Scott A. Smith

Partner and member of the Aird & Berlis Indigenous Practice Group, and the firm’s Energy, Environmental Law and Infrastructure Groups. Advises First Nations on all phases of major projects, including navigating complex regulatory hearings and litigation for significant energy and natural resource projects across Canada. Has extensive experience in negotiating impact benefit agreements and Indigenous equity participation arrangements in major projects, including working on behalf of Indigenous clients across diverse sectors such as mining, forestry, pipelines, LNG facilities, hydroelectric projects, transmission lines and petrochemical facilities, often incorporating Indigenous ownership. Provides strategic counsel on Aboriginal and Treaty rights-related matters, the duty to consult and accommodate, resource benefit sharing arrangements, child and family services, regulatory and environmental matters, including contaminated sites. Has worked closely with Indigenous communities and governments on negotiating landmark government-to-government arrangements, including having crafted the largest agreement between British Columbia and First Nations outside of formal treaties. Has been recognized by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 Canada as a leading practitioner in Aboriginal law.