Family Lawyer, Real Estate, Wills and Estate Katie Brady Hillary Brannen Jennifer Reid Fall River
About Merida Law
We are a small, general service law firm based in Fall River and serving the surrounding communities. Our Services include Family Law, Mediation, Real Estate, and Wills and Estates. We like to say that we practice “small town law”— meaning we try to provide the services that are needed to keep a small town going.
Meet The Team
Katie Brady
After graduating from Dalhousie Law School in 2019, Katie had an opportunity to work with UN Women in Belgrade, Serbia through the Canadian Bar Association's Young Lawyer International Program. Katie then began her Canadian legal career in Nova Scotia, practicing in the areas of real estate transactions, wills and estates and family law until founding Merida Law with Jennifer and Hillary in 2022. Having started her first business at 12, Katie brings with her an array of experience including her essential role in the development of her family’s direct marketing farm business and the operation of a café between undergrad and law school. Her experiences have given her an insightful perception which allows her to recognize and prioritize the interests of her clients. With ongoing training in the areas of mediation, collaborative family law and corporate and small business services, Katie continues to expand her skills. Katie values the agency and dignity of others and strives to help her clients through their legal issues considerately and efficiently. In her spare time Katie enjoys quilting, playing board games, and being the cool Aunt to her niece and nephews.
Hillary Brannen
Hillary was born and raised in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. She graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 2015 and has worked in private practice, expanding her knowledge primarily in the areas of family law, real estate transactions, wills and estates and probate until founding Merida Law with Katie and Jennifer in 2022. With her strong community values and compassionate communication, Hillary helps her clients achieve realistic and efficient resolutions while avoiding further harm in an already stressful time of their lives. Hillary knows that everyone’s circumstances are unique, and she listens to her clients so she can provide the service that is right for them. When she isn’t working, Hillary enjoys her time with family and friends, day trips around Nova Scotia and hanging out with her cats.
Why choose us?
We are here to help and support you through the various transitions that you face in your life. We take a compassionate and personalized approach in applying our legal knowledge to your particular circumstances.
We meet you where you are.
We listen to your priorities and goals and we help you to navigate the intricacies of the legal system in order to lead you to an effective resolution.
We are solution-oriented and creative problem solvers.
We do not think that one way works for everyone. That is why we offer a variety of approaches to address your legal issue, so that the resolution we find together can be as customized and cost-effective as possible.
We work hard to meet the needs of our community, no matter what stage you are in your life.
Give us a call to find out how we can help you.
Jennifer K. Reid
After graduating from Dalhousie Law School in 2011, Jennifer completed her articles in Northern Manitoba with Legal Aid, serving remote indigenous communities. She returned to Nova Scotia in 2012, expanding on her family law practice until founding Merida Law with Hillary and Katie in 2022. Jennifer strives to help her clients navigate through a difficult time in their lives with empathy and efficiency. Having appeared at all levels of court in Nova Scotia, she is an experienced and effective advocate, while recognizing the financial and emotional toll court can take. Jennifer has trained in Collaborative Family Law and Mediation which allows her to offer her clients a supportive and interest-based alternative to court. Passionate about access to justice, Jennifer helps guide her clients through the process that is right for them. Jennifer is also dedicated to serving the wider community through her role on a number of boards and committees. She is currently a Director on the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, and a member of the Supreme Court Family Division Liaison Committee. When she’s not at the office Jennifer can be found running around with her 3 boys, whale watching, or curled up with a coffee and a good book.