Elin Sigurdson, K.C.
Associate

Elin Sigurdson, K.C.

Elin’s practice focuses on Aboriginal and constitutional litigation and dispute resolution. Her interest in the law is grounded in her commitment to finding legal solutions for people and groups seeking social justice.

Elin works in close collaboration with Indigenous groups and First Nations to achieve their goals, using her experience to support recognition and protection of Indigenous and Aboriginal rights, securing economic benefits, and achieving greater self-governance.

Elin Sigurdson was included in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ for her work in the field of Aboriginal Law.

Elin was appointed King’s counsel in 2023.

Legal Administrative Assistant
Eva Roberts
604.681.4146 ext. 230 eva@mandellpinder.com

Profile

Elin was called to the Bar in 2007 after she clerked at the British Columbia Court of Appeal in 2006. She joined Mandell Pinder in 2016.

LL.M., University of California, Berkeley (2011)

LL.B., University of British Columbia (2005)

B.A., Religion and Literature, University of British Columbia (2000)

Mounting major Aboriginal Law, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law and Charter cases, as a part of a team.

Represented Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation at the Supreme Court of Canada in a Charter challenge to the nation’s constitution and to their ability to self-govern according to their own laws.

Represented Musqueam Indian Band in defending Aboriginal title litigation affecting Musqueam’s rights, in particular by advancing their oral history evidence at trial.

Successfully appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada on behalf of a First Nation to obtain just compensation for their historic loss of reserve lands used for a hydro-electric project, and clarifying the law of equitable compensation.

Worked with First Nation clients, alongside other Indigenous groups, environmental organizations and their counsel to challenge the approvals of the Northern Gateway Pipelines Project and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

Worked on a constitutional challenge to criminal laws affecting sex workers on behalf of a Vancouver collective, defending a challenge to the standing of the organization to challenge unconstitutional laws, resulting in a change in the law, clarifying the ability of organizations to advance public interest litigation.

Supported First Nation governments in developing strategies for the recognition and implementation of Indigenous law and jurisdiction, including in responding to legal challenges to laws implemented as a matter of their self-governance.

Ensured that the duty to consult owed to Indigenous peoples is carried out honourably by the Crown and assisted in developing strategic approaches to the participation of First Nations in consultation and negotiation with the Crown and industry.

Worked on matters in all levels of court in British Columbia and Ontario, the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as various tribunals.

Member, Law Society of B.C.

Member, Law Society of Alberta

Member, Canadian Bar Association

Board Member, West Coast LEAF

Pacific Business and Law Institute – Southwind and Equitable Compensation, November 18, 2021

Continuing Legal Education of BC – Federal Court Judicial Review Practice Tips, April 2021

Allard School of Law, UBC, Legal Ethics and Professional ResponsibilityEthics course, “The TRC Calls to Action, Legal Ethics and your Professional Responsibilities”, March 2021

Allard Law, UBC, University of British Columbia – Aboriginal Law Litigation Seminar, Pipeline litigation, March 24, 2021

Simon Fraser University, Environmental and Planning Law – Aboriginal Rights and the Duty to Consult, March 24, 2020

Continuing Legal Education of BC – Truth & Reconciliation: Indigenous Rights and Title, May 22, 2019

“They Want In”: Sex Workers and Legitimacy Debates In the Law of Public Interest Standing (2017, Supreme Court Law Review) Lisa Kerr, Elin Sigurdson

Pacific Business and Law Institute, “Action is Required: what the TRC requires of all of us”, March 9, 2016

Allard Law, UBC, Centre for Feminist Legal Studies, “The fight for equal access to law school, the legal profession, and….the courts? The legal challenges involving Trinity Western, the Minister of Advanced Education, the Law Society, OUTLaws and Trevor Loke”, October 27, 2015

Speaks regularly at Law School and University classes and at conferences on topics ranging from developments in Constitutional law to the responsibility of lawyers to take up the Calls To Action articulated by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Elin is a past coach of both the Wilson Moot Team and the Kawaskhimon Aboriginal Law Moot Team at UBC Allard School of Law.

Practice Areas