Lavery is pleased to announce that Katia Opalka, a corporate lawyer specialized in environmental and Aboriginal law, has joined the firm as a partner in our Montreal office.
Ms. Opalka completed studies in Canadian history, civil law and common law at McGill University before beginning her career as a member of the national environmental law group in a major Canadian firm in 1998. Since then she has acquired extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, as an adviser to industry and an expert on environmental law enforcement. Between 2001 and 2008 she served as the Canadian legal officer for the NAFTA Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). There she worked in English, French and Spanish and gained a valuable understanding of environmental law enforcement policy and practice in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
Ms. Opalka helps clients identify and manage environmental and Aboriginal legal risks that can slow down or block project approval or materially affect the business condition of a company. In addition to her in-depth knowledge of Quebec environmental law, she brings to the table extensive expertise regarding federal jurisdiction over the environment, including species at risk, migratory birds, fisheries, and the duty to consult. Her experience covers the spectrum from natural resources through energy to manufacturing, and includes government and public relations, environmental assessments, class actions, contaminated sites and waste management.
Ms. Opalka is an Adjunct Professor at the McGill School of Environment and a member of the Quebec and National Divisions of the Canadian Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources. She has published widely on environmental law matters and is a frequent speaker at commercial conferences.
“Lavery is very pleased that Katia Opalka has joined our firm. She is a valuable addition to our environment, energy and natural resources team. Her expertise and her many contacts in other markets will contribute to consolidating our position as the go to business law firm in Quebec”, said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.
