Harry LaForme to join OKT as Senior Counsel

Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP (OKT) is proud to announce that Harry LaForme is joining OKT as Senior Counsel as of December 3, 2018.
Prior to joining OKT, Harry LaForme was a Justice of the Ontario Court of Appeal after 14 years of distinguished service, and before that a Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario for 10 years.
“Harry is renowned for a keen intellect shaped by his humanity and commitment to justice. As the only Indigenous person to reach the pinnacle of the legal profession in Ontario, he brings a perspective and intellectual power that no one else can. We are absolutely thrilled for Harry to join OKT,” said OKT’s Managing Partner, Renée Pelletier.
Mr. LaForme, who is a member of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation, was the first ever Indigenous person to serve as a judge of the Court of Appeal anywhere in the Commonwealth. As a judge he authored many ground-breaking decisions which illustrate his commitment to human rights and the rule of law. As a lawyer, Mr. LaForme was an activist for Indigenous peoples both in Canada and internationally.
Both before and after becoming a judge, Indigenous peoples have repeatedly recognized and honoured Harry for his many achievements – including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1997. Elders have bestowed the gift of an eagle feather to him on numerous occasions.
“I decided to join OKT because no other law firm in Canada has had such an excellent track record of providing great legal services to Indigenous communities and of advancing their interests,” said Mr. LaForme. “I am excited to work with the team at OKT to serve the needs of Indigenous communities across Canada.”
With over 30 lawyer based in Toronto and Yellowknife, OKT LLP represents Indigenous governments, organizations, and people across the country. OKT’s mission is to support Indigenous sovereignty and prosperity however our clients understand it.