Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada
Ranked Individuals
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
Provided by Chambers
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.
Provided by Chambers
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.
Provided by Chambers
Aird & Berlis brings an invaluable combination of strategic thinking and guidance, legal counsel and capacity support. They have always consistently been available and prioritise our work.
We are pleased with the Indigenous representation Aird & Berlis has and that it is a priority of theirs to hire Indigenous peoples.
Aird & Berlis have the breadth and depth of knowledge of many different practice areas, so they help us in all sorts. They spin plates and keep them in the air.
Aird & Berlis have a group with specific expertise on Métis rights and a wealth of experience in servicing a wide range of legal needs for their Métis government clients.
Provided by Chambers
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.
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.
Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples
Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples
Provided by Aird & Berlis LLP
Scott Smith
View profile of Scott Smith
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