Alex
DeParde

Alex is a skilled advocate and litigator who practises exclusively in the area of Aboriginal law. With a particular focus on collaboration and innovation, he works closely with his Indigenous clients to develop litigation and alternative dispute resolution strategies centred on advancing their unique goals and achieving lasting results.

Alex is a member of the firm’s Indigenous Practice Group. He is also a member of the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group. Alex’s practice primarily focuses on helping Indigenous communities, governments and nations navigate the various complex legal avenues available to them to advance their rights, resolve their outstanding claims and ensure their communities prosper for generations to come.

A significant component of Alex’s practice involves strategically using litigation and alternative forms of dispute resolution to advance the recognition and respect of Indigenous rights, including in the area of self-government, situations involving overlapping Indigenous rights or interests, and outstanding claims against the Crown. He regularly advises on litigation and dispute resolution processes related to Crown accountability, constitutional law, self-government, administrative law, environmental protection and enforcement of Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Alex’s expertise also includes Crown duties flowing from the honour of the Crown, such as consultation, accommodation and others, and commercial disputes involving Indigenous peoples and their rights. He takes an innovative and practical approach to advocacy, working hand-in-hand with his clients to achieve meaningful and lasting results that align with their distinct rights, needs and vision for self-determination.

As a result of his work on behalf of Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients, Alex has appeared before all levels of Court, including courts in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, as well as in commercial arbitrations. He has also appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada multiple times.

Alex is also a member of the firm’s Associates Committee, contributing to mentorship initiatives for both students and associates.

Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Alex practised at a nationally recognized Aboriginal law boutique firm where he focused on litigation for Indigenous governments and communities. He also summered, articled and practised at a national law firm, working in commercial litigation, where he advocated for clients on a range of matters, including complex contractual disputes, class action defence and shareholder disputes.