Sandra Staats

Sandra Staats has built an impressive legal career over the past 27 years, marked by its diversity and depth. Her journey in the legal field has seen her delve into various domains, including criminal law, family law, child protection, poverty law, general civil litigation, and Aboriginal law. Her expertise has led her to represent clients across a spectrum of courts, including the Provincial and Supreme Court of BC, the Court of Appeal, and even the Supreme Court of Canada.

One of the most notable chapters in Sandra's career unfolded between 2003 and 2017, where she dedicated her focus primarily to Indian Residential School litigation. In this capacity, Sandra played a pivotal role in negotiating the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. She was deeply involved in representing claimants who suffered abuse in Indian Residential Schools, ensuring their voices were heard and their grievances addressed. Her commitment extended to serving as co-counsel for Independent Counsel. In this role, she made significant appearances in the Ontario Superior Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. A crucial part of her advocacy was to safeguard the confidentiality of residential school claimants, ensuring that the release of any records related to these claims was contingent upon the consent of the claimants themselves.

Beyond her extensive legal knowledge and courtroom prowess, Sandra is deeply committed to her role as legal counsel. She places immense value on effective communication with her clients. Understanding the complexity and often the intimidating nature of the legal process for many, she ensures her clients are well-informed and comfortable. By prioritizing clear communication and attentive listening, Sandra ensures that each client feels understood and represented to the best of her abilities. Her approach is not just about providing legal representation; it's about offering guidance, support, and clarity to those she serves.