Compassionate Family Lawyer
Greater Halifax
Why Choose Us?
- Flexible Appointment Availability
- Local Representation
- Compassionate Attention On Every Case
- Experienced At Finding A Resolution to Your Family Law Problem
Business Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Weekends: Closed
About Us
Atherton Nicholson, Barristers, and Solicitors is a small firm of trial lawyers located in downtown Dartmouth. Patrick Atherton and Tanya Nicholson practiced together for several years under the former firm of Scaravelli & Associates. On January 1st, 2013, they formed a partnership which has resulted in the new name.
Patrick Atherton has been practicing exclusively in the area of criminal law and has represented clients facing a full range of criminal matters. Patrick has met with success for his clients in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. Patrick was called to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in 1997.
Tanya Nicholson has been practicing exclusively in the area of family law and offers her clients a wide range of legal services because each family law problem has a unique strategy. Although she has been to all levels of court in the province, she works towards a peaceful resolution unless a more assertive approach is required. Tanya was called to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in 1997.
G. Michael Owen joined Atherton Nicholson in December 2015 and brought with him a wealth of experience and diverse practice. Michael has areas of concentration in criminal, family, estate, and civil litigation with experience in court martials. His vast experience allows him to draw on each discipline in helping clients with complex legal problems. Michael was called to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in 1978.
Michelle James joined the firm in May 2016, starting a new practice as a criminal defense lawyer after more than 14 years as a senior crown attorney. Michelle’s success at all level of courts in Nova Scotia will continue as a member of the defense bar and her invaluable experience as a prosecutor will directly benefit her clients at all stages in the criminal law process. Michelle was called to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in 2000.
Derek Sonnichsen joined the firm in October 2017 after relocating from Corner Brook, Newfoundland where he completed his articles. Derek grew up in Dartmouth and attended Dalhousie University for his undergraduate degree and his law degree. He divides his legal practice between criminal defense and family matters. Derek helps his clients find the solution to their problems with as little stress and dispute as possible – be it divorce and child care arrangements or charges for impaired driving. Derek is approachable and makes sense of the law for his clients’ ease of mind. Derek was called to the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society in 2017.
Julian Dickinson joined the firm in February 2019. He articled with a small trial-based firm and Nova Scotia Legal Aid. He worked as an Associate providing a wide range of legal services, with a particular focus on criminal law. Julian will continue to grow his criminal practice and add family law, wills and estates and civil litigation as his focus areas. Julian goes the extra mile to make the experience as efficient as possible for his clients. Whether it is unbundling legal services to offer affordable results or going out of the office for meetings, his focus is on client services. Julian was called to the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society in 2017.
Atherton Nicholson is located at 52 King Street, Dartmouth. They await your call at 902-429-4104.