Cooke is a partner at Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP and chairs the firm’s litigation group
The Canadian Bar Association's Nova Scotia arm has named Jason Cooke as its president for the 2026–2027 term and announced its incoming board of directors.
Cooke is a partner at Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP and chairs the firm’s litigation group. He is also a member of its administrative law, regulated professions and Indigenous Peoples practice groups.
Cooke earned his law degree from Dalhousie University in 2005. His practice includes judicial review, regulated professions, human rights, Aboriginal law litigation, professional liability and commercial disputes. A member of the bar in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, Cooke has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada and the appeal courts in both provinces. He received his King’s Counsel designation in 2023.
Cooke has held several positions with the CBA at the provincial and national levels. His previous roles include serving as a member of the national board of directors, chair of the Civil Litigation Section and vice-president of CBA Nova Scotia.
In 2024, CBA Nova Scotia presented Cooke with its President’s Distinguished Service Award. The recognition cited his contributions to the branch and the broader legal community, including pro bono work, mentorship of junior lawyers and clerks, and teaching at the law school.
“As President, my priority is helping members get the most from their CBA membership through professional development, advocacy, and a supportive, engaged community,” Cooke said in a media release.
He said he also intends to work with stakeholders to promote an independent judiciary and increase engagement with lawyers throughout Nova Scotia, particularly those practising outside the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Cooke succeeds Abha T. Romkey, who will remain on the board as immediate past president. CBA Nova Scotia also announced that Ellen Burke will join the board as treasurer.
The branch said several directors will continue serving the remainder of their terms in 2026–2027. They include:
- Abha T. Romkey, Immediate Past President
- Joshua Santimaw, Treasurer
- Jill Houlihan, Advocacy Committee Chair
- Sean MacDonald, Member Services Committee Chair
- Megan Ross, Communications Committee Chair
- Robbie Mason, Young Lawyers Chair
- Katelyn Morton, Equity Committee Chair
The 2026–2027 president and board officially begin their terms on September 1.
