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IRIS LEGAL

Environmental, Natural Resources & Indigenous Law

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.

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WHAT WE DO

We provide litigation, regulatory and risk-management advice in environmental, natural resources and Indigenous law.

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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 trustworthy, experienced, creative and hard-working.

We are flexibly structured to work on files of every size,
at effective rates. 

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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.

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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.

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Paralegal

Sarah brings skilled paralegal and administrative support to Iris Legal.  Like our lawyers, Sarah trained at a national law firm prior to joining Iris Legal.  She is focused on quality and efficient client service and  brings a high level of competency to her work. 
 

Sarah has extensive document management and organizational experience.  Her strong work ethic is a tremendous asset to our firm and our clients.    

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Associate Counsel

Holman is a valued team member, with over 15 years of litigation and regulatory experience, including in the areas of environmental, Indigenous, municipal, and corporate commercial law.  

At Iris, we have long-standing relationships with experienced lawyers like Holman who provide cost-effective support on more complex files. 

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Associate Counsel

Michael is an experienced criminal practitioner, with 15 years of experience.  He has appeared at all levels of court in Canada. His expertise in this area is invaluable to clients who may be facing regulatory prosecutions.
 

Michael adds depth to Iris Legal's roster of knowledgeable counsel and rounds out the firm's expertise.

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SELECT CASES

We carefully guard our clients' confidentiality.  The cases listed below are public. 

Deer in the Woods

$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.

Stoney River

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.

Gas Plant

Successfully defended major permit amendment under Environmental Management Act before Environmental Appeal Board:
Toews et al. v. Director, EMA2013-EMA-007, 2013-EMA-010.

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GET IN TOUCH

2100 - 1055 West Georgia St.
Vancouver, BC  V6E 3P3

P. 604-398-4477
F.  604-398-3422

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