaq community. #RootedInYourCommunity #LifeLongLearning #Education #Mikmaq #TruthAndReconcilliation
Robert (Bob) Carter, K.C. is Recognized in the 2024 Edition of Best Lawyers in Canada™
August 24, 2023
In the prestigious 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, Bob Carter, K.C. stands prominently recognized by his peers. This distinction within Best Lawyers stems from a meticulous peer-review survey, a hallmark of legitimacy and eminence for over four decades. Best Lawyers has consistently held the distinction of being the gold standard in evaluating legal integrity and prominence, earning recognition from both the legal community and the general public. Thus, inclusion in this esteemed list signifies the embodiment of exceptional professional prowess.
Bob's inclusion in the Best Lawyers list traces back to 2007, a testament to his unwavering commitment to legal excellence. We are thrilled to share that these well-deserved accolades are now accessible on the official bestlawyers.com website.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bob Carter, K.C. for this continuous celebration of his achievements and exceptional contributions to the field of law.
Carter Simpson Offering Free Consults after Wildfires Devastate Communities in Nova Scotia
June 19, 2023
We offer free consultations to anyone who has any questions about fire insurance concerning a property loss from the wildfires in HRM. Please see the brochure below for general information and contact us if you have questions or concerns.
2023 Carter Simpson Mi’kmaq Award Bursary Winners
June 13, 2023
As June marks Indigenous History Month, we are delighted to share that the 2023 Carter Simpson Mi'kmaq Award bursary recipients have been chosen. The selection process was not easy as there were many deserving applicants, including new high school graduates and candidates completing advanced degrees. However, after careful consideration, we are pleased to announce that Dawson, Kiersten, and Trent have each been awarded a $1,000 bursary to support their post-secondary studies.
Congratulations to Dawson, Kiersten and Trent, and best of luck with your academic pursuits!
Robert (Bob) Carter, K.C. is named in the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory
March 3, 2023
Bob Carter, K.C. appears in the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory, published today. The directory has been published annually since 1997 and the ranked lawyers are included in the Directory based on the extensive Lexpert® peer Survey. To be included in The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory is an acknowledgment of excellence by a lawyer’s own peers and colleagues. Bob has been included since 2019. The full directory can be viewed at https://www.lexpert.ca/rankings
Congratulations, Bob, on this ongoing recognition of excellence in your legal practice!
In the News Again
February 17, 2023
The May 6, 2020 disappearance of 3-year-old Dylan Ehler from Truro, NS rocked the province which had been devastated by the mass murder in Portapique just weeks earlier.
In the 3 years since, Dylan is still missing and his parents, Ashley Brown and Jason Ehler have never stopped searching or seeking answers about his disappearance. Ashley and Jason filed a complaint with the Nova Scotia Police Review Board and were represented by their lawyer, Allison Harris, when the complaint was heard in February 2023. Read more in the CTV article Here
Carter Simpson Bursaries Are Back for 2023
February 3, 2023
We are excited to announce Carter Simpson’s Bursary Program has returned for 2023!
The Carter Simpson Mi’kmaq Award is a $1,000 one time bursary for Mi’kmaw students entering into any year of a full time post-secondary education program.
We are accepting applications starting tomorrow, February 1, 2023 until April 30, 2023.
Please share with your networks and help us get the word out to potential applicants. We are honoured and excited to be in a position to offer this assistance to the Mi’kmaq community. #students #education #mikmaq
A Homecoming for Erin Carter!
October 6, 2022
We are happy to announce that Erin Carter has joined the Carter Simpson Team! Erin has worked with several of our team members in the past and this is a truly welcome homecoming! Erin brings with her over 25 years of paralegal experience working in insurance and personal injury. She holds a BA from Memorial University and a Paralegal Diploma from Cape Breton University. She has continued her education by taking several CIP courses through the Insurance Institute of Canada.
The Team is thrilled to have Erin onboard! You can check out her full Bio on our Team page https://www.cartersimpson.ca/team
Carter Simpson Welcomes Melvin Mulo Farenkia, Articled Clerk!
June 29, 2022
We are pleased to welcome Melvin Mulo Farenkia as our newest Articled Clerk! Melvin is a native of Sydney, Cape Breton. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at Cape Breton University in 2019 and is a recent graduate from Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law.
As a first-year law student, Melvin worked as a research assistant at the Access to Justice Institute at the law school. During his 2021 summer, he worked as a summer law student at Dalhousie Legal Aid Service.
In his downtime, Melvin enjoys playing sports which include soccer and basketball. He also enjoys mountain biking, camping and playing poker with friends.
Carter Simpson Welcomes Ainsley Francis, Summer Student!
May 6, 2022
Ainsley Francis is a Dartmouth native who has joined the firm as our summer student. Ainsley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dalhousie University in 2016. In September, he will be entering his final year of law school at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law.
Ainsley’s work experience is diverse. He worked as a Panelist and Research Assistant on the scholarly panel on Lord Dalhousie’s History on Race and Slavery, interned with Federal Prosecution Service, and has summered with Nova Scotia’s Department of Justice Legal Services Division. Ainsley is a proud Canadian Forces member with over ten years of service with the 1st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. His time in the Canadian Forces gave him the opportunity to work in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, and Ontario.
Ainsley enjoys giving back to the community and remaining connected with community members. He spent several years volunteering with the Lake Loon Cherry Brook Education Committee organizing youth summits and facilitating workshops on education & empowerment for African Nova Scotian youth.
In his downtime, you can find Ainsley, spending time with the family dog, rollerblading, swimming, or just sunbathing somewhere with a good book. His current leisure book is Finding Me: A Memoir written by one of his favorite TV stars, Viola Davis.
Ainsley Francis, 2nd year Dalhousie Law Student
We are growing again!
April 1, 2022
On the firm’s 3rd anniversary, we are thrilled to welcome Shani Frugtniet, our newest associate! Shani graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 2019 and was called to the Bar in 2020. Shani was a varsity athlete at the University of Calgary during her undergrad where she completed two BAs, with distinction, in French and English language and literature. She is bilingual and has significant litigation experience. Shani will be a valuable asset to the Carter Simpson team! Check out Shani’s full bio here: https://www.cartersimpson.ca/team
Shani Frugtniet, Carter Simpson’s newest associate lawyer
Carter Simpson Announces Bursary Program
January 31, 2022
We are excited to announce Carter Simpson’s new Bursary Program!
The Carter Simpson Mi’kmaq Award is a $1,000 one time bursary for Mi’kmaw students entering into any year of a full time post-secondary education program.
We are accepting applications starting tomorrow, February 1, 2022 until April 30, 2022.
Please share with your networks and help us get the word out to potential applicants. We are honoured and excited to be in a position to offer this assistance to the Mi’kmaq community. #students #education #mikmaq
Carter Simpson Welcomes Caitie Isles to the Team!
October 30, 2021
Caitie Isles has joined Carter Simpson as a legal assistant. Caitie is currently finishing her degree at Dalhousie studying a B.A in Law, Justice and Society with hopes of attending law school in hte future. Check out her full bio here: https://www.cartersimpson.ca/team
Carter Simpson Renews Commitments Ahead of September 30, 2021. the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 26, 2021
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (“TRC”) released its final report that documented a dark chapter in Canadian history. It exposed the painful truths about the Indian residential school system and the inter-generational trauma still being experienced today by survivors and their descendants. The TRC called it cultural genocide.
We must never repeat what former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in the government’s apology to residential school survivors in 2008, called a “policy of assimilation [that] was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country.”
As part of its final report, the TRC issued 94 Calls to Action that outline various actions that Canadians can take to advance reconciliation. The report calls on corporate Canada to do this through education, systems change, employment, and support.
Call to Action #27 specifically references lawyers:
We call upon the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to ensure that lawyers receive appropriate cultural competency training, which includes the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
As part of Carter Simpson’s obligation to Truth and Reconciliation, we commit to following the recommendations of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society (“NSBS”) TRC working group as they develop (see: https://nsbs.org/news-categories/society-news/trc/).
Carter Simpson is committed to Truth and Reconciliation by establishing and maintaining a respectful relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, communities, and organizations. We commit to an inclusive working environment for Indigenous clients, partners, suppliers, and employees.
In recognition of Carter Simpson’s obligation to Truth and Reconciliation, we commit to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan which will address the following:
Education: Carter Simpson is offering opportunities for employees to increase awareness and intercultural competency that will include webinars, presentations, and other professional development in keeping with the NSBS requirements and guidelines.
Employment: We are committed to creating and updating an inclusivity policy covering current and future employees, clients, and lawyers. We are committed to improving Indigenous recruitment and retention through initiatives with Indigenous students, Indigenous legal professionals, inclusive HR processes, etc.
Support: We take our social responsibilities to the broader community very seriously. This support includes an increased commitment to Indigenous communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals, and will include support through bursaries, corporate social responsibility, promoting volunteering with and making purchases from Indigenous communities, etc.
Reconciliation is not a destination. As Senator Murray Sinclair, former Chair of the TRC said,
We need to be able to look at this from the perspective of ‘where do we want to be in three or four or five or seven generations from now when we talk about the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in this country… Reconciliation will be about ensuring that everything we do today is aimed at that high standard of restoring that balance to that relationship.
Carter Simpson Lawyer, Allison Harris, in the News
September 1, 2021
A family’s heartbreak following the tragic death of 2-year-old Knox is being compounded by online and in-person harassment. Read more in the Saltwire articles below
Welcome Allison Harris, Associate Lawyer!
June 1, 2021
We are thrilled to welcome Allison Harris as Carter Simpson’s newest associate! Bob and Ansley began working with Allison in 2005 and are delighted that she has circled back to Carter Simpson to practice with us once again. Check out her full bio here: https://www.cartersimpson.ca/team/
Introducing Carter Simpson’s Newest Member : Dan Boucher
April 13, 2021
Dan Boucher has joined Carter Simpson to complete his articles. Dan brings an extensive background in biomechanics and experience working directly with clients from his time as legal intern at the PEI Human Rights Commission. Check out his full bio here: https://www.cartersimpson.ca/team
Bob Carter At Government House Ceremony for Q.C. Recipients
October 28, 2020
Bob Carter is pictured with the Lieutenant Governor, His Honour The Honourable Arthur J. Leblanc, ONS, QC, at the Queen’s Counsel Designation Ceremony held October 27, 2020 at Government House. Bob received his QC designation in February 2020. Congrats Bob!
Carter Simpson hires first articled clerk - Sean Ponnambalam
March 10, 2020
Sean Ponnambalam has joined Carter Simpson to complete his articles. Sean brings a unique background of psychology as well as extensive experience with non-profits in the mental health sector and with administrative boards. Check out his bio here: https://www.cartersimpson.ca/team
Bob Carter Receives his Queen’s Counsel Designation
February 25, 2020
Congratulations to Bob Carter who received his QC Designation! Recommendations for Queen's Counsel appointments are made by an independent advisory committee. Criteria include a minimum of 15 years as a member of the bar of Nova Scotia, demonstrated professional integrity, good character and outstanding contributions to the practice of law. A well deserved honour for Bob Carter, QC!
Bob Carter Named One Of Canada’s Best Lawyers
April 1, 2019
It may come as no surprise to those that know and work with Bob, but if you're visiting our site for the first time, meet one of the best personal injury lawyers in Canada: Bob Carter.
With more than 20 years of experience in Personal Injury, Bob and has established himself as a leader in his field. Bob was named, for the ninth consecutive year, as one of Canada's best in the area of Personal Injury law.
Introducing Carter Simpson!
April 1, 2019
No joke! On April 1, 2019 Bob Carter and Ansley Simpson are thrilled to introduce Carter Simpson, a boutique plaintiff personal injury, disability and insurance law firm.
Bob Carter’s 20 years of experience has resulted in his being named one of Canada’s Best Lawyers in the area of personal injury for 9 consecutive years. Both Bob (1999) and Ansley (2010) began their career at the same mid-sized law firm with 40+ lawyers. Bob advanced to become chair of the personal injury department and was a member of the firm’s executive management. Bob and Ansley worked together advocating for the injured with success in all levels of Court in Nova Scotia (the Nova Scotia Provincial Court, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, and the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal), the New Brunswick Court of Queen’s Bench and the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island.
In 2014 Bob began a new path when he hung out his own shingle and in 2017 Ansley followed. The two continued right where they left off and have now partnered to form Carter Simpson. Carter Simpson’s clients benefit from Bob and Ansley’s experience, approachability and accessibility. Both are well known in the industry and together they have resolved 1000s of cases for Atlantic Canadians. Carter Simpson is supported by talented and dedicated paralegals: Carrie, Myra and Angie who have a combined 50+ years’ experience.
If you have suffered an injury or have been denied insurance benefits and need legal advice, please contact Carter Simpson for a free consultation.