Meet Our Team
MAGGIE SHACKLETON, B.A., J.D.I was born and raised in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, and I returned to the Annapolis Valley to practice law in 2014 after completing my law degree at the University of New Brunswick. I was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2015. Shackleton Taylor is a general practice here to serve the local communities. My legal practice is focused on real estate transactions, corporate transactions, wills and estates, and family law, including Child Protection. I feel it is important to develop good working relationships within the legal practice and the professionals we work with to best serve our clients!
Being from a small town I recognize the importance of participating in the community so that generations to come can grow, live, and thrive in their hometowns. I live in Bridgetown with my teenage son and partner. I have sat as a member of the Board of Directors for the Clean Annapolis River Project for several terms in the past, and currently sit for my second term as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Digby Harbour Port Authority.
When I am not at work, I can be found hanging out with my family in my vegetable garden growing more tomatoes than we can manage, pretending to golf, trying not to hurt myself skiing, adventuring around our awesome province, or tackling yet another renovation project.
RACHEL M. TAYLOR, LIB. (HONS), CIPD, L.L.B (HONS) C.I.P.D., Q.Med, Cert.FRMRachel is a solution driven lawyer dedicated to helping families navigate through times of separation and divorce with the least possible consequences for the kids. Rachel works hard to make sure you get the result you deserve.
The main areas of law that Rachel covers are:
Mediation; Separation, Divorce; Adoption; Adult Guardianship; Child Protection; Real Estate transactions and Property/Deed work; Incorporations; Wills and Power of Attorney’s; Probate (after death), to name but a few.
Want to try mediation? Rachel is a trained mediator able to help both parties resolve their issues without resorting to the extra expense and upset of Court Applications and appearances, and has built a reputation as an excellent solver of problems.
Need to go to Court? Rachel is very experienced and skilled at appearing at all levels of the Court system, including Family Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, Rachel will advocate for you with a Justice, other lawyers or your ex to get things done.
Rachel earned her law degree in the UK in 1997, before managing many large corporations and small businesses, including the Lawrencetown Exhibition from 2008-2018. She returned to the law exclusively in 2018, completing nine three hour “challenge” exams to convert the UK degree to a Canadian degree.
Rachel volunteers her time freely, as a past Director of the Annapolis Valley Exhibition in Lawrencetown; volunteer for Annapolis County Cattle Sales; current volunteer Board for Bridgetown Ciderfest and current volunteer Director for Apple Tree Landing.
Rachel was formally recognised by (then) Premier McNeil in the legislature for her achievements moving the Lawrencetown Exhibition forward with new barns, new main ring, and much improved schedule including live music. Rachel has recently become a “Big Sister” in the Big Brother/Big Sisters volunteer program.
JASMINE E. SOLOMON, J.D., M. EdI am very excited to have returned home to the Annapolis Valley and to be undergoing a formal apprenticeship with Shackleton Taylor Law after receiving my law degree from Dalhousie University.
Prior to law school I worked as a teacher for about 10 years, I specialized in supporting children with disabilities in the public education system. Early on in my teaching career I lived abroad and did a lot of travelling throughout Asia, Australia and across Canada.
I am grateful to be able to learn and grow in this new field with the team at Shackleton Taylor Law. Returning home and giving back to this beautiful community has always been a goal of mine.
ROBYN CLIFFORD, H.B.A., J.D.Born and raised in Greenwood in a bilingual single-parent household, I feel very fortunate and excited to be able to practice law in both official languages in my community. I graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of English with Honours and attended Dalhousie Schulich School of Law for my law degree. I was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in June 2023.
Shackleton Taylor Law is a local and general practice firm and I am delighted to be able to serve clients in a variety of practice areas: family, property, wills and estate, civil litigation and corporate. I pride myself on my professional, efficient and compassionate client service. I value integrity, clear communication, reliability and empathy. I am passionate about the work that I do and I enjoy helping clients find creative legal solutions.
I am proud of my community and where I come from. I volunteered as a member on the Kings West Community Health Board and have dedicated time to free legal education to the clients of the Greenwood Military Family Resource Centre. I believe it is important to remember one’s roots and be an actively engaged community member.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading all manner of books, spending time in nature, being creative in the kitchen, practicing mindfulness and exploring our beautiful province. I share my life with my partner, family and a few cats.
OUR STAFF
CAROL ANN MACKINNON, PROPERTY PARALEGAL & COMMISSIONER OF OATHSCarol Ann is our Property Sales Paralegal and Commissioner of Oaths in our Bridgetown office since September 2020.
Prior to this, Carol Ann worked for 13 years with Canadian Pacific Railway and the last five of those working closely with lawyers in commercial real estate for Windsor Station (Montreal).
Her interests include: Music, Martial Arts (Achievement: Black Belt 2nd dan in Kyokushin Karate under Tezouka Organization) and spending time with her fur children.
CAREY SHIELDS, PROPERTY PARALEGAL & COMMISSIONER OF OATHSCarey has been our Property Purchases/Re-Finances Paralegal and Commissioner of Oaths in our Granville office since May 2021.
She was born and raised in Annapolis Royal. She is a busy mom of 3 teenagers who keep her busy on the weekends at the rink, soccer field or volleyball courts. She also volunteers managing a youth hockey team.
She enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her family.
SUSAN HAYTER, FAMILY PARALEGAL & COMMISSIONER OF OATHSOriginally from Scotland, Susan joined us in February 2022. Susan is our Family Law Paralegal and a Commissioner of Oaths.
Susan has spent most of her career in law firms, gaining considerable knowledge and experience over the years before making the move to our Middleton office. Prior to then she worked at Stewart McKelvey in Halifax and a couple of law firms in the Valley.
She is a qualified highland dancing teacher and presently enjoys line dancing with the Valley Stompers. In her spare time she enjoys travelling with her husband and spending time with her fur baby.
ELIZABETH AKRIGGPrior to joining us in September 2021, Liz, who originally hails from Scotland, UK, spent over 30 years as a Registered Nurse, most recently retiring from Mountain Lee Lodge in Bridgetown in 2019.
Liz is friendly and approachable, and willing to work with you to get the job done. Liz lives with her husband and cat "Tom" and enjoys gardening and spending time with her grandson.
RENEE BLANCHARD, ESTATE PARALEGAL & COMMISSIONER OF OATHSRenee joined the firm in March 2024, as the Wills and Estate Paralegal and Commissioner of Oaths.
Born and raised on PEI, and after raising her son, she went to college as a mature student and earned a 2-year diploma in Legal Assistant, in 10 months. After working as the assistant to the CFO at the largest regional law firm on PEI, she moved to Annapolis Valley in November 2021, as a Property Paralegal. She is very excited to become a part of the firm and to work in an office that understands the value of community and hard work.
Favorite things to do are: travelling with her wife Lynn to Panama, gardening, playing guitar, spending time with family and friends.