Our firm consists of the following partners and their support staff:
David C. Melnickcalled to the bar in 1980
Areas of practice:
David Melnick has been practicing law, serving the community in Bedford and Sackville since May 1980. He also has a growing clientele in Lunenburg County, where he has resided since 1999. His legal practice is focused on Property, Mortgages, Wills, and Estates, in which he provides experienced and knowledgeable guidance to his clients.
A graduate of Dalhousie Law School, class of 1979, his dedication to public service led him to run for elected office three times, getting on the ballot for the provincial legislature in 1984 and 1999. David was recognized for his service by appointment as Chairman of the Canada Pension Plan Tribunal for nine years. It was during one of these tribunal hearings that he met his wife, Karsa, a prominent realtor in Lunenburg. The two married in 1999 and have since shared their joint passion for traveling.
From his first train trip in Europe in 1982, David has journeyed to 56 countries on all six inhabited continents. He has driven beyond the Arctic Circle in far northern Norway and also to Ushuaia and the shores of Beagle Channel. He keeps careful records, so now he’s been on 61 overseas trips. And counting. The highlights include the remarkable honor of meeting Pope St. John Paul the Great at San Andrea delle Fratte Church in Rome in February 1982 (and the meeting was unplanned!), and two decades later being granted the privilege of being invited to meet and shake hands with President George W. Bush.
In David’s commitment to service and to his faith he served as President of the Parish Council at St. Michael's Church in Spryfield, dedicating his time to fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
“Travel and public service make valuable contributions to my ability to serve my clients,” he wrote. “I’ve been immersed in the cultures of 56 countries, had to function in dozens of languages. Now, I have clients from just about all of those countries. I don’t merely glaze over when they speak or produce papers in their first languages.”
David’s life is defined by his commitment to service, his adventurous spirit, and the meaningful connections he has made throughout his travels and career.
Paula L. Condrancalled to the bar in 1987
Areas of practice:
Paula Condran is a dedicated legal professional with a long-standing commitment to her clients and community.
She was born and grew up in Nova Scotia. She obtained her B.A. in Economics from St. Mary’s University and then attended Law School at Dalhousie University, graduating in 1986. She has been a member of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) since that same year. In 2008, she furthered her professional affiliations by joining the Real Estate Lawyers Association of Nova Scotia (RELANS).
Paula has focused her career on Property, Wills, Estates, and Family Matters, though she recently retired from family law cases involving contested parenting issues. She has appeared in the Supreme Court (Family Division) hundreds of times and has also represented her clients in the N.S Court of Appeal. Her approach to law is guided by a deep sense of integrity and a passion for helping others navigate complex legal matters, while always considering the practicalities involved, such as cost and time considerations.
Beyond her professional life, Paula has been an active and engaged volunteer. Early in her career, she volunteered with the Dartmouth Literacy Network, and served on and then chaired the Board of Directors for a local non-profit. She also dedicated over a decade of volunteer service to the IWK Hospital Emergency Department, as member of the Quality Committee and the IWK Emergency Family Advisory Council.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Paula enjoys hiking, traveling overseas, and gardening. She has been married since 1987 and is the proud mother of two adult children.
With a career and personal life centered on care, advocacy, and community service, Paula continues to make a meaningful impact in both her professional and personal endeavours.