Jillian Toonders has had an unusual career trajectory which allowed her to ascend through the legal profession. She first attended Trent University followed by Algonquin College before starting her career as a legal assistant at a small, specialized firm. She then moved into a paralegal role with the federal government where she earned awards for her contributions to projects of national importance.
Jillian decided to further challenge herself by starting law school at the height of the pandemic. She attended law school at the University of New Brunswick, graduating on the Dean’s List with a Juris Doctor in the spring of 2023. While at UNB, Jillian was awarded the Blake, Cassels & Graydon Scholarship for academic achievement and the J. Gordon Petrie, Q.C. Prize in Labour & Employment for overall excellence in labour and employment law.
She joined Burchell MacDougall LLP’s Truro office as an articled clerk, and, with her acceptance to the bar in 2024, became an associate lawyer with the firm. Jillian sought out Burchell MacDougall because of the strong reputation of the firm and their commitment to the community.
“I wanted to join a firm where there was a good mix of experienced lawyers to learn from and where I could really connect with clients and their needs. Burchell MacDougall was the perfect fit.”.
Jillian had the good fortune to marry a Maritimer and moved home to Nova Scotia in 2019. As someone who grew up on a farm in rural Ontario, Jillian wanted to find a small-town community with rural benefits she could call home. She has found Truro to be an extremely welcoming place and hopes to spend the rest of her life here.
Outside of work, Jillian is a board member with the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre and the Truro Pride Society. In her spare time, she enjoys doing embroidery, watching “bad” movies, and hiking.
Professional Qualifications & Education
Nova Scotia Bar Admission (2024)
Juris Doctor - University of New Brunswick (2023)
Law Clerk Diploma - Algonquin College (2012)
Bachelor of Arts - Trent University (2011)
Professional Associations & Membership in Community Organizations
Member, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Board
Member, Truro Pride Society
Board Member, Colchester Sexual Assault Centre
