Areas of Interest
An Intersectional Approach to Environmental Civil Litigation
When I decided to pursue a career in law, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact on a large scale. I was drawn to environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and human rights more broadly, though at first it seemed difficult to find a path that encompassed all these interests.
That changed when I took a course on International Environmental Law during my Master’s program at Bond University in Australia. One assignment required us to present an environmental “disaster” to the class, exploring the relevant international legal frameworks and proposing potential remedies. I was assigned the topic of ship graveyards. Through my research, I discovered not only the immense environmental damage caused by the shipbreaking industry, but also the horrific working conditions: exposure to toxic chemicals, life-altering injuries, and, in some harrowing cases, workers being thrown into the sea as a so-called act of mercy.
While learning about the limitations of international treaties like the Basel Convention, I also discovered the potential of civil litigation as a tool to hold corporations accountable for environmental harm. This insight reshaped my understanding of how law could intersect with my values.
I later wrote my final research paper on the “triple bottom line” approach in the natural resource sector—an approach that balances corporate objectives with environmental stewardship and human well-being. I focused on case studies where corporations partnered with Indigenous communities to achieve these goals. I found that these collaborations not only help companies meet sustainability targets and reduce environmental harm, but also support meaningful truth and reconciliation efforts.
A New Hope?
Building on what I had learned in Australia, I sought opportunities to further explore litigation as a tool for addressing environmental harm and human rights abuses. This led me to write a paper analyzing the landmark cases Okpabi v. Royal Dutch Shell and Vedanta Resources PLC v. Lungowe. These cases established that corporate entities can, under certain conditions, be held liable in UK courts for the negligent actions of their subsidiaries abroad. While specific criteria must be met to justify this form of parent company liability, the precedent marks a significant advancement in corporate accountability.
In general, developing nations often lack robust environmental protection laws, and even where such laws exist, enforcement is inconsistent. As a result, communities near mines, oil wells, and similar operations are exposed to harms that would be deemed unacceptable in places like Europe or North America. Put simply: if an industrial practice would be intolerable in Calgary or Manchester, why should it be permissible in Nigeria or Zambia?
Given the number of multinational corporations incorporated or domiciled in the United Kingdom, this form of litigation presents a meaningful avenue for enforcing international legal standards. While private litigation can be costly and time-consuming, it is also somewhat insulated from political interference and diplomatic pressures—offering a powerful tool for pursuing justice when state-level enforcement fails.
Why not Equine Law?
Equine law is not an area I intend to practice formally.
First, I’m not convinced that “Equine Law” is a standalone legal discipline. In my view, equine matters are typically extensions of other, more established areas of practice. For example:
A divorcing couple disputing ownership of a horse would benefit from a family lawyer.
Someone seeking permits to build a new stable and arena should speak with a property lawyer.
A high-net-worth individual looking to limit liability for potential damages caused by their horse might consult a corporate lawyer about forming a holding company.
In these situations, it can be valuable for a lawyer to consult someone familiar with the nuances of the equine industry. In my experience, it's much easier for a legal specialist to gain an understanding of equestrian customs than it is for a generalist to quickly develop deep expertise in a specific area of law. That said, there are certain cases—such as disputes involving potentially negligent care of a horse—where insight from someone well-versed in equine-specific matters may prove especially useful. There are also situations where a Canadian can pursue legal action in a different jurisdiction. The European Union has strong consumer protection laws that apply to horse sales, and Canadians have been able to find justice through those court systems.
While I’ve occasionally consulted with professionals on equine-related legal matters and am happy to offer insight where I can, I don’t plan to build a practice around it. The second reason is more personal: I prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Horses are a significant part of my life, but at this stage, they are a passion—not a profession. If I were to focus my legal work on equine matters, I worry that my time with horses would start to feel like work rather than the respite it currently provides.
If you think I might be able to assist with a particular equine issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’m always happy to help where I can. Although I am not licensed to practise law in any jurisdiction, my legal education and lifelong experience in the equine industry enable me to consult Canadian lawyers in applying the law with the appropriate context and nuance required for equine-related legal disputes.
If you are a legal professional seeking support in a matter involving a horse, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Future Plans
In addition to being called to the bar in Ontario, I intend to write the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in the winter of 2026. The landmark decisions in Okpabi and Vedanta demonstrate the UK courts’ willingness to recognize corporate liability in transnational civil disputes, setting influential precedents for other Commonwealth jurisdictions. As someone who views this type of litigation as a critical tool for defending human rights and enforcing environmental protections, I am particularly drawn to the possibility of future claims being brought in the UK, where a framework for such actions is now established. Gaining legal standing in the UK would enable me to contribute meaningfully to this kind of international litigation, especially where there is an element of Canadian law in play.
Eventually, I hope to pursue a PhD exploring how civil litigation can be used as a tool to enforce environmental protections and uphold human rights—particularly in cases with an international dimension. At present, the University of Amsterdam is especially appealing, as it offers remote, part-time study options that would allow me to balance academic research with legal practice.
The Netherlands, home to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, fosters a legal and academic environment that embraces innovative approaches to social justice and equality—while acknowledging the immovable forces that shape our world, such as global capitalism. On a personal note, I also loved every moment I spent living in the Netherlands and am always looking for an opportunity to return. Doe normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg.
Long term, I hope to complement my practice with limited teaching engagements, ideally in an intensive format. During my time at Bond University, I experienced the power of this model firsthand. The university regularly brought in world-renowned experts to teach concentrated courses in their areas of specialization, and their passion created an engaging and memorable learning environment. I hope to bring that same energy to the classroom and inspire the next generation of legal practitioners.
