Laurie C. LaViolette has a litigation practice focusing on personal injury and insurance matters. Laurie litigates civil actions including construction and property disputes. She advises both employers and employees on employment and dismissal matters. Laurie represents her clients at hearings and trials in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia and before administrative boards such as the Canada Pension Plan Appeal Board, the Labour Relations Board and at other governmental hearings.

In addition to her extensive litigation practice Laurie is a Real Estate Lawyer. She represents vendors, purchasers and mortgagors of residential and commercial properties and banks in financing transactions. In conjunction with her litigation practice, Laurie handles property disputes between land owners including Vendors and Purchasers Act matters and Quieting Titles Act applications.

Laurie is a member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, the Real Estate Lawyers Association of Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Bar Association.

Laurie obtained her Bachelors of Laws degree in 1994 from Dalhousie University in Halifax and has been practicing law in the Metro area since being admitted to the bar in 1995. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.
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Damian Penny's practice is centered on family law, civil litigation, and criminal defence. He has worked as a trial lawyer for over a decade, earning considerable courtroom experience.

A native of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Mr. Penny received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1995. He was also awarded the prestigious University Medal for Academic Excellence in Political Science. In 1998, he graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Laws degree. Mr. Penny returned to his home provice to serve as an articled clerk with the Newfoundland Legal Aid Commission in St. John's. After his call to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in June, 1999, he worked as a Legal Aid Staff Solicitor. It was here that Mr. Penny became acquainted with family law and criminal cases, and where he developed a passion for conducting trials and hearings at the Provincial and Supreme Court levels, all over Newfoundland and Labrador.

In January, 2001, Mr. Penny commenced a position with an established law firm in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. He continued to specialize in family and criminal law, and also took carriage of many personal injury cases and child welfare matters. He also conducted a considerable number of cases as an agent for the provincial Crown Attorney's Office, prosecuting many criminal, fisheries and wildlife matters. An enthusiastic traveler, Mr. Penny once again enjoyed appearing in court in Labrador and all over Western and Central Newfoundland.

Mr. Penny transferred to the Bar of Nova Scotia on July 6, 2007, and subsequently commenced his employment with Bedford Law. He remains a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and particularly enjoys assisting the many Haligonians with a Newfoundland connection.
Mr. Penny is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and volunteers with the Parent Information Program at the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division). 
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Joey's practice focuses on Litigation, Immigration, Real Estate and Business law. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society in 2005.

Joey articled at an established law firm in Dartmouth (2005). He also gained experience assisting an Immigration/Business firm in Halifax (2006, 2007).

Joey received his law degree from Dalhousie University , (LL.B.) in 2004. He graduated magna cum laude with an undergraduate degree from Saint Mary's University, (B.A.) in 2001. He excelled in the Criminology program where he received 5 scholarships based on academic excellence. Scholarships include: Entrance Scholarship (1999), Achievement Scholarship (2000 & 2001), The Karam Scholarship (2001), and the Perrier Family Scholarship (2001).

Born and raised in Nova Scotia , Joey has many ties to the community, and is capable of communicating effectively in Arabic (conversational Arabic).

Joey is a member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, and the Canadian Bar Association.
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Robert J. Kennedy, B.A., LL.B.

Robert has a litigation practice focusing on labour and employment law. He represents both employees and employers in claims for wrongful dismissal, breach of contract, human rights, and labour standards violations. His experience appearing before the Labour Relations Board, the courts, and labour arbitrators, has equipped Robert with strong advocacy skills. He also gained valuable experience representing union-side interests during his time working in the legal department of the Carpenters’ Union. Robert also practices in the areas of real estate, bankruptcy and insolvency, and is excited about developing a sports law practice.

Robert received his Bachelor of Arts degree (magna cum laude) from Saint Mary’s University in 2005, where he was awarded several scholarships including the Academic Achievement Scholarship (2003, 2004), the Jamil Karam Scholarship Trust (2003, 2004), and the Saint Mary’s University Staff Union Scholarship (2004). He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Dalhousie Law School in 2008. In Law School, Robert was actively involved with Pro Bono Students Canada and various committees. He spent one semester with the Dalhousie Legal Aid Service advocating for youth criminal and family law clients. He was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2009.

Robert grew up in Halifax and looks forward to servicing the greater Bedford community. Beyond the practice of law, Robert is actively involved in local soccer. He is a Provincial level soccer referee, has officiated in many national championships throughout Canada, and also serves as the Vice-President of the Halifax-Dartmouth Soccer Referees’ Association. Robert is a member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the Canadian Bar Association.

He is also a member of the American Sports Lawyers Association

robert@bedfordlaw.com | back to top