Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Dartmouth, NS
Burnside Law Office is a dedicated legal practice serving individuals, families, and small businesses in Dartmouth and throughout Nova Scotia. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in delivering accessible, affordable legal solutions across a broad spectrum of practice areas, including business law, civil litigation, family law, immigration, real estate, and tax law. With a focus on practical guidance and strategic representation, we help clients navigate complex legal challenges while prioritizing cost-effectiveness and personalized service. Our lawyers bring decades of combined experience in both transactional and litigation matters, ensuring clients receive comprehensive counsel tailored to their unique needs.We emphasize proactive problem-solving to resolve disputes before they escalate, while maintaining the capability to advocate vigorously in court when necessary. From business incorporations to family law proceedings, our goal is to simplify legal processes and empower clients to make informed decisions. Our commitment to community service and ethical practice has established us as a trusted legal resource in the region.
Services
Business Law
Civil Litigation
Family Law
Immigration Law
Real Estate Law
Tax Litigation
Notary Services
Mediation
Employment Law
White Collar Defense
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer specialized legal expertise across 10+ practice areas including business, family, and immigration law
- Our team provides cost-effective solutions tailored to individual and small business needs
- We combine proactive dispute resolution with strong courtroom advocacy when necessary
- Lawyers maintain direct client communication and personalized case management
- Established local presence with deep understanding of Nova Scotia legal frameworks
Services
Business Law
Burnside Law Office provides comprehensive business law services including company incorporations, contract drafting, mergers and acquisitions, and partnership agreements. Our attorneys advise businesses on regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and dispute resolution. We represent both entrepreneurs and established companies in commercial transactions and litigation matters across Nova Scotia.
Family Law
Our family law practice handles divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, spousal support negotiations, and property division cases. We focus on minimizing conflict through mediation while providing strong courtroom representation when necessary. The team guides clients through complex family legal matters with sensitivity and practical solutions.
Immigration Law
We assist clients with all Canadian immigration matters including work permits, study visas, permanent residency applications, and citizenship processes. Our lawyers work directly with Citizenship & Immigration Canada to navigate complex immigration regulations and ensure proper documentation for clients in Dartmouth and surrounding areas.
Civil Litigation
The firm represents clients in civil litigation matters involving contract disputes, property conflicts, and business disagreements. We focus on early dispute resolution while maintaining readiness for courtroom advocacy. Our approach combines strategic legal analysis with cost-effective representation in Nova Scotia courts.
White Collar Defense
Specializing in white-collar criminal defense, we handle fraud investigations, financial crime allegations, and regulatory compliance issues. Our attorneys provide discreet representation for individuals and businesses facing complex criminal charges, with a focus on protecting professional reputations and minimizing legal consequences.
People
Kelly Patrick Shannon
Managing Partner
Kelly Shannon leads the firm's business law and real estate practice groups. With extensive experience in corporate transactions and commercial real estate, he provides strategic legal counsel to businesses and property developers across Nova Scotia.
Derek Brett
Senior Litigation Counsel
Derek Brett specializes in civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense. He represents clients in complex commercial disputes and financial crime cases, combining courtroom experience with strategic problem-solving to achieve favorable outcomes.
Joseph JeBailey
Immigration Specialist
Joseph JeBailey focuses on immigration law, assisting individuals and businesses with visa applications, permanent residency, and citizenship matters. He maintains strong relationships with immigration authorities to streamline the process for clients.
Nathan D. Kaulback
Family Law Attorney
Nathan Kaulback handles family law cases involving divorce, child custody, and property division. He emphasizes practical solutions while advocating for clients' interests in court proceedings and settlement negotiations.
Hector Rodrigo Vera Diaz
Associate Counsel
Hector Vera Diaz supports the firm's litigation and business law practices. He assists with commercial disputes, contract matters, and regulatory compliance issues for corporate clients across various industries.
Questions
What areas of law does Burnside Law Group specialize in?
We specialize in business law, family law, immigration, real estate, tax litigation, civil litigation, employment law, and white-collar defense cases throughout Nova Scotia.
Do you handle both litigation and transactional matters?
Yes, we provide full-service legal representation including courtroom advocacy and transactional work like business incorporations and real estate transactions.
Are your legal services affordable for individuals?
We offer cost-effective solutions with flexible pricing options to ensure accessible legal representation for individuals and small businesses.
Do you offer notary public services?
Yes, we provide notary services with appointments available for document verification and certification in Dartmouth.
Reviews (4)
Mr. Donovan
May 14, 2021
Report
Mr. JeBailey was a stand up guy and very knowledgeable. Helped me get through my personal business quickly and with a convenience that just made it a great experience. His support staff were fantastic as well. Highly recommended and I will continue to bring my business there.
Deborah Lohrenz
Jan 14, 2021
Report
I've been a client of Burnside Law for over 17 years. During this time, my interactions were mainly with Kelly Shannon and his support staff. I gave this firm a five star but would give Kelly infinite stars if possible. This firm went above and beyond my expectations. They treat you with the utmost respect and kindness. They not only listen, but take the time to really understand your needs. They do not waste your time telling you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear and they do it with heart. They are honest and fair and they do what they do with integrity and confidence! I would not
Dan McAfee
Jun 21, 2019
Report
Derek Brett is the kind of lawyer you want. Very hard working and intelligent; he takes the time to explain things and gets back to you with timely answers. Empathetic yet tough and on YOUR side! The office team are very friendly as well. Highly recommend!
Elizabeth King
Jan 14, 2016
Report
Needing a lawyer is almost invariably a stressful experience. At Burnside Law, I found the staff quite friendly, welcoming and sincere. I have had negative experiences with lawyers in the past, but the lawyer I dealt with, Derek Brett, was very personable and immediately put me at ease. He is an honest man who seems to genuinely care about his clients. I was impressed by his wealth of knowledge in many areas of the law. I could tell with Derek that I was in very good hands, and there was no doubt in my mind of his commitment to working diligently for me to ensure the best possible outcome. He is
