FOCUSED. CREATIVE. EFFECTIVE.
Led by experienced and nationally recognized counsel, Iris Legal is an award-winning firm that provides legal services in three specialized areas: environmental, natural resources and Indigenous law. We are committed to providing tailored, effective and innovative legal advice.
We think you'll like working with us.
WHAT WE DO
We provide litigation, regulatory and risk-management advice in environmental, natural resources and Indigenous law.
Environmental and natural resources law are highly specialized areas. We have been advising in these fields for more than 15 years, dealing with such matters as contaminated sites, water and fisheries law, air emissions, environmental assessments, and waste management. We regularly assist clients navigating the regulatory process, and in litigating major project approvals or allegations of environmental harm.
We advise in such areas as the duty to consult, Aboriginal rights and title, Indian band governance and Indian reserve issues. We have acted as counsel in litigation over major projects, as well as governance disputes and specific claims to Indian reserve land. We also work collaboratively on reconciliation objectives. Our strength comes from the breadth of our experience advising Indigenous governments and industry.
Our lawyers have acted for the successful party in major cases in the areas of contaminated sites, pipeline development, and air emissions regulation. We also have advised in major environmental assessment projects. We represent clients before all levels of court in BC, including the BC and Federal Court of Appeal, and before the Environmental Appeal Board and Forest Appeals Commission. We always look for the most cost-effective way to resolve disputes.
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OUR TEAM
Our professionals are nationally recognized for their expertise in environmental and Aboriginal law.
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Founding Lawyer
Nationally recognized in the fields of environmental and Indigenous law, Jana has 20+ years of litigation and regulatory experience. Jana advises in all areas of environmental law. She also has a wealth of experience in Indigenous law, including in the areas of rights and title, the duty to consult and land management decisions.
Jana has been counsel in precedent-setting cases in such areas as contaminated sites, fisheries law and the duty to consult.
Associate Lawyer
Sebastian has extensive experience in the areas of public law, constitutional law, Indigenous law, civil litigation, and criminal defence. His work has included litigating complex constitutional challenges, negotiating Aboriginal rights claims and advising various administrative bodies.
Sebastian is a valued team member at Iris Legal. He is quick to simplify complex areas of law and provide straightforward advice to clients.
"Most Outstanding Environmental Law Firm - Canada"
SELECT CASES
We carefully guard our clients' confidentiality. The cases listed below are public.
$4.75M recovered for remediation of a contaminated site, before BC Supreme Court and BC Court of Appeal:
J.I. Properties Inc. v. PPG Architectural Coatings Canada Ltd., 2014 BCSC 1619, aff'd 2015 BCCA 472.
Successfully represented 9 Stó:lo Nation communities challenging Trans Mountain pipeline expansion before Federal Court of Appeal:
Tsleil-Waututh Nation v. Canada (AG), 2018 FCA 152.
Successfully defended major permit amendment under Environmental Management Act before Environmental Appeal Board:
Toews et al. v. Director, EMA, 2013-EMA-007, 2013-EMA-010.
GET IN TOUCH
2100 - 1055 West Georgia St.
Vancouver, BC V6E 3P3
P. 604-398-4477
F. 604-398-3422