Tara Miller

Tara, the linchpin of MDW Law and the embodiment of the "M" in its name, embarked on her legal journey in Nova Scotia after migrating from the frosty landscapes of Labrador. Her initial steps in civil litigation were taken at a prominent law firm in the Atlantic region, where she sharpened her skills in the heat of legal battles. This foundation led her to a specialized role in insurance defense litigation with a national insurance company, where she further refined her expertise.

In May 2015, Tara's path led her to MDW Law as a partner, where she now steers the firm's personal injury and insurance litigation practice group. Her journey through the legal realm has been marked by notable accolades, including the esteemed King’s Counsel designation in 2019 and the honor of being named “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation in Nova Scotia in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada™. This recognition is a testament to her consistent excellence in the field, as evidenced by her three consecutive years of acknowledgment by Best Lawyers in Canada™ for her work in Personal Injury Litigation and Insurance Law.

The impetus for Tara's deep dive into personal injury law was personal – a significant accident involving a family member. This experience gave her a profound understanding of the emotional and psychological impact of such events on individuals and their families. Tara champions alternative dispute resolution and mediation as vital tools for achieving early settlements, firmly believing that the best outcomes for most clients are realized outside the contentious arena of the court.

This conviction in the power of mediation inspired Tara to initiate MDW Law’s civil litigation mediation practice. Her expertise in negotiation and mediation, honed through her participation in Harvard Law School’s “Mediating Disputes” program and her involvement in over 150 mediations, equips her to effectively utilize mediation as a means to expedite justice and aid clients in moving beyond their legal struggles.

Tara’s legal acumen extends beyond personal injury and insurance litigation. She has represented Personal Representatives in the Desmond Fatality Inquiry under the Fatality Investigations Act from 2020 to 2022 and has acted for family members of victims in the Mass Casualty Commission from 2021 to 2022. These roles underscore her capacity to handle complex and sensitive legal matters with professionalism and empathy.

Away from the legal arena, Tara is deeply invested in her community. Her roles include serving as a Board member of the NSLC and a committed provincial Board member of Special Olympics Nova Scotia, where she has twice held the position of Chair. Her political engagement is evident in her three-year tenure as Party President for the NS Progressive Conservative Party. Within the legal community, she co-chairs the CBA Nova Scotia ADR section, further demonstrating her commitment to the field.

Tara’s life is a blend of professional dedication and personal fulfillment. As a mother to two young adults and a spirited dog, she relishes the time spent with her family, whether in Ontario, Quebec, or their home in Nova Scotia. Her leisure time is a mosaic of yoga, weight training, culinary adventures with a glass of wine, and moments of tranquility at her family's cottage on the North Shore. This balance of a demanding career and a vibrant personal life exemplifies Tara's multifaceted persona as a lawyer, community leader, and devoted family member.