Gowlings continues to attract top Aboriginal law talent
Gowlings is pleased to announce that two of Canada’s leading Aboriginal law practitioners, Robert Winogron and Jeremy Bouchard, have joined the Ottawa office of Gowlings as members of its firm-wide Aboriginal Law Group.
Both Winogron and Bouchard come to Gowlings from Canada’s federal Department of Justice, where they served as legal counsel in the Aboriginal Affairs Portfolio and worked extensively in the area of specific claims.
“Robert and Jeremy bring impressive skill sets, and considerable experience, knowledge and insights in regard to Aboriginal claims, economic development and the inner workings of government,” said Scott Jolliffe, Gowlings chair and CEO. “These strengths will further enhance our work on behalf of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit clients, as well as private- and public-sector organizations seeking to do business with indigenous communities across Canada.”
Winogron, who joins Gowlings as a partner, spent over two decades as senior legal counsel with the federal Department of Justice. He is well known across Canada for his work in Aboriginal and administrative law, and has extensive experience in all aspects of Aboriginal-specific claims and economic development, including legal and policy issues, research, submission, and negotiation.
Most recently, Winogron led the Department of Justice’s specific claims negotiation group, overseeing 250 negotiation files and a team of 12 lawyers. He also served as Canada’s legal representative on the Assembly of First Nations (AFN)/Canada Joint Task Force, which created the Specific Claims Tribunal. As a credit to his leadership, the task force was hailed by both Aboriginal leaders and the Prime Minister’s Office as a great success.
“Coming to Gowlings and working with a top national Aboriginal law team provides a wonderful opportunity to continue providing outstanding services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities,” said Winogron.
Bouchard, who joins Gowlings as an associate, worked closely with Winogron at the Department of Justice in the Aboriginal Affairs Portfolio, and has experience with both litigation and claims negotiation. He has acted as lead counsel on negotiations throughout Canada, including the Toronto Purchase Specific Claim, which settled for $145 million, as well as a treaty matter valued at over $1.2 billion.
Bouchard is of Aboriginal ancestry (Ojibway and Mohawk), and is a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation.
The Gowlings Aboriginal Law Group has been at the forefront of Aboriginal law in Canada for over 50 years, and is one of the largest and most respected practices of its kind. Gowlings professionals have worked alongside Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in landmark self-government agreements, resource development projects and Supreme Court cases. The firm has also acted for project proponents and governments at every level, delivering sophisticated legal advice and practical solutions that help clients advance their vision and achieve their goals.