Paul Seaman

Paul Seaman, a distinguished partner at Gowling WLG, spearheads the firm's Indigenous Law Practice Group nationally and contributes to the Environmental Law Group. Operating from both the Toronto and Vancouver offices, Paul commands a leading practice that navigates complex constitutional, regulatory, and transactional landscapes. His focus primarily lies in Indigenous law, particularly on engagements where the duty to consult Indigenous Peoples is paramount. This includes representing clients in regulatory proceedings, as well as negotiations between Indigenous communities, industry players, and governmental bodies.

Paul's portfolio showcases his representation of Indigenous clients across Canada, advocating on their behalf in high-profile resource development projects and related litigation at all court levels, including the Supreme Court of Canada. His expertise spans several key sectors such as mining, oil & gas pipelines, LNG, forestry, and energy generation and transmission.

Acknowledged for his contributions to Indigenous law, Paul has been recognized by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in 2019 and 2020 and by Legal 500 Canada in 2021 as a leading lawyer in his field.

Before his legal career, Paul was instrumental in the tech sector, designing and managing high-speed internet protocol networks for one of Canada's largest cable providers. His technical projects included designing fibre optic networks for educational institutions and consulting with the RCMP on surveillance technologies.

As a proud citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation and an active member of the Métis community, Paul's dedication extends beyond his professional achievements. Notably, he participated in the 2010 Olympic torch relay, representing the Métis Nation of British Columbia.

Paul's practice areas include Financial Institutions & Services, Infrastructure, Energy, and Mining. His legal prowess and dedication have been recognized through numerous accolades, including listings in The Legal 500 Canada, Lexpert Special Editions for Mining and Energy, and Chambers Canada.

Paul's legal credentials are comprehensive, with calls to the bar in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon, underpinned by his academic background from the University of Regina and the University of Victoria. He is also a member of the Indigenous Bar Association, reflecting his commitment to Indigenous legal matters and advocacy.