Aboriginal Law

Robin has a broad civil litigation practice with a focus on public law including environmental, aboriginal, constitutional, human rights, employment, and administrative law. Robin has appeared at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, the BC and Federal Courts of Appeal, the BC Supreme Court, the BC Provincial Court, and before administrative tribunals and arbitrators. She is a 2001 graduate of the Faculty of Law, University of British Columbia, and was called to the Bar of the Law Society of British Columbia in 2003 after clerking for the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Robin has a passion for issues of equality and social justice, and is the Past-Chair of the CBABC’s Women Lawyers Forum – Vancouver Island, Chair of the CBABC’s Court Services Committee, former chair of the Capital Families Association, and an associate of the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre. She supports public legal education by speaking to law students, community groups, professional associations, and high school students about important legal issues.

Berry works with Indigenous governments, organizations, and businesses to develop the legal and administrative tools to support effective governance and successful economic development. Her practice is very diverse and covers many areas from an Indigenous perspective - always with the goal of achieving meaningful self-governance and self-determination for her clients. Among other things, Berry drafts laws and policies in all areas of governance, whether under the Indian Act, the First Nations Land Management Act, Self-governing agreements or other federal statutes (such as education, child and family services). Berry also advises on governance best practices, employment law (generally employer side), housing, lands management (on and off-reserve) and on-reserve wills and estates. This is a unique and constantly changing area of law and no two days are the same. Berry can appreciate that many practitioners may not regularly have to deal with the complex jurisdictional questions that can arise when advising in this area. She looks forward to providing support for those whose practices occasionally intersect with hers but is also keen to provide support and guidance to lawyers who are interested in adding Aboriginal law to their regular practice.

Leah has almost exclusively worked for Indigenous clients since being called to the bar in 2007. She has advised clients on jurisdiction, membership, elections, human resources, and on governance structures and policies that meet clients’ goals of self-determination and Nation building that reflect each Nation’s unique culture and laws. She has worked extensively with legislation affecting Indigenous peoples including the Indian Act, the Canada Labour Code and Federal First Nations Land Management Act. Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Leah is a Member of the Toquaht Nation.

Declan is a general civil litigator with a broad practice in the areas of corporate and commercial litigation, construction litigation, estate litigation, aboriginal law, professional negligence, administrative law and regulatory matters. He is excited to be a Practice Coach!

Allison practices aboriginal and business law with a focus on economic development and the negotiation and settlement of Specific Claims, including community ratification, settlement trust development and land acquisition. Her litigation experience includes advising clients in all levels of Court in British Columbia, before various regulatory boards and in the Federal Courts and Supreme Court of Canada. Allison's focus is on developing comprehensive strategies for advising First Nations’ governments and related businesses, which often includes working with a diverse team of specialists from accountants and investment advisers to land use planners and environmental professionals.