Laura Neilan

Laura Neilan (née Veniot) primarily represents Plaintiffs in the civil litigation context. She thrives on representing people making claims for personal injuries, employees who have been wrongfully terminated, survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment, and plaintiffs in all manner of insurance disputes (including disability benefits and property damage claims). She is also happy to act for clients on construction matters, land disputes and Social Security appeals (particularly, CPP disability benefits).

Laura has successfully argued at all levels of court in Nova Scotia, as well as the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, and a variety of administrative boards and tribunals.

Laura is an active participant in the Nova Scotia Land Titles Initiative, a program which seeks to give clear title to members of the African Nova Scotian community who have historically been denied the benefits of land ownership. She is volunteer with the Halifax Free Legal Clinic, and has been an instructor of the Civil Procedure Workshop at the Schulich School of Law since 2023.

Laura is a member of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society, the Advocates Society, and the Atlantic Provinces Trial Lawyers Association. Laura holds a Juris Doctor from the University of New Brunswick (2013) and has been practicing law since 2014.

Notable decisions:

Patterson v. Hayden et al, 2024 NSSC 153 (Assessment of damages of over $60,000 in a dog bite case)

Cherubini Metal Works Ltd. v. M&J Total Transport and Rigging Inc., 2024 NSSC 227 (successful defence of a commercial contractual dispute) 

Elmsdale Landscaping Ltd. v. Hiltz, 2023 NSCA 56 (successful claim for wrongful dismissal and bad faith in contractual dealings, upheld on appeal)

Hazouri v. Beacon Hill Development Ltd., 2021 NSSC 340 (successful application to set aside an Agreement of Purchase and Sale)

Terris v. Meisner, 2019 NSSC 252 (proving contempt of court beyond all reasonable doubt)

Minister of Employment and Social Development v C. T, 2018 SST 1274 (successful appeal of CPP disability benefits denial)

P. S. v Minister of Employment and Social Development, 2018 SST 218 (successful appeal of a CPP disability benefits denial)