Best Lawyers in Canada for Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice

Zach advises clients across Canada on a broad range of Indigenous and project development matters. Clients rely on Zach to provide timely and practical advice on the Aboriginal law aspects of major projects, existing facilities and M&A transactions. Zach has assisted regulated utilities, resource companies, project developers (Indigenous and non-Indigenous), lenders, investors and contractors with consultation and accommodation obligations, FPIC, environmental approvals, treaty issues, on...

Andrew practices in the areas of constitutional law, appeals, administrative law, labour and employment law, and pension litigation. He clerked for Madam Justice (now Chief Justice) Beverley McLachlin of the Supreme Court of Canada in 1989-90. Prior to joining Paliare Roland, he worked at a national law firm, and taught law at Ottawa University and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He has appeared in more than 20 cases before the Supreme Court of Canada, and regularly appears before ...

Nick Kennedy is Partner at OKT with a broad litigation and advisory practice. In addition to his Indigenous law work, which includes matters related to the interpretation of modern treaties and the Duty to Consult, Nick has experience in constitutional (especially the division of powers), administrative, anti-money laundering, contract, construction, energy and freedom of information law matters. Nick has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, the Quebec Court of Appeal, the Supreme ...

Caroline Briand is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice. Caroline, who practices law in Montréal, Quebec, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Caroline is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian Hebert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Environmental Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Brian, who practices law in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bryce Edwards is a partner at OKT. He provides legal and strategic advice on lands and resource matters, on-reserve infrastructure, government to government negotiations, mining, energy, and land use planning. He is class counsel on national class actions regarding infrastructure on reserve, and does work addressing the intersection of Indigenous legal orders and the Canadian regulatory state. Bryce graduated from the University of Toronto, where he was the co-founder and first Editor-in-Chie...

John Doolan is a business lawyer, with a wide variety of experience in Aboriginal law and commercial real estate law. His experience includes advising on major projects and financings, infrastructure development, structuring transactions, acquisitions and dispositions, partnerships and joint ventures, real estate development and leasing. He is included in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, a guide to the leading law firms and practitioners in Canada, as a leading lawyer in the areas of abo...

Justine Mageau is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Administrative and Public Law, Construction Law and Labour and Employment Law. Justine, who practices law in Edmonton, Alberta, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Justine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Marc-Alexandre Hudon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice and Corporate and Commercial Litigation. Marc-Alexandre, who practices law in Montréal, Quebec, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marc-Alexandre is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brenden Hunter practices energy regulatory, Indigenous and environmental law. Frequently appearing before regulatory tribunals, Brenden has extensive project experience, providing representation and assistance to clients in developing and defending applications. Brenden also advises on and assists regulated utilities with their rate related applications, both generic and utility specific. Brenden’s project experience includes acting for and advising clients regarding: electrical (high v...

Nader R. Hasan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Administrative and Public Law, Appellate Practice, Criminal Defence and Privacy and Data Security Law. Nader R., who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nader R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Karin has done extensive legal work on behalf of First Nations in relation to treaty rights, consultation, environmental protection, and negotiating impact benefit agreements. She also practices in the area of environmental law, representing landowners, NGOs and companies, and served as the President of the Environmental Law Centre. As a trial lawyer, Karin has successfully represented clients in litigation in relation to the defence of malpractice claims, the protection of land and environme...

Roger Townshend, a founding partner of OKT, is now a senior counsel to the firm. He practices Aboriginal , Constitutional, human rights , and administrative law, with particular stress on land claims litigation. He has a B.Sc (Hons.) in Mathematics. He has appeared in Court and advised on numerous cases relating to Aboriginal law claims including claims related to Aboriginal title and other Aboriginal rights and treaty rights, and duty to consult and accommodate cases. His court work has also...

Cathy serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a partner at OKT. Her practice is focused on advancing Aboriginal and treaty rights through litigation and negotiation. Cathy has represented clients in applications and actions in Ontario and Manitoba, as well as in federal court and at the Supreme Court of Canada. She has also represented Indigenous clients in proceedings and tribunals regarding election processes, labour and employment, and environmental assessment. Cathy provides negotiation...

John Hurley is a partner in the firm’s Montréal office and leader of the Aboriginal Law Group. He has more than 30 years experience in commercial law, with special emphasis on First Nations, energy and infrastructure, environmental law, regulatory matters and international development. John has long worked with Aboriginal peoples in Québec, especially the Crees and the Inuit, on a wide variety of matters, including government relations, energy and natural resources, enviro...

Robert Janes practices civil litigation, focusing on constitutional, aboriginal and commercial litigation Robert Janes has been a litigator for over twenty years and has extensive experience in assisting First Nations, Aboriginal people and others with difficult problems needing sound strategic and legal advice. Robert’s approach is to find practical solutions where possible, while preparing to vigorously advance his client’s interests in court where necessary. Robert’s focu...