Jason James Taylor Madden

Jason is a seasoned negotiator and litigator who practises exclusively in the area of Aboriginal law. As an Indigenous lawyer, he also supports Indigenous clients as they revitalize and implement their inherent jurisdiction, laws and governance systems. Widely recognized for being at the forefront of the development of Métis rights law in Canada, Jason has represented various Métis communities, organizations and governments from Ontario westward for more than two decades in the courts and at negotiating tables.

Jason is a member of the firm's Indigenous Practice, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Energy Groups. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis in 2024, he was a managing partner at a nationally recognized boutique Aboriginal law firm for over a decade. He has been repeatedly recognized by Lexpert , Chambers & Partners and Best Lawyers as a leading practitioner in the area of Aboriginal law, and was named as one of the 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer Magazine for his work in this area of the law. He frequently speaks at conferences and law schools on Aboriginal law generally and particularly Métis legal issues.

Jason regularly advises and represents Indigenous clients on Aboriginal and Treaty rights matters, including the development, advancement and implementation of negotiation and litigation strategies for the recognition of Indigenous rights, as well as the resolution of historical land-related grievances and others claims against the Crown. Jason's litigation practice has included trials defending or establishing his clients' Aboriginal and Treaty rights in addition to other precedent-setting court cases involving the honour of the Crown, including consultation and accommodation matters, the legal status of negotiated agreements between the Crown and Indigenous peoples, and the development of the Crown's duty to negotiate.