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 UVic’s 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 and to protect and defend their Aboriginal and treaty rights. 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 also 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 including Treaty Negotiations

First Nations Governance

Water Law, Rights, and Governance

Consultation and Accommodation

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 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