Bob Freedman’s practice is focused on Treaty negotiations, regulatory and consultation-related work, and the negotiation of complex agreements involving First Nations, industry and government.
He has extensive experience in negotiations, particularly in the areas of oil and gas, pipelines, mining and Crown-First Nation consultation agreements. He has also appeared several times at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Bob represents First Nation clients in a variety of settings, including in agreement negotiations, and a First Nation in the BC Treaty process. He seeks to understand client issues and concerns and translate those concerns into practical results; either through negotiating agreements or through regulatory and other interventions. Bob focuses on issues such as consultation, environmental participation and stewardship, monitoring, reclamation, revenue generation and sharing, and business and education/training opportunities. Bob has developed a particular expertise in the implementation of agreements.
Since 2008, Bob has been listed as a “most frequently recommended” lawyer in the Lexpert Directory and is ranked in Lexpert as one of the top lawyers in the area of Aboriginal law. Bob is also recognized as a leading lawyer in Chambers Canada.
Practice Areas
- Negotiation of modern Treaties
- Negotiation of Impact-Benefit Agreements
- Negotiation of environmental/stewardship agreements between First Nations, Government and Industry
- Negotiation of Crown-First Nation consultation agreements, including Strategic Engagement Agreements
- Consultation/regulatory interventions
- Agreement implementation
Education
- University of Virginia, LL.M., 1992
- Queen’s University, LL.B., 1991
- Queen’s University, M.P.A., 1988
- New College of Florida, B.A (Hon.)., 1987
- Called to Yukon Bar, 2011
- Called to Alberta Bar, 2004
- Called to the British Columbia Bar 1994
- Law Clerk to the Honourable Mr. Justice Lambert, B.C. Court of Appeal, 1992-1993
Representative Work
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Successful completion of Impact-Benefit Agreements across western Canada on oil sands, mining and pipeline projects.
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Counsel for non-settled Yukon First Nation on first reconciliation negotiations outside of Yukon Final Agreement Process.
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Successful development and integration of processes to ensure inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in project planning, regulatory processes, and in agreements.
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Member of negotiation team for a First Nation in the BC Treaty Process, including being part of the first table to have a mandate to negotiate post-treaty Engagement Framework Agreement.