Robert Janes practices Aboriginal law in the Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto offices of JFK Law LLP, largely focusing on complex, high stakes litigation and major negotiations.
Robert has practiced Aboriginal law before all levels of court in British Columbia, On-tario, and Alberta as well as in the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Canada. Robert has appeared over twenty five times at the Supreme Court of Canada acting for appellants and interveners in a variety of cases. Important cases have included Grassy Narrows First Nations v. Ontario (MNR), Behn v. Moulton, Mikisew Cree First Nation v. Canada (Governor General in Council), and Gitxaala Nation v. Canada (National Energy Board). Robert was the Managing Partner of JFK Law LLP from 2022 to 2024 and was the Managing Principal of JFK Law Corp from 2009 to 2022.
A major focus of Robert’s practice has been on the development of the duty to consult and accommodate and he has been involved in numerous cases which have fleshed out the relevant jurisprudence. Robert uses the duty to consult to ensure the industry and government know his client’s rights, interests and positions and understand the need to address these. In cases where reasonable negotiation fails, Robert, supported by the JFK Law team is determined to ensure his client’s interests are advanced through the court system. Ultimately, Robert’s practice is dedicated to the simple principle that Indigenous Nations deserve and must be heard in Canada’s political legal system and their goals, rights and interests advanced.
Updated April 2024
