Paul Dionne, Ad. E.

Founding Partner (retired)

Paul Dionne has represented Indian bands and tribal councils for almost 40 years. His practice included the negotiation of treaties, administrative agreements, specific claims and business contracts, as well as the defence of Aboriginal rights before the courts. He represented First Nations in various cases before all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and several Indigenous groups before parliamentary committees. He retired as of March 31, 2019.

Between 2006 and 2018, Paul was regularly named one of the “best lawyers” practicing Aboriginal law in Canada by Best Lawyers in Canada. Prior to practicing Aboriginal law in a private legal practice, Paul was the Regional Director of Quebec’s Direction générale du Nouveau-Québec in Kuujjuaq during the transition period that followed the negotiation and execution of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (1974-1978). He later joined Quebec’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs (1980-1982) where he was instrumental in the creation and organization of Inuit municipalities in Nunavik.

Extended Bio

Paul was president of the Compensation fund committee of the Quebec Bar for over ten years. He was also a founding member of the Quebec Bar Committee on indigenous peoples and the Law.

Paul taught aboriginal law at University of Quebec in Montreal, has written many articles on aboriginal rights and given several lectures on that topic.

Paul is retired since March 31, 2019.

  • LL.M, Public Law, University of Ottawa, 1986
  • LL.L, Law, University of Sherbrooke, 1971
  • Bachelor of Arts, Laval University, 1967

  • President of the Compensation fund committee of the Quebec Bar (1986 to 1992), and member of the Committee (2009 to 2011).
  • Member of the Quebec Bar Committee on Indigenous peoples and the Law (1993 to 1998).
  • Member of the “Commission on Folk Law and Legal Pluralism” (1986 to 1994).