Dates: July 6 - 8, 2022
Location: Montréal, Québec
The Steering Committee welcomes 44 senior environmental lawyers, personally selected from leading Canadian firms, to candidly share cross country developments in environment law reforms, natural resources and climate change.
Using candid, seminar-style discussions at this annual meeting, the group examines trends and developments in every jurisdiction for meaningful dialogue on the most pressing issues facing their clients today.
This elite group, comprised of experts in the field, personally nominates all invitees and develops the Agenda, which forms the basis of our discussions.
Jana McLean is the principal of Iris Legal, a boutique firm focused on the areas of environmental, natural resources, and Indigenous law. Jana is nationally recognized for her environmental and Indigenous law practice, appearing in Best Lawyers in Canada and Chambers. Jana regularly advises in all areas of environmental law, including contaminated sites, water and fisheries law, environmental assessments, environmental compliance, enforcement and prosecutions, and species at risk. She has acted as counsel in significant cases concerning air quality, fisheries law, contaminated sites, and pipeline developments. In her Indigenous law practice, Jana regularly assists clients in the areas of Aboriginal rights and title, Indian band governance, Indian reserve issues, Heritage Conservation Act matters, and natural resource decisions. She acted as lead counsel for a group of Stó:lo communities who successfully challenged the federal government’s failure to consult on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.
Earlier in her career, Jana clerked at the BC Court of Appeal and worked on human rights and environmental issues in South Africa. Jana also has a Masters in Law (granted First Class) from the University of Cambridge, UK.
Kate has a background in social services where she treated youth with complex mental health and addictions issues. Her role involved developing detailed, treatment-focused program plans and seeing them through to completion. Kate brings many years of experience in the service industry to her role at Cambridge Forums. In her spare time, Kate enjoys good food and wine, all things true-crime related, and dance parties with her kids.
Built on genuine interactions and spontaneous connections, the Forum is a unique opportunity for practical discussions among preeminent leaders from across Canada in environmental law.
"The Environmental Law Forum has consistently been the best conference I have attended in terms of quality of presentations/discussion and collegiality."
Alex MacWilliam Partner Dentons Canada LLP Calgary, AB"The Environmental Law Forum is an impressive gathering! A wonderful opportunity to connect with environmental lawyers at the top of their game from across Canada. The environment itself is supportive, engaging and stimulating. Thank you!"
Jana McLean Principal and Founding Lawyer Iris Legal Vancouver, BC"A unique opportunity to engage in frank peer to peer discussions in a relaxed setting. An excellent balance of work and spending time with your colleagues."
Janet Bobechko Senior Partner, Certified Specialist (Environmental Law) Norton Rose Fulbright Toronto, ONHear how our participants describe the practical benefits of our forums.