OUR PEOPLE
JOHN HILLMAN
LAWYER
BIO
John is the "Hillman" in Hillman Law. He opened the firm after a number of recent retirements left the Bridgetown area without a local lawyer. As he and his wife were already absolutely in love with the region, they decided the time was right to pack their bags and start a new life on the banks of the Annapolis River.
While in law school, John worked as both a research librarian at the Sir James Dunn Law Library and a teaching assistant for the first-year legal research and writing class, so he has experience tracking down answers to some of the most esoteric legal questions posed by students, professors, lawyers, judges, and members of the public. He loves a good research challenge, so no matter how unusual you think your legal question might be, John would love to hear from you!
Prior to opening Hillman Law, John articled with Kimball Law in Wolfville and worked for Dartmouth's Boyneclarke LLP. When not practicing law, John loves writing, hiking, and researching local history.
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor, Dalhousie University, 2016
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Dalhousie University, 2007
Karen Cross
PARALEGAL CONTRACTOR
BIO
Karen is an experienced paralegal with a strong background in the wide range of legal matters that come up in a small town practice.
Those who have accessed legal services in Bridgetown in the past may remember her as the former assistant to recently retired lawyer David Cottenden, QC.
In her free time, Karen is a passionate and accomplished musician. You may have heard her performing at a variety of Valley venues and festivals, including the Cherry Carnival in Bear River, Scallop Days in Digby, the Blackfly Music Festival, and the Annapolis Royal Legion, among many others.
SHANNON BRIDGER
LEGAL ASSISTANT
BIO
Shannon is the first person most people meet when they visit Hillman Law. Shannon handles the phones, books appointments, conducts intake interviews, and is the smiling face that greets you every time you walk through the door.
When not holding down her post on the front desk, Shannon loves reading, trying new flavours of tea, and unreservedly spoiling her mischievous "plus-sized" cat Sam.
