The Honourable Justice Michael J. Wood was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in 2011, after almost 30 years of practicing law in Halifax. Since that time, he has been active in the administration of the court through involvement in many committees, including those related to civil procedure rules, court clerkship, and insolvency.

Chief Justice Wood has taken on a leadership role in initiatives to help newly appointed judges successfully transition into their new roles. He has provided mentorship to judges in Nova Scotia and is participating in the task force of the National Judicial Institute, which is developing resources to help train new judges across the country. Chief Justice Wood also participated in a mentorship program developed in Nova Scotia for lawyers who are visible minorities and want to become judges.

Chief Justice Wood is also active in legal education, including as a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice. He has lectured for many years at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

Prior to his appointment, Chief Justice Wood practiced law with Burchells LLP in the areas of civil litigation and administrative law. He was an active member in the Nova Scotia Barristers Society, particularly in relation to professional responsibility and competency.

Chief Justice Wood was born in Portsmouth, England, while his father was on exchange with the Royal Navy. He studied chemistry at Acadia University and has a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University. He and his wife, Heather, live in Dartmouth. They have two children and a granddaughter.