Aboriginal Law
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 869 5300Chambers Review
Cassels Brock & Blackwell is a well-established Canadian law firm with offices in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Its Aboriginal law group has a notable reputation for the representation of mining and energy industry clients, with its expertise extending to advising on impact and benefit agreements and business transactions, as well as related litigation. The practice is sought out by provincial governments and Indigenous bodies for its assistance with negotiations on various Aboriginal-related matters, including provincial regulations and treaties.
Work Highlights
- Cassels continued to advise Metro Vancouver on its engagement with First Nations, as well as regulatory and environmental matters, in relation to its multibillion-dollar Northwest Langley Wastewater Treatment Plant project.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Cassels is strong at creating a dedicated support team with consistency and effective delivery."
"They are very responsive and always provide a value-added service."
"The firm has expertise and is knowledgeable in a broad range of matters. It offers good knowledge of developments across Canada and experience on files in various provinces."
"They are able to provide widely recognised experts in many areas of Indigenous law, but also to provide excellent support in other related areas like commercial law and litigation."
"Cassels is very aware of regional standards and expectations."
"Cassels is strong at creating a dedicated support team with consistency and effective delivery."
"They are very responsive and always provide a value-added service."
"The firm has expertise and is knowledgeable in a broad range of matters. It offers good knowledge of developments across Canada and experience on files in various provinces."
"They are able to provide widely recognised experts in many areas of Indigenous law, but also to provide excellent support in other related areas like commercial law and litigation."
"Cassels is very aware of regional standards and expectations."
Notable Practitioners
Thomas Isaac is a highly esteemed litigator with considerable experience acting for governmental and corporate clients on contentious and constitutional matters, in addition to providing advice on a raft of regulatory matters. He chairs the firm's Aboriginal law group from its Vancouver office.
"Tom has a depth of knowledge and experience in a broad variety of matters that is precious in this complex and evolving area of law. He is very responsive."
"Thomas is respectful, strategic and no-nonsense. He is the driving force behind excellent service and is incredibly accessible and responsive."
"He is a top-shelf Aboriginal law counsel and exceeds expectations."
Sandra Gogal is a Toronto-based lawyer who is held in high regard for her work in the Aboriginal law space. Her practice includes advising on impact and benefit agreements, as well as other commercial agreements, in relation to the development of mining and hydroelectric projects.
"Sandra provides excellent service and is technically brilliant."
"She hasgreat experience in Ontario and across the country."
Jeremy Barretto is an adept lawyer based in Calgary. He demonstrates significant capabilities in acting for clients in the energy, oil and gas and mining sectors on their negotiations and agreements with Indigenous communities. He also has notable strength in advising clients on environmental assessments.
"Jeremy is a strong lawyer and provides exceptional customer service. He always delivers a quality product in the timelines required."
"He is very knowledgeable, practical, responsive and efficient."
Vancouver-based Arend Hoekstra demonstrates a prolific practice in advising clients on liaisons and negotiations with Indigenous communities relating to major infrastructure projects, as well as issues relating toimpact benefit agreements, permits and regulatory compliance. His clients include companies from the energy and mining sectors, as well as government entities.
"Arend is highly responsive and able to provide practical advice."
"Arend is very versatile and well-rounded in all areas of Indigenous law. He prioritises client service in all circumstances and always accommodates urgent requests."
"Arend provides exceptional knowledge and service. His familiarity with issues and current jurisprudence is very high."
Ranked Lawyers at
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Nationwide - Canada