John Hurley

John Hurley: Leading Legal Counsel in Energy, Indigenous Law, and Infrastructure

John Hurley is a distinguished partner at our Montréal office and the respected leader of the Aboriginal Law Group. With over 30 years of experience as a commercial lawyer, John possesses a deep understanding of complex legal issues, specializing in First Nations law, energy and infrastructure development, environmental regulations, and international projects. He’s dedicated to providing strategic legal solutions for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients, fostering collaborative partnerships across diverse sectors.

John’s career is built on a foundation of practical expertise and a genuine commitment to understanding the unique legal and cultural considerations involved in projects impacting Indigenous communities and vital resource development. He consistently advises clients on government relations, navigating the intricacies of energy and natural resources, conducting thorough environmental assessments, and supporting local and regional government initiatives. His approach combines a meticulous legal strategy with a profound respect for Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge.

A Proven Track Record in Energy Law

For nearly two decades, John has been a trusted advisor to commercial clients in the energy sector, guiding them through the entire lifecycle of energy generation projects – from initial concept to successful execution. He’s adept at handling a wide range of matters, including wind, hydroelectric, biomass, cogeneration, and thermal energy projects. His expertise encompasses power purchase agreements, interconnection challenges, regulatory compliance, joint ventures, project agreements, site acquisition, comprehensive environmental assessments, and effective government relations. John's experience includes representing clients in complex environmental assessment procedures related to large-scale northern hydroelectric projects, demonstrating his ability to manage high-stakes, technologically advanced projects.

International Development & Technical Assistance

Expanding beyond energy, John has also directed technical assistance projects in Eastern Europe, contributing to vital initiatives in international trade, civil law revision, and judicial reform. This demonstrates his broad legal knowledge and his commitment to global best practices.

Multilingual Expertise

John’s fluency in both English and French allows him to seamlessly represent clients in a diverse range of legal matters, facilitating effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders across Canada and internationally.

Key Practice Areas

• Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice: Providing comprehensive legal support to First Nations communities on government relations, resource development, environmental assessments, and commercial agreements.
• Energy Law: Expert guidance on energy generation projects, regulatory compliance, and power purchase agreements.
• Energy Regulatory Law: Navigating complex energy regulations and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Natural Resources Law: Advising on the legal aspects of resource extraction and development, with a focus on sustainable practices.
• Public Procurement Law: Expertise in government procurement processes, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Recognition & Awards

John's dedication to his profession has been repeatedly recognized with prestigious awards:

• Lawyer of the Year: Energy Law, Montréal, Canada (2019)
• Lawyer of the Year: Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Montréal, Canada (2018)
• Lawyer of the Year: Energy Regulatory Law, Montréal, Canada (2017)
• Lawyer of the Year: Natural Resources Law, Montréal, Canada (2016)
• Lawyer of the Year: Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Montréal, Canada (2015)
• Recognized: Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Recognized: Energy Law, Recognized: Energy Regulatory Law, Recognized: Natural Resources Law, Recognized: Public Procurement Law

Education & Credentials

• Bar Admissions: Admitted to the Bar in Canada
• City: Montréal, State: Quebec, Country: Canada
• Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2008

If you require experienced legal counsel in the areas of Aboriginal law, energy law, or infrastructure development, John Hurley is committed to providing you with strategic legal solutions and achieving your objectives.