Meet the Lawyers & Support Staff of Waterbury Newton

Paul L. Walter, Q.C.

Paul L. Walter, Q.C.

Kentville Office

Telephone: 902-678-3257

Fax: 902-678-7727

Email: pwalter@wnns.ca

Legal Assistant: Angela Elliott

Email: aelliott@wnns.ca

Paul is the chief executive officer of Waterbury Newton and has been practising law with our firm for over 30 years. Paul has successfully represented numerous clients from all regions of Nova Scotia, and over the years, has secured millions of dollars in compensation for his clients.

Paul has been a practising member of the Nova Scotia Bar since 1982.

Practice Areas

Paul’s areas of practice include:

• Civil litigation
• Personal and fatal injury claims
• Automobile, homeowners, and general liability insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Workers compensation claims
• Canada pension plan disability claims
• Product liability
• Professional liability

Community Activities & Interests

• Board Member of Black Business Community Investment Fund Ltd.
• Board Member of Black Business Consulting Ltd.
• Member and Past President: Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (Valley Chapter)
• Past Member Black Education Committee of Kings County
• Past Member of Valley Black Resources and Information Society
• Former Coach: Nova Scotia “Mini” Soccer Program

Education

• Dalhousie University 1981, LL.B
• Saint Mary’s University 1978 – Certificate of Honours Equivalency in Political Science
• Saint Mary’s University 1977, B.A. Honours (Magna cum Laude)
• Saint Joseph’s Academy, Antigua, West Indies

Achievements & Affiliations

• Practising Member of Nova Scotia Bar Since 1982
• Founding Member of the Black Lawyers’ Association of Nova Scotia
• Former Member of Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Administration of Justice Committee, Discipline
• Sub-Committee and Bar Admission Course Screening Committee

Presentations & Publications

• Assisted in Research and Preparation of Report on Prepaid Legal Services (1981)
• Presentations to Dalhousie University Black Law Students Association
• Presentation at the Canadian Bar Association’s Nova Scotia 5th Annual Professional Development Conference

Eric O. Sturk

Eric O. Sturk

Berwick Office

Telephone: 902-538-3168

Fax: 902-538-8680

Email: esturk@wnns.ca

Paralegal: Sarah Naugler - Property Transactions

Email: snaugler@wnns.ca

Paralegal: Shelly Egan - All Other Matters

Email: segan@wnns.ca

Eric is a senior lawyer with Waterbury Newton and is of counsel as of January 1, 2021.  He has worked with our firm since 1975. Eric’s knowledge, wisdom, experience, and practical advice are always available to help his clients.

Eric has been a practising member of the Nova Scotia Bar since 1976.

Practice Areas

Eric practises in the following areas:

• Real estate and property law
• Estate planning, wills and trusts
• Corporate and business law

Community Activities & Interests

• Member of Western Kings Board of Trade
• Member of Grand View Manor Foundation
• Member of Apple Dome Committee
• Member of Kings West Liberal Association
• Member of Berwick Curling Club
• Member of Berwick Heights Golf Club
• Member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church

Education

• Dalhousie University 1976, LL.B
• Dalhousie University 1973, B. Comm. (Magna cum Laude)
• West Kings District High School 1970

Achievements & Affiliations

• Practising Member of Nova Scotia Bar Since 1976
• Member of Canadian Bar Association from 1975-2020
• Certified Lawyer under the Nova Scotia Land Registration System

Presentations & Publications

• Will planning guide
• Public presentations on wills and estate planning

Curtis C. Palmer

Curtis C. Palmer

Berwick Office

Telephone: 902-538-3168

Fax: 902-538-8680

Email: cpalmer@wnns.ca

Paralegal: Patsy Pynch

Email: ppynch@wnns.ca

Curtis is a senior lawyer at Waterbury Newton and has worked with our firm since 1983. He is dedicated to superior client service and his knowledge and courtroom expertise are beneficial to his clients.

Curtis has been a practising member of the Nova Scotia Bar since 1981.

Practice Areas

Curtis’ areas of legal expertise include:

• Criminal defence
• Personal/fatal injury claims
• Civil litigation
• Administrative law and tribunals
• Property and real estate law

Community Activities & Interests

• Past Chairperson and current Director of the Western Kings Memorial Health Society
• Past President and current Director of the Berwick Curling Club
• Represented Nova Scotia at the 1996 Labatt Brier and at the Tim Hortons Brier in 2007 and again in 2008

Education

• Dalhousie University 1981, LL.B
• Acadia University 1978, B. A.
• West Kings District High School 1975

Achievements & Affiliations

• Practising Member of Nova Scotia Bar Since 1981
• Member of Atlantic Provinces Trial Lawyers Association
• Member of Canadian Bar Association
• Certified Lawyer under the Nova Scotia Land Registration System
• Speaker at Area Schools on a Regular Basis
• Represented Nova Scotia at the 2008, 2010 and 2011 Canadian Senior Men’s Curling Championship and the 2019 Canadian Men's Masters Curling Championship
• Past President of the Kings County Barristers’ Society
• Past Member of Nova Scotia Bar Council

As a member of the Rafuse Rink, Curt holds both the Provincial 2008 Alexander Keith’s Tankard and the 2008 Senior Men’s Championship, the first time this was ever accomplished in Canadian curling history.

Trinda L. Ernst, Q.C.

Trinda L. Ernst, Q.C.

Kentville Office

Telephone: 902-678-3257

Fax: 902-678-7727

Email: ternst@wnns.ca

Legal Assistant: Lauren Campbell

Email: lcampbell@wnns.ca

Trinda is a senior lawyer with Waterbury Newton and has been with our firm since 1985. Trinda is an accomplished lawyer and community volunteer with a passion for providing excellent legal services to her clients. She is available for presentations on a variety of topics.

Trinda has been a practising member of the Nova Scotia Bar since 1984.

Practice Areas

• Elder law
• Estate planning, wills and trusts
• Property law
• Corporate and business law

Community Activities & Interests

• Board Member and Vice Chair (2019-2021) of Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission
• Charter Member and Club President (2014-2016) of Rotary Club of New Minas Sunrise
• Board Member of Sing Canada Harmony Scholarship Fund
• Member and Past International President (2004-2006) of Harmony, Incorporated
• Member and Assistant Director of Valley Voices (a cappella chorus)
• Member of Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada
• Member and Past President of Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Former Board Member and President (2004-2007) of Valley Regional Hospital Foundation
• Former Board Member of Wolfville L’Arche Homefires Society

Education

• Dalhousie University, LL.B (1983)
• Dalhousie University, B.A. (with Distinction) (1980)

Achievements & Affiliations

• Gold Award, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• Gold Merit Award, Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada
• Practising Member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (Since 1984)
• National President of The Canadian Bar Association (2011-2012)
• Member of The Canadian Bar Association (Since 1980)
• Member of The Kings County Barristers Society and Past President
• Appointed Queen’s Counsel (2000)
• Certified User, Land Registration System
• CBA- Nova Scotia Branch Distinguished Service Award (2004)
• Annapolis Valley Affiliated Boards of Trade Executive Director’s Award
• Kings County Business Award – Outstanding Business Person 1998
• Served as a Member of Several Canadian Bar Association and Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Committees, including Law Day Committee, National Elder Law Section, National Women Lawyers Forum, Gender Equality Committee, Past Nova Scotia Branch President and National Director
• CBA - Nova Scotia Branch Community Service Award (2015)
• Weldon Award for Unselfish Public Service 2017

Presentations & Publications

• “When is a Joint Asset an Estate Asset” — N.S.B.S. Bar Refresher Course
• “Where There’s a Will” — Firm Brochure
• Organizer of Two CBA-Nova Scotia Branch Conferences for Legal Assistants (Real Property and Family Law and Wills and Probate Practice)
• Co-Organizer of CBA –Nova Scotia Branch “The Well Planned Estate” Seminar

Randall L. Prime

Randall L. Prime

Kentville Office

Telephone: 902-678-3257

Fax: 902-678-7727

Email: rprime@wnns.ca

Paralegal: Lynda Andrews

Email: landrews@wnns.ca

Randall is a senior lawyer with Waterbury Newton and has been with our firm since 1989. Randall’s experience, knowledge and achievements have contributed to his ongoing success as a lawyer who provides outstanding legal services to his clients.

Randall has been a practising member of the Nova Scotia Bar since 1990.

Practice Areas

Randall’s areas of practice include:

• Property law
• Corporate and business law
• Commercial transactions
• Personal injury claims
• Estate planning, wills and trusts
• Foreclosures

Community Activities & Interests

• Former Director of Kings West Soccer Association
• Former Director of Valley Sport and Multipurpose Facility Association
• Legal Advisor to the Valley District Soccer Association
• Holds a CSA Senior Coaching Certificate
• Past President of Annapolis Valley Affiliated Boards of Trade
• Past President of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kings and Annapolis Counties
• Former Member of Nova Scotia Forestry Association
• Former Member of Rotary Club of New Minas

Education

• Dalhousie University 1989, LL.B
• University of New Brunswick, 1985, B.Sc. (Forestry)
• Islands Consolidated School, Freeport, Long Island (Recipient: Lieutenant Governor’s Medal)

Achievements & Affiliations

• Practising Member of Nova Scotia Bar since 1990
• Member of MENSA Canada
• Member of Real Estate Lawyers’ Association of Nova Scotia
• Former Member of Screening Committee, Bar Admission Examination of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
• Certified Lawyer under the Nova Scotia Land Registration System
• Former Member of the Provincial Voluntary Planning Committee which Brought in Nova Scotia’s first Occupier’s Liability Law
• Former Member of Atlantic Provinces Trial Lawyers Association

Presentations & Publications

• Appeared on Global TV’s Maritime Noon Program
• Facilitated Workshops for Invisible Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia, including Videos Regarding Canada Pension Plan and Long-Term Disability Appeals
• Contributor to “The Sea Has Many Voices,” Edited by Cynthia Lamson (Legal and Environmental Aspects of Oceans Policy)

Jennifer L. Young

Jennifer L. Young

Berwick Office

Telephone: 902-538-3168

Fax: 902-538-8680

Email: jyoung@wnns.ca

Paralegal: Sarah Naugler - Property Transactions

Email: snaugler@wnns.ca

Paralegal: Shelly Egan - All Other Matters

Email: segan@wnns.ca

Jennifer is a lawyer with Waterbury Newton and has worked with our firm since 2006. Jennifer is a keen and enthusiastic litigator whose legal skills and knowledge are assets to those she represents.

Jennifer has been a practising member of the Nova Scotia Bar since 2007.

Practice Areas

Jennifer’s areas of practice include:

• Family law - separation, divorce and adoptions
• Estate planning, wills and trusts, probate
• Property law - real estate transactions and migrations

Community Activities & Interests

• Past Board Member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Annapolis Valley Chapter
• Former Volunteer: Student Legal Services, Criminal Law Section, University of Alberta
• Former Director and President: Faculty of Law Oratory Association, University of Alberta
• Former Vice President Social: Faculty of Law Students Association, University of Alberta
• Former Volunteer: TESL Centre, Saint Mary’s University

Education

• University of Alberta 2006, LL.B
• Saint Mary’s University 2002, B.A. (Criminology and Sociology)
• Bridgetown Regional High School 1998

Achievements & Affiliations

• Practising Member of Nova Scotia Bar Since 2007
• Member of Canadian Bar Association
• Member of Kings County Barristers’ Society
• Past Federal Crown Prosecutor, Public Prosecution Service of Canada
• Certified Lawyer under the Nova Scotia Land Registration System
• Former Facilitator at Family Court Parent Information Program
• Recipient of Mary C. Daley Scholarship, Saint Mary’s University
• Dean’s List Scholar, Saint Mary’s University
• Recipient of Bruce Jones Memorial Scholarship, University of Alberta
• Per Diem Provincial Crown

J. Kyle Williams

J. Kyle Williams

Kentville Office

Telephone: 902-678-3257

Fax: 902-678-7727

Email: kwilliams@wnns.ca

Legal Assistant: Jane Shaw

Email: jshaw@wnns.ca

Kyle is an associate lawyer with Waterbury Newton. He joined Waterbury Newton as an articled clerk in 2017 and has been a dedicated member of our team ever since. Kyle is from Sydney, Nova Scotia and thus appreciates the Valley’s strong sense of community, as well as the beautiful weather. Prior to his career with Waterbury Newton, Kyle worked as an economic development policy analyst, an operational policy analyst, ski instructor, retail sales clerk (NSLC), and customer service representative. Kyle takes a client-focused approach to his practice, and he prides himself on being a lawyer that takes the time to get to know his clients in addition to fighting hard for their rights.

Practice Areas

Kyle strives to maintain a diversified practice that includes:

• Criminal defence
• Family/divorce
• Personal injury & fatal injury claims
• Administrative law & tribunals
• Civil litigation
• Wills & estates

Education

• BA in Political Science from St. Francis Xavier University (2011)
• Masters in Public Administration from Dalhousie University (2017)
• Juris Doctorate from Dalhousie University (2017)

Achievements & Affiliations

• Member of Kings County Bar Society
• Current Board Member – Campaign for Kids
• Completed Dalhousie University’s Sopinka Cup Trial Advocacy Program
• Former Member of Nova Scotia’s (Junior) Alpine Ski Racing Team
• Former Member of the Canadian Ski Instructor’s Alliance
• Former Member of the Canadian Ski Coaches’ Federation

Community Activities & Interests

Kyle moved to the Annapolis Valley in 2017 and is eager to get involved and set down roots in his new community. Kyle is a former alpine ski instructor/ race coach who has a passion for all sports, games, and activities. Kyle enjoys skiing, softball, soccer, tennis, basketball and golf. Kyle has taken up disc golf since moving to the Valley, and he hopes to get involved with coaching youth sports in the near future.

Lauran Haas

Lauran Haas

Berwick Office

Telephone: 902-538-3168

Fax: 902-538-8680

Email: lhaas@wnns.ca

Paralegal: Tasha Ells

Email: tells@wnns.ca

Lauran is an associate lawyer at Waterbury Newton. Lauran offers a client focused approach to her practice and prides herself on getting to know her clients while providing them candid advice. Lauran is passionate about criminal defence and family law and uses her knowledge on trauma-based responses to inform her of how to best serve her clients. 

Lauran grew up in the Annapolis Valley and has strong roots in the Kentville and Berwick area. Prior to working at Waterbury Newton, Lauran split her articles between New Brunswick Human Rights and a small family law firm in Fredericton.

Practice Areas

Lauran practises in the following areas: 

• Criminal defence

• Family Law

• Child protection

• Human rights

• Property law and real estate

• Wills and Estates

Education

• University of New Brunswick, J.D., 2019

• St. Thomas University, B.A., 2016

Achievements & Affiliations

• Practicing Member of the Nova Scotia Bar since 2020

• Certified Lawyer under the Nova Scotia Land Registration System

• Former Member of the St. Thomas University Moot Court Team

• Former President of the UNB Aboriginal Law Society 

• Former President of the UNB Criminal Law Society

Community Activities & Interests

Since moving back to the Annapolis Valley in 2020, Lauran is eager to become involved in her community. She currently plays recreational soccer and hopes to become more involved in coaching youth sports in the future.