Laura Edwards
Associate
They/Them/Theirs- ledwards@jfklaw.ca
- P 250-999-1395
- Legal Administrative Assistant Kristina Banfill 250-405-2531 kbanfill@jfklaw.ca
- 816-1175 Douglas Street, Victoria BC V8W 2E1
Laura was raised on the traditional territory of the Siksikaitsitapi, Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda, Cree, Saulteaux, and Metis territory in Red Deer, Alberta. They are grateful to live, work, and learn in lək̓ʷəŋən territory on the lands of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.
Laura holds a Juris Doctor specializing in Environmental Law and Sustainability from the University of Victoria. During law school, Laura completed a clinical intensive term with the Environmental Law Centre, and they were the president of OUTLaws and the Law Students’ Society.
Laura is committed to using their legal practice to support Indigenous communities to assert their inherent right to self governance, to protect and defend their Aboriginal and treaty rights, and to seek redress for historical wrongs. They are drawn to the practice of Aboriginal law because they believe that advancing Indigenous rights and supporting Indigenous peoples is the only way to repair the social and environmental damages inflicted on Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories by the colonial legal system. Their work is driven by compassion and respect for Indigenous communities and a recognition that as a settler they must use their skills and resources to continually work towards decolonizing themself and helping others.
Laura is passionate about social justice, intersectional equality, and LGBTQ2SI issues. They have volunteered extensively with LGBTQ2SI organizations and clubs, and they currently volunteer with PBSC’s Trans-ID Clinic.
Prior to law, Laura worked as a field biologist/ecologist in Alberta specializing in wetlands, riparian areas, and impacts to freshwater ecosystems. Through their work experience and education, they have developed a deep appreciation of the environmental challenges that intersect with the law and communities.
In Laura’s spare time they love to travel and be outside as much as possible. They enjoy playing roller derby with Victoria’s Eves of Destruction roller derby league, hiking, cycling, swimming, crafting, watching sci-fi/fantasy shows and bad reality TV, and hanging out with their cat.
Practice Focus:
Specific Claims
Complex Negotiations
First Nations Governance
Water Law, Rights, and Governance
Indian registration (status)
Administrative Law
Environmental Law
Education and Professional Affiliations
University of Victoria, Juris Doctor, with a specialization in Environmental Law and Sustainability, 2019
University of Alberta, Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biological Sciences – Ecology, 2013
Member, Law Society Yukon, 2024
Member, Law Society of British Columbia, 2020
Member, Advocates Society
Member, Canadian Bar Association
Publications and Presentations
2020 – Panelist for University of Victoria Gender and Climate Justice Panel
2019 – BC Introduces Novel Legislation to Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, JFK Law Corporation Blog Post
Highlights
Developed a land code for a First Nation
Advise First Nations on drinking water rights and guide feedback on federal drinking water legislation
Appeared before the Specific Claims Tribunal for oral history hearings of Indigenous Elders
Advise First Nations on the implementation and impact of UNDRIP
Successful costs order against industry in a regulatory proceeding
Assess and advise the strength of potential specific claims
Publications
On April 16, 2024, Canada released the 2024 federal budget. The theme of Budget 2024 is “Fairness for Every
Today the Supreme Court of Canada released its unanimous decision in Shot Both Sides v. Canada, 2024 SCC 12, which deals