Lisa Harris

Contact Details

Lisa Harris

Assistant: Tyra Shupe

She/They

Lisa joined W&Co. as a lawyer in 2024 to use their skillset to support Indigenous communities’ use of the colonial legal system to uphold their rights, as well as supporting Indigenous communities’ self- determination and independence from the colonial legal system.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science in Ecology and Aquatic Ecology, from the University of Guelph where they were also awarded the Associate Vice President Teaching Assistant Award of Excellence. After completing their Bachelor and Masters programs, Lisa received their JD from the University of Victoria, concentrating in environmental law and sustainability. Lisa completed their articles through the shared articles program at the Environmental Law Centre at UVic and W&Co. During their time at law school, Lisa worked as a legal research assistant, a program coordinator for ProBono Students Canada, UVic Chapter, and was a summer student at W&Co.

Lisa loves getting involved in their community and has volunteered with the Canadian Environmental Law Association, the Environmental law Centre at UVic, RAVEN trust, and OurPlace. Lisa is passionate about access to justice and has been involved with various A2J programs over the years, including supporting Pro Bono Students Canada and contributing to The Law Centre. Lisa also has extensive training and experience with trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practice and is committed to fostering accessible spaces and to finding creative solutions for clients.

Lisa grew up on the territory of the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island First Nation and now has the privilege to live and work on lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Unceded Territories. Prior to their legal career, Lisa worked in the rock-climbing industry and specialized in adaptive climbing to increase the accessibility of the sport.

Membership & Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Law Society of British Columbia (2024)
  • Member, Law Society of Northwest Territories (2024)
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association (2024)

Practice Areas

  • Aboriginal and Treaty Rights
  • Consultation and Accommodation
  • Employment and Human Rights
  • First Nation Constitutions, Laws & Policy
  • Governance support
  • Housing
  • Indigenous Legal Orders and Law
  • Land Interests
  • Land Use Planning
  • Natural Resources
  • Regulatory Processes and Hearings
  • RIRSD & G2G Agreements
  • Strategic Reconciliation Planning
  • Wills and Estates

Selected Cases, Presentations & Publications

Associate Vice President Teaching Assistant Award of Excellence – University of Guelph for exemplary teaching