Anne s. derrick, BA, LL.B. '80, QC

Since her graduation from Dalhousie Law School in 1980, Anne Derrick’s name has become synonymous with social justice causes in Nova Scotia and beyond. From her representation of Donald Marshall, Jr. to her work with abused women, from her advocacy on behalf of a women-only newspaper to her defence of Dr. Henry Morgentaler, Anne Derrick has acted in cases where important issues of principle, often feminist concerns, have been at the forefront. She has pursued this work in front of Royal Commissions, Human Rights Inquiries, federally-appointed Special Inquiries, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

The dedicated way in which Anne Derrick has represented her clients is also worthy of note.  Her work often assists those who are disadvantaged in society.  In serving these clients, frequently on a pro bono basis, Anne Derrick not only argues their legal cause, but on an individual basis acts to give dignity to each client, showing what has been described as “extraordinary commitment and compassion” to provide personal, as well as professional, support.

Anne Derrick’s work on behalf of the causes she believes in extends well beyond her courtroom advocacy, however.  She has pursued the cause of social justice in a variety of ways.  While a student at Dalhousie Legal Aid Service, she organized legal information sessions at Bryony House, a shelter for abused women: she continued with this work for seven years thereafter.  She originated the concept and materials for a Public Legal Education Society project to introduce criminal law to high school students: this project eventually developed into a video released across the country by the National Film Board.  She has prepared written materials on family violence, on sexual assault, on access to sexual assault victims therapeutic records, and on other issues:  these materials have appeared in many different publications, and have been variously aimed at practitioners, academics, and the general public.

Her championing of causes has also been advanced through direct involvement in the work of many community organizations.  Locally or at the national level, Anne Derrick has served on the Board of the Service for Sexual Assault Victims, Stepping Stone, the Halifax Elizabeth Fry Society, and the Women’s Alliance in Support of Prostitutes.  She has worked diligently to raise funds and awareness for many other groups, including Adsum House, Stepping Stone and Dalhousie Legal Aid Service.  She has been a member of many other service and advocacy groups, including the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies’ Legal Working Group, the National Association of Women and the Law, and the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) National Litigation Committee.

Anne Derrick’s contribution to her profession, her clients, and her community has not gone unnoticed or unrecognized.  Ranging from the Horace E. Read Award for “the greatest overall contribution to scholarship and student life” on graduation, to the many gifts from grateful clients that decorate her office, to the 1997 President’s Award of the Nova Scotia Association of Psychologists for “dedication and outstanding serve to the profession of psychology and the people of Nova Scotia”, many groups and individuals have honoured the compassion, dedication, and hard work of Anne Derrick.  The 1998 Weldon Award recognizes Anne Derrick as a graduate who is more than upholding the high ideals of the Weldon tradition of unselfish public service.