About

Fenessa joined MDW as an Associate in 2023 and primarily practices in the area of family law.

As a Nova Scotian native, Fenessa was raised in the North-end of Halifax and is a descendant of the historic Black community of Upper Hammonds Plains. Fenessa earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dalhousie University, and her Juris Doctor from the Schulich School of Law, at Dalhousie University, as a proud alumna of the Indigenous Blacks and Mi’kmaq Initiative (IB&M).  Fenessa graduated as a recipient of the Judge Corrine Sparks Award in Law for her leadership, community service and commitment to using her legal education as a tool to influence change.

After completing her articles with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Fenessa was called to the Bar in June 2020 and continued as a staff lawyer practicing criminal and family law in the early stages of her career prior to joining MDW.

Fenessa enjoys building a positive rapport with her clients while helping them navigate their family law matter.  While she believes all clients deserve a zealous advocate to push for their best outcome, she trusts in collaborative family law practices that bring resolution through settlement-oriented methods wherever possible.  Fenessa approaches every issue with empathy and strives to find practical and creative solutions for her clients in the most cost-effective manner.

Throughout her education and career, Fenessa has always been committed to giving back to her community and believes in the importance of lifting as she climbs.  With a passion for youth and mentorship, her contributions extend to various organizations including: the Black Educators Association, the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada, the Dalhousie Black Law Students Association, Pro Bono Students Canada, the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition (ANSDPAD), the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute, the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) and the Canadian Bar Association.  Fenessa currently sits on the executive board of CABL-NS as Community Liaison and is a member of the IB&M Advisory Council.

Outside of the office, Fenessa enjoys chasing sunsets, binging reality television, travelling locally and spending time with her loved ones.

Education

Juris Doctor
Schulich School of Law – Dalhousie University, 2019

Bachelor of Arts
Dalhousie University, 2015

Bar Admissions

Nova Scotia, 2020