Gowling WLG is pleased to share that Jaimie Lickers has been appointed leader of the firm's Indigenous Law Group. She takes over the role from Maxime Faille, who has played a pivotal role in developing the practice over the course of his tenure.
A litigation partner based in Gowling WLG's Hamilton office, Lickers works closely with First Nations groups across Canada on a variety of demanding and frequently high-profile matters, including those related to taxation, self-government, regulations and consultation.
In recent months alone, she has been instrumental in landmark Federal and Supreme Court decisions concerning the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation enrollment process and the role of regulatory bodies in fulfilling the Crown's duty to consult with Indigenous peoples.
"A formidable litigator, Jaimie is never one to shy away from a complex challenge or dispute. Our clients rely on her to be their trusted advocate, one who consistently delivers outstanding - and often precedent-setting - outcomes," said Maxime Faille. "She is superbly equipped to lead our national team as we continue to grow and seek new opportunities. I very much look forward to working with her in this new capacity."
Lickers also has considerable experience advising on the development, structuring and taxation of First Nations trusts and is considered one of the leading practitioners in Canada in this field. In addition, she advises regularly on matters surrounding construction, as well as environmental protection and assessment.
In 2017, Lickers was awarded a Lexpert Zenith Award - an honour that celebrated the advancement of women who have demonstrated excellence and thought leadership in the legal profession. She has also been recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and has been included twice on Benchmark Litigation's "Under 40 Hot List."
Early last year, Lickers, a member of the Onondaga Nation of Six Nations of the Grand River, became the first Indigenous woman to be admitted to Gowling WLG's partnership.
Gowling WLG's Indigenous Law Group has served as counsel to Canada's First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples for more than half a century. In that time, the firm has been instrumental in precedent-setting resource development projects, self-government agreements and Supreme Court cases.