Alana Robert

Alana Robert, serving as an Associate in our Toronto-based Litigation Group, is deeply involved in class actions, public law, and commercial litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Her extensive experience spans appearances before high-level courts, including the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada.

A significant part of Alana's practice includes advocating for First Nations, where she played a pivotal role as counsel in a landmark class action. This action led to an $8 billion settlement to rectify water infrastructure issues and resolve long-standing drinking water advisories on reserves. Currently, she champions First Nations in litigation concerning housing and child welfare.

Alana is also known for her collaborative work with Indigenous-led organizations, creating strategies to tackle the crisis affecting missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. Her advisory role extends to national bodies striving for gender equity.

Her commitment to human rights is evident in her pro bono work. Alana holds positions on the boards of influential organizations such as the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF), the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto, and the Ontario Native Women’s Association. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to the Indigenous Human Rights Clinic's Advisory Council, including making interventions at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Alana's advocacy extends beyond her legal practice. She founded Justice For Women Manitoba, aiming to eradicate gender-based violence in educational settings. Her contributions in this area have been recognized at the national level, including testimony before the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

Her academic credentials are equally impressive. An Osgoode Hall Law School alumna, Alana excelled in the Test Case Litigation Program, achieving notable victories in prestigious moot competitions. Her legal internship at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia underscored her commitment to victim and witness protection. Alana's educational foundation is rooted in a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) in Political Science and Economics from the University of Manitoba.

In recognition of her impactful work, Alana was honored as one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada in 2022, specifically within the Human Rights, Advocacy, and Criminal category. Her achievements also include the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Person’s Case and the Indspire Métis Youth Award.

Alana's recent legal endeavors include advocating for a Manitoba First Nation in a class action against the federal government addressing the housing crisis and intervening in a Supreme Court of Canada appeal to uphold constitutional rights. Her scholarly contributions, such as her insights on implementing UNDRIP and modernizing mineral tenure systems, further attest to her profound impact on both the legal and broader societal landscapes.