Halifax law firm donates $40,000 to CMHA NS in support of anti-stigma initiatives

Halifax-based litigation lawyer and founding partner of Valent Legal Injury Lawyers, Mike Dull and his colleagues present Karn Nichols, Executive Director, CMHA NS Division with a donation on behalf of Valent Legal Injury Lawyers on December 3 in Halifax. From left, Lauren Vogel, Lauren Head, Samantha McDonald, Mike Dull, Karn Nichols, Michelle Green, Amy Calder and Bianca Voicu.
(Photo:Erin Christie)

“I have seen individuals treated as dangerous, as different, as if they’re somehow less than other people [because they live with a mental illness]. The stigma is not fair, nor is it true, and it hurts.”

Each year, one in four Nova Scotians experience a mental health problem or illness. But despite how common it is, mental illness continues to be met with widespread stigma: in workplaces, hospitals, schools; and especially within the justice system.

Halifax-based litigation lawyer and founding partner of Valent Legal Injury Lawyers, Mike Dull, says structural stigma and discrimination play a significant role in the way clients are perceived within the justice system.

“The legal process can be very overwhelming and intimidating as it is. It’s even more complicated to navigate for someone who is struggling with their mental health.” says Dull. “I have seen individuals treated as dangerous, as different, as if they’re somehow less than other people [because they live with a mental illness]. The stigma is not fair, nor is it true, and it hurts.”

Dull believes that respect and dignity is a basic human right for all people, including those living with a mental illness. That’s why he chose The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division [CMHA NS] as the recipient of a recent charitable donation of $40,000 on behalf of Valent Legal Injury Lawyers.

The donation will support and enhance programming and awareness initiatives that challenge the stigma that surrounds mental illness, including CMHA’s Mental Health Week in May and Ride Don’t Hide in June.  Dull and his team presented their donation to CMHA NS Executive Director Karn Nichols at Valent’s Brunswick Street office on December 3.

“CMHA NS has done some fantastic work in our community. I hope this donation will bolster their efforts to promote awareness and end stigma once and for all.”

Nichols said Valent’s generous donation will be put to good use.

“Our work is all about empowering people to get loud about mental health and  normalize those conversations because we know that silence prevents those who suffer from seeking help,” Nichols said. “This donation will go a long away to helping us amplify that message through our programming and education and we are so grateful to Mike and the whole Valent team.”

About Valent Legal Injury Lawyers: Valent Legal Injury Lawyers provides passionate, top-quality representation with a compassionate approach. Their lawyers are accessible and relate to clients on a personal level and do not treat them as mere numbers, making us accessible. Their team shields clients from the stress and anxiety of dealing with insurance companies and the courts; taking the time to understand each person’s unique needs and challenges. Using their experience and expertise, they fight to deliver the best results possible.

About Mike Dull: Mike is the founding partner of Valent Legal. His entire career has been dedicated to representing victims of serious injuries, sexual abuse, medical negligence, and corporate and pharmaceutical wrongs. Over the past decade, he has built a reputation as a tireless victim advocate and a strong promoter of access to justice. In 2015, he was named as a finalist for Public Justice’s North American Trial Lawyer of the Year. From 2017-2022, Mike has consistently been included in the Lexpert Directory as a leading lawyer in Canada in his area of practice. Learn more about Mike.

About CMHA NS Division: Founded in 1908, CMHA NS is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in 36 communities across the province, CMHA NS provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Nova Scotians to flourish and thrive. Our mission is to ensure that all people in Nova Scotia experience good mental health and well-being.