About

Provided by Aird & Berlis LLP

Our Team is comprised of Indigenous and non-Indigenous lawyers who have a deep understanding as well as extensive experience and expertise in advising on both Aboriginal and Indigenous law.

Our Team brings together negotiators, litigators, business, tax, real estate and intellectual property law experts who have decades of experience to develop and deliver on strategic, comprehensive, efficient and durable solutions for our non-Indigenous and Indigenous clients. This enables us to advise on, leverage and further develop Aboriginal law as well as Indigenous law to meet our clients’ diverse needs and ambitions.

For decades, our lawyers have acted as trusted advisors, including as general counsel, to Indigenous nations, governments, entrepreneurs and businesses across Canada and internationally. They have negotiated modern day treaties and other precedent-setting Indigenous rights recognition agreements, including equity participation, co-management, revenue resource sharing and self-government arrangements. They regularly appear in Indigenous rights litigation before the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. This work has resulted in our lawyers being recognized as leading practitioners in Aboriginal law by their peers.

Learn more about our firm's Indigenous Practice Group here: https://www.airdberlis.com/what-we-do/expertise/service/indigenous

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples - Nationwide - Canada

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Aird & Berlis offers significant expertise in assisting Indigenous clients with a wide variety of matters, including litigation, treaty negotiations and environmental agreements. Its lawyers offer further expertise in transactions, consultation and economic development matters involving Aboriginal groups. The firm enjoys a notable profile in Vancouver and Toronto.

Work Highlights

  • Aird & Berlis acted as legal counsel and provides negotiation advice to the MST Nations on all aspects of their work under the MST Protocol Agreement.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Jason Madden
1
Jason Madden
1
Band 1

Jason Madden operates an Indigenous law practice which encompasses litigation, treaty negotiation and consultation. He has a notable emphasis on representing Métis communities. Based in Aird & Berlis' Toronto office, he serves as co-leader of the firm's Indigenous group and has a practice which sees him act across Canada.

He has a long-term vision for how to deliver value to his clients over the coming years and decades.

Robert Freedman
2
Robert Freedman
2
Band 2

Robert Freedman is a Vancouver-based lawyer with a wealth of experience in Aboriginal law, including the negotiation of treaties and environmental agreements. He frequently advises clients from the energy and natural resources sectors through First Nation consultation processes.

He is an outstanding lawyer and certainly is one of the best negotiators.

Bob knows us and he takes the time to get to know us. He just does everything and is the first person I call. He has a passion and an understanding of what we fight for.

Scott Smith
2
Scott Smith
2
Band 2

Scott Smith has accrued a strong reputation for representing First Nations in disputes with provincial government. He is a Vancouver-based lawyer who also assists Indigenous clients with mergers and acquisitions as well as drafting legislation.

Scott has a keen legal mind and possesses high emotional intelligence. Scott has taken the time to learn about First Nation's culture to better understand the true spirit of our laws.

Scott is a rising star.

Scott is an exceptional strategic thinker, who takes innovative and creative approaches to achieve long-term solutions.

Ranked Lawyers at
Aird & Berlis LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Nationwide - Canada

Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples

Jason Madden
1
Jason Madden
1
Band 1
Robert Freedman
2
Robert Freedman
2
Band 2
Scott Smith
2
Scott Smith
2
Band 2

Members

Provided by Aird & Berlis LLP