Aboriginal Law Firm JFK Law Brings Over BLG Veteran, Now Looks for Steady Growth
In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to Indigenous legal advocacy, JFK Law LLP, a leading Aboriginal law firm, has welcomed veteran lawyer Nadir André as a partner. André, a respected name in Indigenous law, joins the firm alongside associates Isabelle Simard and Lauren Daniel, bringing decades of expertise in treaty rights, nation-to-nation negotiations, and Indigenous governance. This addition marks a significant step in JFK Law’s expansion, particularly in Québec, and strengthens its national presence in advancing Indigenous rights and reconciliation.
André, a member of the Matimekush-Lac John First Nation, comes to JFK Law after a distinguished career that includes over a decade at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG), one of Canada’s top full-service law firms. His specialized experience in specific claims—a legal area addressing the federal government’s historical injustices against First Nations—fills a critical gap in JFK Law’s services. André’s arrival not only deepens the firm’s expertise but also aligns with its mission to support Indigenous sovereignty and justice across Canada.
“I think we bring a couple of specialized areas that maybe JFK has not done as much in the past,” André explained. “So, if JFK clients have specific claims and they don’t quite have the services for it, that’s an area where we can offer support.”
For JFK Law, this move signals a shift from rapid expansion to strategic consolidation. Sara Mainville, the firm’s managing partner, emphasized that the focus is now on stabilizing and enhancing the quality of its services rather than pursuing growth for its own sake. “We’re not just adding numbers,” Mainville said. “We’re building a firm that can truly serve Indigenous communities with the expertise and care they deserve.”
The transition has been seamless, with André and his team prioritizing client interests over firm interests. André noted that some files remained with BLG, while others moved to JFK Law, reflecting a commitment to transparency and long-term respect. “Sometimes the right call is to let a file stay where it is,” André said. “We didn’t have to fight over the files… Some stay, some go—and everyone agreed. That honesty earns long-term respect.”
With the addition of André and his team, JFK Law has opened a new office in Kahnawàke (Montreal), its first physical presence in Québec. This expansion bolsters the firm’s ability to serve clients “coast to coast to coast” and reinforces its expertise in negotiating rights and reconciliation agreements, as well as co-management initiatives. For example, André and his team played a key role in establishing a precedent-setting co-management agreement with the Gespeg First Nation and Parks Canada for Forillon National Park in Gaspésie.
Today, JFK Law operates with nearly 50 lawyers, all singularly focused on advancing Indigenous rights, jurisdiction, and justice. The firm’s growth strategy is distinct from traditional law firm mergers; instead, it emphasizes building capacity within its area of expertise and fostering meaningful relationships to drive real change for Indigenous communities.
As Indigenous rights and legal matters continue to shape national conversations, JFK Law is well-positioned to support clients whose territories and legal interests span provincial boundaries. André’s addition and the establishment of the Québec office represent a values-aligned step forward for the firm.
“I’m excited to be joining a firm that shares my deep commitment to Indigenous communities,” André said. “And I’m ready to get to work.”
Nadir André’s Transition and Strategic Vision for JFK Law
Nadir André’s move to JFK Law was characterized by a smooth transition that prioritized client interests above all else. André emphasized the importance of maintaining trust and transparency during the process, ensuring that only select files moved with him to JFK Law while others remained at his previous firm, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG). This approach reflects André’s commitment to prioritizing client needs over firm interests, a philosophy he believes fosters long-term respect and collaboration.
“Sometimes the right call is to let a file stay where it is,” André explained. “We didn’t have to fight over the files… Some stay, some go—and everyone agreed. That honesty earns long-term respect.”
André also highlighted that his move to JFK Law is not about downsizing but rather deepening his focus on Indigenous legal advocacy. He brings with him valuable operational expertise gained from his time at BLG, including conflict management, onboarding new files, leveraging technology, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are expected to enhance JFK Law’s operational efficiency and service delivery.
Strategic Expansion and Consolidation
With the addition of André and his team, JFK Law has established a new office in Kahnawàke (Montreal), marking its first physical presence in Québec. This strategic expansion strengthens the firm’s ability to serve clients “coast to coast to coast” across Canada, a key pillar of its growth strategy. The new office enhances the firm’s capacity to address the diverse legal needs of Indigenous communities, particularly in the provinces of Québec and New Brunswick.
André and his team have already demonstrated their expertise in negotiating Rights and Reconciliation Agreements with Mi’gmaq communities in Québec and New Brunswick. One notable achievement includes establishing a precedent-setting co-management agreement with the Gespeg First Nation and Parks Canada for Forillon National Park in Gaspésie. This agreement underscores JFK Law’s ability to navigate complex legal and governance challenges while advancing Indigenous rights and reconciliation.
The firm’s strategic focus on consolidation over rapid expansion is evident in its approach to growth. Sara Mainville, JFK Law’s managing partner, has emphasized the importance of stabilizing and enhancing the quality of its services rather than pursuing growth for its own sake. “We’re not just adding numbers,” Mainville said. “We’re building a firm that can truly serve Indigenous communities with the expertise and care they deserve.”
Looking Ahead: A National Leader in Indigenous Law
Today, JFK Law operates with nearly 50 lawyers, all singularly focused on advancing Indigenous rights, jurisdiction, and justice. The firm’s growth strategy is distinct from traditional law firm mergers; instead, it emphasizes building capacity within its area of expertise and fostering meaningful relationships to drive real change for Indigenous communities.
As Indigenous rights and legal matters continue to shape national conversations, JFK Law is well-positioned to support clients whose territories and legal interests span provincial boundaries. André’s addition and the establishment of the Québec office represent a values-aligned step forward for the firm, reinforcing its commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous sovereignty.
“I’m excited to be joining a firm that shares my deep commitment to Indigenous communities,” André said. “And I’m ready to get to work.”
Conclusion
JFK Law’s strategic move to bring on Nadir André and his team marks a significant milestone in the firm’s commitment to advancing Indigenous rights and reconciliation. André’s expertise in specific claims, treaty rights, and Indigenous governance strengthens JFK Law’s ability to serve Indigenous communities across Canada. The establishment of a new office in Kahnawàke underscores the firm’s dedication to expanding its reach and enhancing its services.
As JFK Law focuses on strategic consolidation over rapid growth, the firm is well-positioned to deliver high-quality legal advocacy tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous communities. With nearly 50 lawyers dedicated to advancing Indigenous rights, jurisdiction, and justice, JFK Law continues to solidify its reputation as a national leader in Indigenous law.
André’s transition and the firm’s expansion highlight a values-aligned approach that prioritizes transparency, trust, and long-term collaboration. As Indigenous rights remain a critical part of national conversations, JFK Law is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indigenous legal advocacy in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did Nadir André join JFK Law?
Nadir André joined JFK Law to deepen the firm’s expertise in specific claims, treaty rights, and Indigenous governance. His move aligns with the firm’s mission to advance Indigenous sovereignty and justice.
What is the significance of JFK Law opening an office in Kahnawàke?
The new office in Kahnawàke (Montreal) strengthens JFK Law’s ability to serve clients in Québec and New Brunswick, enhancing its national presence and capacity to address diverse legal needs of Indigenous communities.
How does this move impact JFK Law’s growth strategy?
JFK Law is shifting from rapid expansion to strategic consolidation, focusing on stabilizing and enhancing the quality of its services to better serve Indigenous communities.
What makes JFK Law unique in the field of Indigenous law?
JFK Law is distinct for its focus on building capacity within its area of expertise and fostering meaningful relationships to drive real change for Indigenous communities, rather than pursuing traditional merger strategies.
What is JFK Law’s mission?
JFK Law’s mission is to support Indigenous sovereignty and justice across Canada by advancing Indigenous rights, jurisdiction, and reconciliation through specialized legal advocacy.
