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Melinda Skeels First Nations litigation consultation economic development lawyer BC | Ratcliff LLP

Melinda Skeels*

Partner
*Law Corporation
604-983-7634

Assistant: Raquel Handel

Education

  • B.A. (with Distinction) Anthropology, University of Victoria, 2000
  • J.D., University of Victoria, 2007

Year Of Call

  • British Columbia, 2008

Awards & Accolades

Interview on CBC As It Happens about BC Court of Appeal decision on private medical records, April 2023 (at 47:30)

Melinda is an accomplished and dedicated legal advisor to First Nations governments. She assists her clients with governance, litigation and regulatory matters. A key area of this practice is assisting in the implementation of self-governance through all stages of the development of law and policy. She is committed to engaging closely with client communities to develop laws that reflect their cultures, practices and values.

An experienced litigator and advocate, Melinda has appeared in all three levels of court in BC and before various administrative tribunals, including the British Columbia Utilities Commission, the National Energy Board and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Tribunal.

Melinda completed her articles at Ratcliff LLP in 2008 and has been in practice with the firm since. In her spare time, she is an avid sea kayaker, camper and traveller, usually snapping at least a few photos along the way.

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Fellow, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre Associate’s Program
  • Director and Board President (past), Georgia Straight Alliance

Melinda is an accomplished and dedicated legal advisor to First Nations governments. She assists her clients with governance, litigation and regulatory matters. A key area of this practice is assisting in the implementation of self-governance through all stages of the development of law and policy. She is committed to engaging closely with client communities to develop laws that reflect their cultures, practices and values.

An experienced litigator and advocate, Melinda has appeared in all three levels of court in BC and before various administrative tribunals, including the British Columbia Utilities Commission, the National Energy Board and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Tribunal.

Melinda completed her articles at Ratcliff LLP in 2008 and has been in practice with the firm since. In her spare time, she is an avid sea kayaker, camper and traveller, usually snapping at least a few photos along the way.

Awards & Accolades

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Fellow, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre Associate’s Program
  • Director and Board President (past), Georgia Straight Alliance

Year Of Call

  • British Columbia, 2008

Education

  • B.A. (with Distinction) Anthropology, University of Victoria, 2000
  • J.D., University of Victoria, 2007