Emma Halpern

Inspired by the experiences of marginalization and injustice she has witnessed throughout her career, as both a human rights lawyer and, since 2017, the Executive Director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia (EFMNS), Emma Halpern co-founded PATH in 2022. Following her graduation from Law School in 2006, Emma articled with Nova Scotia Legal Aid before being called to the Nova Scotia bar in 2008. Prior to her current roles of directing both PATH and the EFMNS, Emma worked for Nova Scotia Legal Aid and as the Equity and Access Officer for the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. In 2011, in recognition of her impactful contributions to Restorative Justice, Emma was awarded Woman of the Year from Chatelaine Magazine. Additionally, she received the Canadian Bar Association’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference Ally Award in 2013, was inducted into the Bertha Wilson Honour Society in 2018, was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award in 2022, and on behalf of Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, accepted the Nova Scotia Human Rights Group Award in 2023. When not passionately leading her staff or representing her clients, Emma uses her spare time to work for the EFMNS in other capacities, along with providing both PATH and EFMNS staff and clients with compassionate, encouraging support. Outside of PATH and EFMNS, Emma recently graduated with her Master of Laws degree from Dalhousie Schulich School of Law, where she also teaches criminal law.