Committed to promoting sound administration of justice since 1974, CIAJ prides itself on supporting the legal community at all levels. CIAJ would like to warmly thank its board members for sharing their skills and working to improve the justice system with heart and wisdom for the benefit of society as a whole. CIAJ’s actions and programs would not be possible without the dedication of these outstanding professionals.

NOTE: The Honourable Judge Angela Caseley has been appointed to the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia on June 16, 2023.

 

You have joined CIAJ’s Board in October 2022. Why did you choose this organization?

I continue to be impressed by the CIAJ’s educational opportunities. They cover important and timely issues. The quality of the presenters is second to none.

Why is it important for you to be active and involved aside from your occupation?

I feel members of the bar should share their expertise and experiences with other members of the profession and the judiciary. By collaborating and offering diverse perspectives, we strengthen the profession and improve our ability to serve the public.

What do you like most about your profession?

I enjoy that as lawyers we never stop learning. I also enjoy the comradery, helping others and working together to make important changes.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to your heart?

I am passionate about finding ways to address the over-representation of individuals suffering from addiction and mental health issues in our criminal justice system.

Do you think that justice is evolving at the same pace as society?

I think justice often responds to society as it evolves. However, justice can also create change through decisions such as clarifying Charter rights.

What is the last law or public debate that has particularly caught your interest?

The public debates surrounding Covid-19, the restrictions on personal liberties, vaccines, and the impact on our health care system has been particularly interesting.

Who is the most inspiring person or personality in your career and why?

Without a doubt, my mother inspired me to become a lawyer. Her personal commitment to providing a voice for those less fortunate inspired me to do the same.

What is the greatest challenge you have faced along the way?

Balancing a family and legal career is always a challenge, this was even more so while my husband was an active member in the Canadian Navy.

When you chose to study law, were you thinking of pursuing a career as a counsel?

Absolutely. I planned on being a corporate commercial lawyer, specializing in tax litigation while working on Bay Street. However, my career trajectory quickly changed during articles when I found myself in provincial criminal courts. I loved the courtroom, interacting with the clients and the feeling of making a difference. I was hooked.

What else would you have liked to do if you had not become a counsel?

I love to explore the world while meeting and learning about the people and their cultures. I am definitely one who travels off the beaten path. In another life, I would have written travel books (before YouTube) or adventure fiction. Perhaps I will venture into the realm when retired.

What do you do in your free time, do you have a hobby?

I continue to travel whenever possible, but I am also a dedicated hockey mom. I am actively involved with my son’s team, frequently assisting with team charity events and fundraising activities.

Is there a message you would like to pass on to the new generation of counsel? If you could talk to yourself when you were 20 years old what would you say?

Being raised by a single mom in a small town on PEI presented many life challenges. I struggled with feeling out of place in law school and in my early years of practice. I had not realized that my greatest strength was my ability to empathize with others who had also faced challenges in life. Now, I am thankful that I did not “fit-in.” Having a unique experience and valuing those of others has enriched my life; personally and professionally.

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About Angela Caseley

CIAJ Board of Directors Member since October 2022
Senior Counsel and Team Leader, Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC)

Angela Caseley is Senior Counsel and Team Leader for the Agent Supervision Team in the Atlantic Regional Office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC). Angela graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1992. After being called to the B.C. Bar, she worked as a defence counsel with Peck and Tammen before joining the British Columbia Crown office. In 1999, she returned to Nova Scotia and joined Beveridge, Lambert and Duncan where she practised criminal defence, administrative law and civil litigation before joining the PPSC in 2000. Angela’s career at the PPSC has focused in the areas of organized crime, proceeds of crime, establishment of alternative courts, and administration of the Agent Supervision program. In 2007 moved to Ottawa for an assignment as a National Coordinator for proceeds of crime issues where she worked on drafting legislation, international issues and files proceeding to the Supreme Court. After her assignment, Angela resumed her position in the Integrated Proceeds of Crime Unit before becoming its senior counsel and Team Leader. In 2017, Angela commenced her current position as Team Leader for the Agent Supervision team in the Atlantic Region and completed an intensive French language program. Angela has also been deeply committed and worked extensively to create a Regional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, and establish Drug Treatment and Wellness Courts in the Atlantic. Angela also works with the NS Barrister’s Society’s Disciplinary and Supreme Court Liaison Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys off-the-beaten-path travel with her husband and watching their son play hockey.

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