Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006 
Robert Janes is a civil litigator at JFK Law LLP in Toronto, Ontario, with a practice focused on Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, constitutional law, public law, commercial litigation and regulatory matters.
For more than two decades, Robert has advised and represented First Nations, Indigenous organizations, Aboriginal individuals and other clients dealing with complex legal issues. He works with clients to identify practical solutions while preparing carefully to advance their interests through litigation when necessary.
Robert’s practice includes Aboriginal title and rights, consultation and accommodation, treaty and land-related matters, environmental law, regulatory approvals, and the interpretation and application of the Indian Act to First Nations and individuals. He also assists clients with constitutional and public law disputes, commercial litigation, and criminal and regulatory proceedings.
Robert has appeared before courts across Canada, including in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta and Yukon, as well as the Federal Courts. He has represented appellants and interveners before the Supreme Court of Canada. His litigation experience includes matters involving British Columbia’s land title system, solitary confinement in Canada’s correctional system, environmental assessments, natural resource projects and regulatory decision-making.
In addition to courtroom advocacy, Robert advises clients involved in negotiations, treaty processes and regulatory proceedings. He has assisted clients participating in the British Columbia Treaty Process and in significant environmental assessment and approval processes, including those involving liquefied natural gas and oil sands projects. Robert works with clients to assess their options, develop negotiation strategies and prepare for litigation where appropriate.
Originally from Newfoundland, Robert studied at Pearson College before completing his law degree at the University of Toronto in 1991. He was called to the Ontario bar in 1992 and practised litigation with a national law firm before moving to British Columbia in 1998. In 2009, he was part of the founding group of JFK Law Corporation. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Pearson College and on the boards of the Victoria Philharmonic Choir and the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre. Robert is an active member of the Canadian Bar Association and speaks frequently on Aboriginal law, Indigenous legal issues and related subjects.
