Marian Mancini has been sworn in as the New Democrat MLA for Dartmouth South at a ceremony held Thursday morning at the Nova Scotia Legislature.

In addition to her duties as MLA, Mancini is also the critic for community services and justice.

"I'm looking forward to bringing their voices and their issues to the floor of the legislature this fall," Mancini said in a statement released Thursday.

"I'm excited to use the knowledge I gained working as a legal-aid lawyer to help people who are struggling with the Liberals' freeze on income assistance and dealing with the provincial maintenance enforcement program."

Mancini was elected after a byelection on July 14, in which she won the race with 88 votes ahead of her closest competitor, Liberal candidate Tim Rissesco.

Mancini's critic duties will also extend to the new Film & Television Production Incentive Fund.