A former chief Crown attorney in Nova Scotia has initiated legal action against the provincial government and the Public Prosecution Service, claiming she was subjected to bullying, unjust sidelining, and ultimately pushed out of her leadership position. The lawsuit, filed in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia by Kathryn Pentz, a legal practitioner with over 40 years of experience and a Crown attorney since 1993, alleges mistreatment by the director of the Public Prosecution Service, Rick Woodburn. Pentz asserts that Woodburn bullied and undermined her, leading to her placement on administrative leave without explanation and subsequent demotion from her role as chief Crown overseeing all prosecutors in Cape Breton.
According to Pentz’s lawyer, Gavin Giles, the demotion qualifies as “constructive dismissal,” a legal term denoting significant changes made by an employer to an employee’s position. The claim also includes allegations that Pentz was falsely accused of breach of trust and fraud related to the approval of invoices from an independent attorney hired by the Public Prosecution Service.
Pentz further contends that the actions of Woodburn and another senior leader tarnished her reputation, resulted in substantial financial setbacks, and caused severe mental health issues, including heightened anxiety and depression. While none of the allegations have been substantiated in court and no statement of defense has been filed yet, a representative for the Public Prosecution Service declined to comment on the matter, citing Woodburn’s absence from the office, and a spokesperson for the provincial Department of Justice stated it would be inappropriate to comment during ongoing legal proceedings.
The claim outlines Pentz’s professional trajectory, noting her promotion to chief Crown for Cape Breton in 2015 after serving as a senior Crown counsel since 2005. The lawsuit highlights a series of events, including Woodburn’s appointment as acting director of the Public Prosecution Service in November 2023 and subsequent promotion to director in February 2026. It describes a meeting where Woodburn allegedly displayed rude and aggressive behavior towards Pentz, questioning her capabilities as a manager. Following this encounter, Pentz was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into her performance and working relationship.
In June 2025, Pentz was informed of her demotion during a meeting with Woodburn and another official, where she was downgraded from chief Crown attorney to Crown attorney. The demotion, as described by Giles, forced Pentz into early retirement and had a profound impact on her well-being. The lawsuit seeks damages for lost income and benefits, as well as punitive damages related to the treatment Pentz endured.
Jennifer MacLellan, a former acting deputy director of the prosecution service who became a provincial court judge, declined to comment on the lawsuit through a judiciary spokesperson. The legal action is ongoing, and the defendants have not yet responded to the claims made by Pentz and her legal counsel.