Providing High Quality Service to Indigenous Clients

The January 2016 issue of LAWPRO Magazine is devoted to serving Indigenous clients. It features a comprehensive article by LAWPRO’s Nora Rock that provides an overview of the needs, perspectives and expectations of these clients across different areas of law, and examines what is required of lawyers who wish to provide the best service possible.

In Providing high quality service to Indigenous clients Ms. Rock interviewed a number of lawyers of aboriginal background to learn about their experiences and what they recommend to lawyers planning to work in an area that is complex both legally and culturally. Her article provides a historical background to the issues around Aboriginal law, a lot of practical advice, and some questions lawyers should be asking themselves (e.g. ‘am I qualified to serve this person?’). As she puts it, “Lawyers who take on the work of representing Indigenous people have a special opportunity to contribute to the reconciliation process. Whether by assisting Indigenous clients in exercising their rights, by supporting aboriginal economic development, or even just by improving the level of understanding of a client’s perspective within the system, lawyers can support the progress of Indigenous families and communities toward self-determination and a better standard of living”.

Cross posted on AvoidaClaim.com