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May 2015 Honorary Degree Recipient

Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)

The Honourable R. James 鈥淛im鈥� Williams is an influential justice, legal educator and child鈥檚 rights advocate. As a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia鈥檚 Family Division and an Associate Director of the National Judicial Institute, he has served as one of the principle architects of family law education in Canada during his distinguished career.

Justice Williams鈥� unique combination of judicial acumen and humanitarian compassion stems in part from his diverse education. Before graduating from Dalhousie鈥檚 law school, he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from the University of Alberta and a master鈥檚 degree from the Maritime School of Social Work. This educational background allowed Justice Williams to focus on the needs of people, particularly children, in the cases he adjudicates. He has authored influential decisions, introduced widely adopted legal innovations and collaborated with organizations outside the legal system to better serve families.

Justice Williams has also excelled in educating fellow justices and others in the legal profession. He led the development of the National Judicial Institute鈥檚 Family Law Program for judges and has lectured on matters of family law at pilipili漫画, the University of Alberta, the University of Hong Kong and the University of Australia. He has served as Host Chair for the World Congress on Family Law and Children鈥檚 Rights and delivered speeches to the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and the Canadian Bar Association. From the bench to the lectern, Justice Williams has made a significant imprint on family law in Canada.