Band 3
Provided by Karey Brooks KC
Karey Brooks KC is a Vancouver-based trial lawyer with JFK Law LLP, recognized nationally for her expertise in Aboriginal law and public interest litigation. She represents First Nations in landmark Aboriginal rights and title cases, treaty infringement claims, and regulatory hearings, and has appeared as lead counsel at the Supreme Court of Canada. A King’s Counsel and Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, she is also a frequent speaker on Indigenous rights, litigation strategy, and reconciliation.
Practice Focus Areas:
Aboriginal rights litigation
Duty to consult and accommodate
Regulatory hearings
Land use planning
Band governance
Charter rights
Commissions of inquiry
Karey is widely recognized for the major contributions she has made to aboriginal law and the legal profession generally. As lead litigation counsel, Karey is recognized as a fearless advocate who has advanced a number of unique claims in pursuit of a legal remedy to the complex issues her clients face, which recently include:
representing Kwikwetlem First Nation in its Aboriginal title claim in the context of multiple fee simple grants over the land, raising novel extinguishment issues; and Charter claims for failing to institute an Aboriginal land title registration system;
representing Snaw-Naw-As Nation for return of lands that are no longer being used for a railway purpose;
representing Beaver Lake Cree Nation in its Treaty Infringement claim from cumulative effects of development;
representing the Okanagan Indian Band in its Charter claim for safe drinking water on reserve;
representing a number of individuals review the decisions of Peters Nation Band Council denying them membership;
representing the DFN Glendale Band Council a leadership dispute
representing Mandy Lewis in her claim against WestJet for its failure to implement an anti-harassment program,
She has acted a co-counsel with Robert Janes, KC on a number of landmark Aboriginal cases from trial to the SCC including: Mikisew v Canada (consultation on legislation); Keewatin v. Ontario (division of powers); Behn v. Moulton Contracting (treaty rights as defence to tort). Karey has also appeared as lead counsel at the SCC for a number of interveners in: Keewatin v. Ontario; Daniels v. Canada; and TWU v. Law Society of BC. She also acted as Associate Commission Counsel in the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (2010-2012).
Kings Counsel
Law Society of British Columbia
Canadian Bar Association
Provincial Council on the CBABC
Board member on the BC Advocates Society
International Academy of Trial Lawyers
Provided by Chambers
Karey Brooks KC is based in JFK Law's Vancouver office and is particularly adept in representing First Nations. Her work often includes treaty infringement cases and negotiations relating to the construction and development of industrial projects.
Provided by Chambers
Karey is very well-regarded.
Karey provides excellent client service and has a deep understanding of Indigenous law. Her sophisticated approach leads to effective solutions.
Karey is a skilled litigator.
Karey is very well-regarded.
Karey provides excellent client service and has a deep understanding of Indigenous law. Her sophisticated approach leads to effective solutions.
Karey is a skilled litigator.