Cassels proudly congratulates partner Thomas Isaac, who has been honoured by Canadian Lawyer as one of the nation’s “Top 25 Most Influential” lawyers for 2018.
Being named as one of the “Top 25 Most Influential” lawyers is a particularly noteworthy achievement and highlights the important and significant work honourees have done in the last 18 months. As Canadian Lawyer notes, the award “speaks to a level of respect; the ability to influence public opinion, and help shape the laws of the country and others; contribution to the strength and quality of legal services; involvement and impact within the justice community and social and political influence and involvement.”
Aboriginal affairs continue to capture mainstream headlines, and Tom has worked tirelessly in this area for his entire career. Over the past 18 months alone, Tom published a report as the Ministerial Special Representative (MSR) to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations (Minister) and the Premier of the Northwest Territories regarding the Akaitcho Dene and NWT Métis Nation negotiations titled A Pathway to Reconciliation; and served as MSR regarding the Gottfriedson class action lawsuit relating to residential day school students against the Government of Canada.
One of his previous reports – A Matter of National and Constitutional Import: Métis Section 35 Rights – resulted in a fundamental change in the way Canada deals with Métis peoples and their rights and has lead to multiple negotiation tables among Canada, some provinces and Métis across Canada. In addition, Tom represents industry and government clients before courts and tribunals of all levels, including the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Canada, and the National Energy Board; and has authored and published several authoritative texts, including Aboriginal Law, 5th ed. and Aboriginal Law: Supreme Court of Canada Decisions and Annotations.
Says Mark Bennett, Managing Partner at Cassels Brock: “Tom’s tremendous accomplishments over the past few years reflect a career dedicated to working directly with Indigenous people, industry, and governments of all levels across Canada. He is committed to encouraging constructive dialogue in complex negotiations and reaching outcomes that benefit not only the parties at the table, but also the country as a whole. Cassels Brock is proud to have him as a member of our partnership and greatly appreciates the high level of expertise he brings to the service of our clients.”
To learn more about Tom Isaac and the “Top 25 Most Influential” lawyers for 2018, please click here.