Cochrane Sinclair is pleased to welcome Stephanie Willsey to the firm.
A member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Stephanie brings significant experience representing First Nations communities and individuals in complex litigation, constitutional matters, negotiations, and strategic advisory work. Her practice has focused on issues at the intersection of Indigenous rights, government accountability, and the Crown’s legal obligations to First Nations.
Stephanie has been involved in several major proceedings that have helped advance important legal questions affecting First Nations across Canada.
Her work includes representing First Nations in litigation related to safe drinking water on reserve, including proceedings that have addressed Canada’s legal responsibilities and resulted in substantial compensation and commitments toward improving drinking-water infrastructure. She has also worked on litigation concerning adequate housing for remote First Nations, as well as child and family services matters involving the right of First Nations to care for and raise their children within their own cultures, communities, languages, and traditions.
In addition to her class actions and litigation work, Stephanie advises First Nations on a broad range of legal and governance matters, including treaty and Indian Act rights, specific claims, the duty to consult, UNDRIP, governance, and on-reserve taxation.
Stephanie has appeared as counsel at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and her work has received national recognition. Most recently, she was named one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2026.
Her commitment to Indigenous communities also extends beyond her legal practice. Stephanie currently serves on the Board of Directors of APTN and on the Steering Committee for the Digital Media at the Crossroads Conference. She previously served on the Board of the Indigenous Bar Association and has participated as a delegate at international forums focused on Indigenous peoples and their rights.
Stephanie earned her Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia, specializing in Indigenous Legal Studies, and holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2019.
We are proud to welcome Stephanie to Cochrane Sinclair and look forward to the experience, perspective, and commitment she brings to our team and to the communities we serve.