McCarthy Tétrault litigation associate Alana Robert has been named one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada for 2022 in the Human Rights, Advocacy and Criminal category.

Alana was recognized for her unwavering commitment to human rights issues, including her work advocating for marginalized communities across Canada. Along with advancing the rights and interests of those whose voices often go unheard, she has played a fundamental role in shaping Canadian law. Alana was counsel to Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and Neskantaga First Nation in a historic class proceeding that resulted in an $8 billion settlement to address water infrastructure issues and long-term drinking water advisories on reserves.

Alana also recently appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada on behalf of the Intervener, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, in an appeal on the constitutionality of Criminal Code provisions that eliminate the availability of non-custodial sentences for some offences. She advanced submissions on the importance of recognizing Indigenous laws on women’s sacred roles when considering equality rights under the Charter, and providing Indigenous women with meaningful access to non-carceral alternatives.

Among her many community and industry contributions, Alana frequently acts pro bono on a wide range of human rights matters and advises national non-profit organizations on their work to advance gender equality. She regularly works with Indigenous-led organizations across the country, where she leads the development of action and implementation plans to address the crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Alana also recently wrote a report for the Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) on using the legal system to advance equality for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Exploring opportunities to progress legal rights, this report serves to enhance cultural competency skills among lawyers, particularly when they encounter cases affecting the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.

Alana is an Advisory Council member and volunteer lawyer with the Indigenous Human Rights Program and sits on the Board of Directors of the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto.

About McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault LLP provides a broad range of legal services, providing strategic and industry-focused advice and solutions for Canadian and international interests. The firm has substantial presence in Canada’s major commercial centres as well as in New York City and London.

Built on an integrated approach to the practice of law and delivery of innovative client services, the firm brings its legal talent, industry insight and practice experience to help clients achieve the results that are important to them.

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For further information on McCarthy Tétrault or any of the above, please contact [email protected].