Maya Stano

Maya Stano is the leader of Gowling WLG’s Canadian Environmental Law Practice Group, and a partner based out of the firm’s Vancouver office. Her practice focuses on environmental, Indigenous, natural resource, corporate and construction law. 

Maya represents both companies and Indigenous Nations on a wide range of matters, including with respect to mining, forestry, energy, oil and gas, hydro and nuclear projects. Her services include corporate structuring, regulatory matters, due diligence, permitting, land rights and governance. As a trusted legal advisor, Maya assists clients by providing timely advice at all stages of the project lifecycle, from concept to completion. From early planning and tenure applications through construction and operations, to final closure, decommissioning and reclamation, Maya delivers straightforward guidance to protect and successfully advance her clients’ interests.

Maya’s experience in environmental law includes providing strategic regulatory advice and representation on environmental impact assessments, carbon credit regime, natural resource development, major infrastructure projects, regulatory compliance and ESG matters.

Maya also regularly advises on Aboriginal title and rights matters and a wide range of governance-related matters, including drafting of laws and bylaws, economic development, membership and election matters, management of land use and rights on reserve lands and within Indigenous traditional territories, negotiating treaties and reconciliation agreements between Indigenous Nations and Crown governments, and negotiating precedent-setting agreements between Indigenous Nations and proponents that help advance the recognition of Indigenous title and rights, and support comprehensive reconciliation.

Prior to practising law, Maya worked as a geological engineer on resource projects both domestically and abroad. This on-the-ground experience gives her a depth of knowledge and understanding of industry practices and risk exposure, allowing her to deliver practical advice that her clients can effectively implement.

Maya studied law at the University of British Columbia, graduating with a specialization in environmental and natural resource law. After graduation, she clerked at the Federal Court of Canada and completed an LLM at the University of Ottawa. Maya is frequently recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada, Chambers Canada and Lexpert.